Picked up in TN for non-DOT helmet
#11
10-29-2008 | 04:58 PM
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 21,948
Likes: 5
From: My house
It is pretty easy to spot the non DOT's, but that guy has excellent vision for sure!
I live near Chattanooga TN and I haven't heard of any tickets any locals have gotten for a non DOT, I wear a DOT, but many of my friends don't, thanks for the tip.
I do agree that many agency's will be enforcing the laws a bit more strictly because of the economy, so maybe if ya ain't legal it might be time to get that way, reckon the IRS will up their audits this year too??
I live near Chattanooga TN and I haven't heard of any tickets any locals have gotten for a non DOT, I wear a DOT, but many of my friends don't, thanks for the tip.
I do agree that many agency's will be enforcing the laws a bit more strictly because of the economy, so maybe if ya ain't legal it might be time to get that way, reckon the IRS will up their audits this year too??
#12
10-29-2008 | 05:09 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 695
Likes: 3
From: Kingwood, TX
Same here, been down twice in my younger days and had the skin on my head saved by a "toy" helmet. Still wear one when I feel like wearing a helmet.
Last edited by TexasSG; 10-29-2008 at 05:11 PM.
#13
10-29-2008 | 05:10 PM
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 25,937
Likes: 8,613
From: Montana & Arkansas
Naw, that starts next year: Latest indication from Nobama is that rich people earn more than $42,000./year... and need to transfer their wealth to others.
!
!
#14
10-29-2008 | 05:14 PM
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 809
Likes: 0
Had a friend in Tampa that had a full face helmet on at the time of his wreck. Prettiest face in the morgue. If I wreck I don't want to be a veggie I'd rather be dead.
#15
10-29-2008 | 05:26 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 600
Likes: 2
This is just an FYI for anyone traveling thru the Volunteer State......the helmet gestapo is lurking. I was traveling thru on my way to Daytona and was just South of Bristol on US 19E heading South when I saw a State Trooper going Northbound. In my rearview I saw him flip and assumed he was going after the dude that had just flown by me in a 4 wheeler. I was running dead on the speed limit (55MPH) and this guy had to be doing 70! Try to make a long story short.....the trooper came up behind me and hit his lights and pulled me over. Said "Tennessee has a helmet law" and I said that I've got one on. He said that it is an "unathorized helmet". I asked how he knew that from across the median and he informed me that he was "trained to know". Now, I indeed had a non-DOT helmet on and he did tell me it was one of the nicest he had seen, but the stickers on it were the tip off. Gave me a citation and it cost me $172.50!! FYI....I again was doing the speed limit, didn't act like a smart mouth to the guy, he just basically took it upon himself to make sure I didn't make the mistake of riding in his state with a "non-authorized" helmet again....and he sure as hell succeeded!! Yeah, I know it's the law, and I know that technically I was in the wrong......BUT, I really think this guy was just badge happy. If I had been doing 70 MPH and he picked me up for that and tagged on the helmet charge, I wouldn't be writing this as I would have felt I deserved it by bringing attention to myself.....but that ain't the case. BTW, after he cited me, I asked him what I was supposed to do since it was the only helmet I had and he told me to just carry my copy of the citation and if anyone else stopped me to show it to them and it would be OK!! I didn't argue but was thinking if it was illegal and such a heinous crime......shouldn't he have taken me somewhere to get an authorized helmet or impounded my scooter until I got one or something?? Seems to me he was making law instead of enforcing it. Again, not my intent to start anything here on helmet laws or freedom of choice, etc. just an FYI as to what happened to me. Also, yes I did consider going to court and fight this, but it's 350 miles from home and would have cost me more in gas & hotel room etc. to do that and possibly still lose, so I just bit the bullitt and paid them their bounty.......but I bet I don't spend many $ in TN for a good long time though!! I can either go around it or stop for gas, food and lodging on either side and will do just that.......at least make me feel a bit better!! 
Last edited by amike; 10-29-2008 at 05:31 PM.
#17
10-29-2008 | 05:40 PM
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,929
Likes: 1
From: Grayland, WA.
"BTW, after he cited me, I asked him what I was supposed to do since it was the only helmet I had and he told me to just carry my copy of the citation and if anyone else stopped me to show it to them and it would be OK!! I didn't argue but was thinking if it was illegal and such a heinous crime......shouldn't he have taken me somewhere to get an authorized helmet or impounded my scooter until I got one or something??"
Um, I think it was best you didn't point that out to him. Best to thank him for his concern of your well being and move along,.....son. Ya'll have a nice day now.
Um, I think it was best you didn't point that out to him. Best to thank him for his concern of your well being and move along,.....son. Ya'll have a nice day now.
#18
10-29-2008 | 05:50 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: dallas, tx
I have been riding in TN for 22 years now. I have and never heard of any one just being pulled over for the helmet not being approved. I have riders that wear the non dot, been pulled over and the fuzz never did say anything about the helmets. Sorry to hear that you will not be coming threw TN any more. I don't see how a cop has been trained to see a helmet from accross the interstate and tell if it is DOT approved or not. They have them now that look like the non DOT but they are DOT helmets. I think the cop was just pulling you over just to check you and bike out and just noticed the helmet. Also you said you knew the law. So if you knew the law then it was your fault. I don't see why you would not come back in TN and spend you money.
#19
10-29-2008 | 05:56 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,279
Likes: 17,849
From: Ramona, Ca
Exactly........maybe the trooper just saved your family major medical expenses
#20
10-29-2008 | 05:59 PM
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Centerville, Ohio
"BTW, after he cited me, I asked him what I was supposed to do since it was the only helmet I had and he told me to just carry my copy of the citation and if anyone else stopped me to show it to them and it would be OK!! I didn't argue but was thinking if it was illegal and such a heinous crime......shouldn't he have taken me somewhere to get an authorized helmet or impounded my scooter until I got one or something??"
Um, I think it was best you didn't point that out to him. Best to thank him for his concern of your well being and move along,.....son. Ya'll have a nice day now.
Um, I think it was best you didn't point that out to him. Best to thank him for his concern of your well being and move along,.....son. Ya'll have a nice day now.
. To the folks that commented about the "toy helmet" etc., again, this post ain't meant to get into a debate between those that CHOOSE to wear DOTs versus those of us that don't......to me that should be just that....FREEDOM of CHOICE, but that discussion is not the point here. I just wanted those that haven't been wearing the "authorized" variety to know what happened to me to hopefully save them some $.....period!
Last edited by oljim49; 10-29-2008 at 06:13 PM.