If there is a helmet law in the state your riding in, does it have to be a D.O.T. helmet? I am considering a ACC helmet but this will weigh in on my decision.

 

Yes, but you can buy stickers on ebay that say its DOT

My question is, if you are going to wear the thing, why not wear a real one?
Their Carbon Fiber half helmet DOT is nearly as small as a novelty helmet.


http://www.carbonfiberhelmets.com

 

I was under the impression from reading here that the Non DOT were as good but much lighter? If they are just novelty helmets then you are right. I will order the DOT. Is this the case? Non DOT are novelty helmets?

 

If your head's a 'novelty' then wear a novelty helmet!

 

I wear a shell helmet in the states I visit that require a helmet. It has a DOT sticker on it and I have never had any issues in the numerous helmet states I have been in, including Kalifornia.

A shell helmet is not going to protect you like a full face will, or even as well as a DOT half, but it is also much lighter and doesn't make my neck and back tired and sore.

The helmet you use should be a personal choice. Do what you are comfortable with.

Regards,

Bill

 

Vermont Title 23 Section 1256 Motorcycles-Headgear

"No person may operate or ride upon a motorcycle upon a highway unless he wears upon his head protective headgear reflectorized in part and of a type approved by the commissioner. The headgear shall be equipped with either a neck strap or chin strap."

The only type that the commissioner will approve is DOT! There was a group led by a defense attorney that was attempting to get the helmet law thrown out and was riding around with bras strapped to their head with a piece of reflectorized tape on them because the wording of the statute was vague, but that didn't pass muster.

 

DOT approved means the helmets were tested and passed the minimum allowed protection. Non-DOT means they were most likely never tested (but could still be safe for that matter).

And TX has a convoluted helmet law. Gotta be 'adult', taken the MSF course OR have personal insurance to cover you. And you either pay $5 for a sticker that says you can ride that way (per scoot), or the cops can pull you over and make you prove it (though they never do - waste of time).

 

The problem with helmet laws. They always state an approved list on record with the state. Nobody has a list. How do you enforce a law when there is not a list? Some states say a covering over the head. That could mean a hat.

 

Missouri says they must be DOT approved, but I'm yet to see anyone stopped for wearing a novelty one.
Someone earlier talked about a carbon fiber helmet that is much smaller but still DOT. Anyone know where to look for them?

 

http://www.carbonfiberhelmets.com and http://www.nexlsport.com