how to tell if a helmet is DOT or not
#41
10-25-2011, 09:15 AM
Tourer
They have amended the current DOT labeling requirements to make it more difficult for people to stick a DOT sticker on a novelty helmet.
The new certification label format is standardized and will bear the manufacturer's name and helmet model as well as the words "DOT FMVSS No. 218 Certified".
This law does not go into effect until May 13, 2013 though.
Full story here http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...t-standard.htm
The new certification label format is standardized and will bear the manufacturer's name and helmet model as well as the words "DOT FMVSS No. 218 Certified".
This law does not go into effect until May 13, 2013 though.
Full story here http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...t-standard.htm
S5.6 Labeling:
S5.6.1 Each helmet shall be labeled permanently and legibly, in a manner such that the label(s) can be read easily without removing padding or any other permanent part, with the following:
(a) Manufacturer's name or identification.
(b) Precise model designation.
(c) Size.
(d) Month and year of manufacture. This may be spelled out (for example, June 1988), or expressed in numerals (for example, 6/88).
(e) The symbol DOT, constituting the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. This symbol shall appear on the outer surface, in a color that contrasts with the background, in letters at least 3/8 inch (1 cm) high, centered laterally with the horizontal centerline of the symbol located a minimum of 1 1/8 inches (2.9 cm) and a maximum of 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm) from the bottom edge of the posterior portion of the helmet.
(f) Instructions to the purchaser as follows:
(1) 'Shell and liner constructed of (identify type(s) of materials).
(2) 'Helmet can be seriously damaged by some common substances without damage being visible to the user. Apply only the following: (Recommended cleaning agents, paints, adhesives, etc., as appropriate).
(3) 'Make no modifications. Fasten helmet securely. If helmet experiences a severe blow, return it to the manufacturer for inspection, or destory it and replace it.'
(4) Any additional relevant safety information should be applied at the time of purchase by means of an attached tag, brochure, or other suitable means.
S5.6.1 Each helmet shall be labeled permanently and legibly, in a manner such that the label(s) can be read easily without removing padding or any other permanent part, with the following:
(a) Manufacturer's name or identification.
(b) Precise model designation.
(c) Size.
(d) Month and year of manufacture. This may be spelled out (for example, June 1988), or expressed in numerals (for example, 6/88).
(e) The symbol DOT, constituting the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. This symbol shall appear on the outer surface, in a color that contrasts with the background, in letters at least 3/8 inch (1 cm) high, centered laterally with the horizontal centerline of the symbol located a minimum of 1 1/8 inches (2.9 cm) and a maximum of 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm) from the bottom edge of the posterior portion of the helmet.
(f) Instructions to the purchaser as follows:
(1) 'Shell and liner constructed of (identify type(s) of materials).
(2) 'Helmet can be seriously damaged by some common substances without damage being visible to the user. Apply only the following: (Recommended cleaning agents, paints, adhesives, etc., as appropriate).
(3) 'Make no modifications. Fasten helmet securely. If helmet experiences a severe blow, return it to the manufacturer for inspection, or destory it and replace it.'
(4) Any additional relevant safety information should be applied at the time of purchase by means of an attached tag, brochure, or other suitable means.
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...=2001&TYPE=PDF
Bold added for emphasis.
So it's already true that if it's just a sticker on the helmet, it's not certified. You need the various disclaimers, information, etc. attached to the helmet. A sticker alone doesn't suffice.
Last edited by Ovaltine Jenkins; 10-25-2011 at 09:19 AM.
#42
10-25-2011, 09:31 AM
Extreme HDF Member
No, that's not what I said. I said the law is unenforceable. Officer can detain you, give you a ticket, but when you go to court the Judge dismisses it. So officers in Santa Clara County, CA have been ordered by the Court not to issue citations.
#43
10-25-2011, 10:06 AM
Yes sir, I can attest to that. Two clear indicators that the police look for: The DOT sticker is under the clear coat of the helmet, not just stuck on. The chin strap has two solid connection points on each side of the helmet for a total of 4. The interior foam is 1" thick and extends to between 1/4 and 3/8 from the bottom edge on the exterior shell. Ask me again how I know! 
#44
10-25-2011, 10:48 AM
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I don't know.....22 years as a cop, lots of traffic enforcement and accident investigation training, and I can't tell the difference by feeling the padding inside or weight. Been riding 40 years, and have had many helmets, all different weights, sizes, etc. The only thing I can say is a DOT helmet will have the DOT inlaid or under the clearcoat. That's what I go on, if I even pay attention to the helmet.
#45
10-25-2011, 11:22 AM
i would simply em the co. that made it and ask for some doc, by the way are those stops legal, never heard of them up here in the nw.
#46
10-25-2011, 11:24 AM
Tourer
Current requirements, straight from FMVSS 218, are as follows:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...2001&TYPE=TEXT
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...=2001&TYPE=PDF
Bold added for emphasis.
So it's already true that if it's just a sticker on the helmet, it's not certified. You need the various disclaimers, information, etc. attached to the helmet. A sticker alone doesn't suffice.
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...2001&TYPE=TEXT
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...=2001&TYPE=PDF
Bold added for emphasis.
So it's already true that if it's just a sticker on the helmet, it's not certified. You need the various disclaimers, information, etc. attached to the helmet. A sticker alone doesn't suffice.
To expand on what I stated previously, if the helmet does not have a permanently-attached label listing the manufacturer's name, the model of the helmet, the size, the month and year of manufacture, what the shell and liner are made from, the warning about non-visible damage, the warning about modifications and fastening, and (on the outside surface) the DOT symbol, then the helmet cannot pass the certification test (labeling requirements) and therefore is not DOT certified.
So determining if the helmet is DOT certified is as simple as looking inside for that label, which must be plainly visible and not concealed by padding or other permanent parts.
#47
10-25-2011, 11:31 AM
Extreme HDF Member
To expand on what I stated previously, if the helmet does not have a permanently-attached label listing the manufacturer's name, the model of the helmet, the size, the month and year of manufacture, what the shell and liner are made from, the warning about non-visible damage, the warning about modifications and fastening, and (on the outside surface) the DOT symbol, then the helmet cannot pass the certification test (labeling requirements) and therefore is not DOT certified.
So determining if the helmet is DOT certified is as simple as looking inside for that label, which must be plainly visible and not concealed by padding or other permanent parts.
So determining if the helmet is DOT certified is as simple as looking inside for that label, which must be plainly visible and not concealed by padding or other permanent parts.
#48
10-25-2011, 11:34 AM
Tourer
As a point of note pertaining specifically to Virginia, we have the following statute:
Now this is where it gets odd. The statute reads, in part "The...protective helmets required by this section shall meet or exceed the standards and specifications of the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American National Standards Institute, Inc., or the federal Department of Transportation...."
It does not say that they must be certified, only that they meet or exceed any of those standards and specifications. The only way for them to prove that your helmet does not is to subject it, or an identical helmet, to those measurements and tests, which is too much trouble for them and an easy way for you to get out of the ticket.
However, anyone selling such helmets can be hit with a criminal charge. As a class 4 misdemeanor, this means a maximum of $250 fine. Again, probably not worth it for them to pursue.
Other states have statutes requiring that the helmets actually be certified, which is far more easily enforced.
§ 46.2-910. Motorcyclist to wear helmets, etc.; certain sales prohibited; penalty.
A. Every person operating a motorcycle shall wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or have his motorcycle equipped with safety glass or a windshield at all times while operating the vehicle, and operators and any passengers thereon shall wear protective helmets. Operators and passengers riding on motorcycles with wheels of eight inches or less in diameter or in three-wheeled motorcycles which have nonremovable roofs, windshields and enclosed bodies shall not be required to wear protective helmets. The windshields, face shields, glasses or goggles, and protective helmets required by this section shall meet or exceed the standards and specifications of the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American National Standards Institute, Inc., or the federal Department of Transportation. Failure to wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or protective helmets shall not constitute negligence per se in any civil proceeding. The provisions of this section requiring the wearing of protective helmets shall not apply to operators of or passengers on motorcycles being operated (i) as part of an organized parade authorized by the Department of Transportation or the locality in which the parade is being conducted and escorted, accompanied, or participated in by law-enforcement officers of the jurisdiction wherein the parade is held and (ii) at speeds of no more than fifteen miles per hour.
No motorcycle operator shall use any face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or have his motorcycle equipped with safety glass or a windshield unless of a type either (i) approved by the Superintendent prior to July 1, 1996, or (ii) that meets or exceeds the standards and specifications of the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American National Standards Institute, Inc., or the federal Department of Transportation and is marked in accordance with such standards.
B. It shall be unlawful to sell or offer for sale, for highway use in Virginia, any protective helmet that fails to meet or exceed any standard as provided in the foregoing provisions of this section. Any violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.
(Code 1950, §§ 46-183.1, 46-183.2; 1954, c. 204; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-172; 1968, c. 498; 1970, cc. 29, 99; 1982, cc. 390, 681; 1989, cc. 6, 727; 1996, c. 690; 1998, c. 789.)
A. Every person operating a motorcycle shall wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or have his motorcycle equipped with safety glass or a windshield at all times while operating the vehicle, and operators and any passengers thereon shall wear protective helmets. Operators and passengers riding on motorcycles with wheels of eight inches or less in diameter or in three-wheeled motorcycles which have nonremovable roofs, windshields and enclosed bodies shall not be required to wear protective helmets. The windshields, face shields, glasses or goggles, and protective helmets required by this section shall meet or exceed the standards and specifications of the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American National Standards Institute, Inc., or the federal Department of Transportation. Failure to wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or protective helmets shall not constitute negligence per se in any civil proceeding. The provisions of this section requiring the wearing of protective helmets shall not apply to operators of or passengers on motorcycles being operated (i) as part of an organized parade authorized by the Department of Transportation or the locality in which the parade is being conducted and escorted, accompanied, or participated in by law-enforcement officers of the jurisdiction wherein the parade is held and (ii) at speeds of no more than fifteen miles per hour.
No motorcycle operator shall use any face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or have his motorcycle equipped with safety glass or a windshield unless of a type either (i) approved by the Superintendent prior to July 1, 1996, or (ii) that meets or exceeds the standards and specifications of the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American National Standards Institute, Inc., or the federal Department of Transportation and is marked in accordance with such standards.
B. It shall be unlawful to sell or offer for sale, for highway use in Virginia, any protective helmet that fails to meet or exceed any standard as provided in the foregoing provisions of this section. Any violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.
(Code 1950, §§ 46-183.1, 46-183.2; 1954, c. 204; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-172; 1968, c. 498; 1970, cc. 29, 99; 1982, cc. 390, 681; 1989, cc. 6, 727; 1996, c. 690; 1998, c. 789.)
It does not say that they must be certified, only that they meet or exceed any of those standards and specifications. The only way for them to prove that your helmet does not is to subject it, or an identical helmet, to those measurements and tests, which is too much trouble for them and an easy way for you to get out of the ticket.
However, anyone selling such helmets can be hit with a criminal charge. As a class 4 misdemeanor, this means a maximum of $250 fine. Again, probably not worth it for them to pursue.
Other states have statutes requiring that the helmets actually be certified, which is far more easily enforced.
#49
10-25-2011, 11:39 AM
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They've ended slavery right? We live in the "Land of the free" right? We have lots of very brave men and women dying so that we can be "free".
SO THEN WHO THE HELL THINKS THEY HAVE SOME RIGHT TO TELL ME WHAT I CAN OR CAN'T DO WITH MY OWN BODY??
It's MY choice. Right or wrong, smart or stupid, it's MY choice.
I'm sorry, I know there are a bunch of good cops out there but until they decide to stand up against the bad ones and the bad laws I have to treat them the same. DON'T TALK TO THEM. End of story. Be nice, ask to leave and don't talk to them. They want to write you a ticket take it to court. Make sure you take it to court.
And as a last note, I wouldn't advise putting a DOT sticker on a non-DOT helmet. That's lying and that's the one thing you don't want to do to LEO. Don't talk but above all else don't lie.
I'll get off my soapbox now... Stuff like this just hits a nerve in me.
SO THEN WHO THE HELL THINKS THEY HAVE SOME RIGHT TO TELL ME WHAT I CAN OR CAN'T DO WITH MY OWN BODY??
It's MY choice. Right or wrong, smart or stupid, it's MY choice.
I'm sorry, I know there are a bunch of good cops out there but until they decide to stand up against the bad ones and the bad laws I have to treat them the same. DON'T TALK TO THEM. End of story. Be nice, ask to leave and don't talk to them. They want to write you a ticket take it to court. Make sure you take it to court.
And as a last note, I wouldn't advise putting a DOT sticker on a non-DOT helmet. That's lying and that's the one thing you don't want to do to LEO. Don't talk but above all else don't lie.
I'll get off my soapbox now... Stuff like this just hits a nerve in me.
Last edited by cobra2411; 10-25-2011 at 11:44 AM.
#50
10-25-2011, 07:20 PM
Tourer
so what you're saying is... if the LEO can't "prove" he's qualified to determine what is or isn't a DOT helmet - you are free to ride away.... in California.
don't think that would work here in Texas. I don't believe a rider can leave until the LEO says it's ok.
IMO - it shouldn't take a certification or specialized training to be able to turn the helmet around to visually determine if there is a DOT sticker on the back. but, what do I know.... I'm not in Law Enforement.
don't think that would work here in Texas. I don't believe a rider can leave until the LEO says it's ok.
IMO - it shouldn't take a certification or specialized training to be able to turn the helmet around to visually determine if there is a DOT sticker on the back. but, what do I know.... I'm not in Law Enforement.
in Texas local cops are ut of control on this. each city has its own standards, they do not folow fed regs, and its highway robbery. as soon as they realize you have the slighest clue you know what you are talking baout, you are free to go and they will prey on the next victim who does not know hisrights.
i am sure the helmet issue can be dealt with the same way