How do you tell if a helmet is certified?

Helmets that meet FMVSS 218 must have a sticker on the outside back of the helmet with the letters “DOT,” which certifies that the helmet meets or exceeds FMVSS 218. It is important to note that some novelty helmet sellers provide DOT stickers separately for motorcyclists to place on non-complying helmets.

How can you tell if a helmet is DOT certified?

A DOT-approved, legal motorcycle helmet will have a "DOT" sticker or painted symbol on the rear of the helmet. This AGV AX-8 Dual also meets the superior ECE 22.05 safety standard.

How do I know if my helmet is Snell certified?

There should be a Snell sticker with a barcode inside every Snell certified helmet. When in doubt, check out the helmet name on the Snell certified helmets list. Snell certified helmets provide the best head protection current technology and materials can offer.

Are all helmets certified?

DOT: The U.S. Department of Transportation establishes the legal federal standard for Motorcycle helmets for use on public roads and property in the United States. The DOT does not “approve” helmets. The DOT requires helmet manufacturers to certify that each model sold in the US meets the DOT standard.

What is the most reliable way to identify a DOT compliant helmet?

In addition to the DOT certification label, labels located inside the helmet showing that a helmet meets the standards of private, non- profit organizations such as SNELL or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are good indicators that the helmet also meets FMVSS No.

What is a DOT certified helmet?

What helmets are not DOT approved?

Helmet Style or Design

According to DOT standards, anything that protrudes more than 2/10 of an inch from the helmet's surface is unsafe. If your helmet has decorations or accessories like spikes and mohawks that stick up inches from the helmet, it's likely not a proper DOT motorcycle helmet.

What does DOT stand for on helmets?

If they don't, the manufacturer/importer are fined and the helmet's withdrawn from sale. DOT stands for the Department of Transport FMVSS No. 218 safety compliance testing for motorcycle helmets – FMVSS being the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

Do helmets have serial numbers?

The serial number is printed on a label sewn into the chin strap of the helmet.

How do I know if my bike helmet is CSA approved?

You can find the label inside or on the helmet. Helmets sold in Canada are certified by CSA (Canadian Standards Association), CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), Snell or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).

What are DOT approved helmets?

DOT-certified helmets are designed to protect the head during most types of motorcycle crash impacts. The helmets are tested under conditions that simulate a moderate impact at up to 250 times the force of gravity (250g). DOT helmets are designed to absorb the force of the crash rather than resisting the impact.

Where do I find my Snell number?

Snell certification labels are 3 ¼ inches by ¾ inches with rounded corners and have a specific color based on the Standard. Each label has a unique serial number starting with one or two alphabetic characters and a six-digit number. Since 2010, all Snell labels have had a barcode included.

Which is better Snell or DOT?

Impact Analysis

Both of these standards use accelerometers to figure out how fast the helmet stops moving during the impact test as well. But their standards are different here. The DOT allows for up to 400Gs of peak acceleration while the Snell standards only allow up to 275Gs.

What does Snell mean on a helmet?

Helmets are certified only after meeting all test requirements at the Snell lab. Then, samples of certified helmets sold to consumers are bought randomly from retailers for more compliance testing. Snell certified helmets means high impact management and premium head protection.

Where is the DOT sticker on a helmet?

Helmets that meet FMVSS 218 must have a sticker on the outside back of the helmet with the letters “DOT,” which certifies that the helmet meets or exceeds FMVSS 218.

What is the difference between DOT and ECE?

While the DOT and SNELL testing allows a technician to strike a helmet anywhere within a range, ECE tests require the strikes at fixed points. This leaves open the possibility of helmet manufacturers “gaming the system” and beefing up protection at those points to pass an unsafe helmet.

What does Fmvss 218 mean?

To help protect the lives of motorcycle riders, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.

What is CE certified helmet?

CE marking indicates that a helmet fulfils the requirements in the PPE Directive 89/686/EEC (Personal Protective Equipment).

What is a certified bike helmet?

To be legally sold in the U.S., bicycle helmets are supposed to meet standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Those standards require a certain level of protection from skull fracture and a detailed label with information demonstrating compliance with CPSC standards.

What is ASTM certification for helmets?

An ASTM sticker indicates an adequate helmet too. Some are certified by the Safety Equipment Institute, an independent non-profit, others only by the manufacturer. To meet ASTM a bicycle helmet also has to perform in a 2 meter drop on the flat anvil.

Where is the manufacture date on a helmet?

Step 1: Look under the front of the helmet brim and locate the black UBG sticker of antiglare material. Step 2: Beginning at the left edge, carefully peel back the UBG sticker until the Date Code is exposed. Step 3: The center of the Date Code shows the last two digits of the manufacturing year.

What does E3 mean on a helmet?

These are the most important features. The homologation mark is shown in a circle: The uppercase 'E' followed by a number identifies the country that tested for and granted the homologation. For example: E3 is the mark found on helmets approved in Italy.

How long is a DOT approved helmet good for?

The industry standard states that the lifespan of a motorcycle helmet is five years. That is as long as you have not cut its life short by an accident or impact to it. If that happens you should definitely not use it, time to trash it!

What should I look for in a helmet?

Are non DOT helmets legal?

By law, you must wear: A U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant motorcycle safety helmet.

What does DOT certified mean?

DOT certification is a seal of quality that shows a driver has the skills and competence to drive commercial vehicles on America's roads and highways. Most states require DOT certification to drive commercial motor vehicles — a category that includes semi-trucks, delivery vehicles and public transportation.