Are USA DOT approved helmets legal

Sounds like a cheap knockoff pair of jeans!



Yes, a google search shows numerous brands that are supposedly DOT approved.

Larry

 

For what it's worth:

DOT Approved Helmets

In 1972 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that they were going to develop a standard for motorcycle helmets. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, commonly referred to as the DOT standard, was written using information and methodology that was developed several years earlier. The initial draft was supposed to be revised before its release in 1974, but the changes were never made. Although the DOT standard could use some alterations, it still provides for a safer helmet then one that has not been DOT approved.

There are two key differences between a SNELL and DOT approved helmet. First, is the testing standards the helmets go through, and second, is the verification of the results.

It's easy to get lost in the scientific jargon when trying to sift through the testing process of both standards. Simplified, DOT and Snell assess each helmet by placing it on a head form that is equipped with sensors. The helmeted head form is then dropped from a specific height onto a steel anvil, and the severity of the impact is recorded.

DOT and Snell test each helmet two times at four different impact zones. DOT drops their helmets from a 6-foot height on the flat anvil and from a 4.5-foot height on the hemispherical anvil. Snell on the other hand, drops the helmets from a 10-foot and 7.5-foot height on both anvils, which simulates a more severe impact.

DOT certification, however, is less regulated. The manufacturer performs their own tests and determines whether their helmets are DOT approved. Even though the manufacturer doesn't have to report their findings, the government does occasionally conduct limited tests or spot checks. Nevertheless, allowing each company to test their own equipment and not make them report their results means that the DOT certification is done by the honor system.

The DOT standards are important because they outline the minimum requirements all motorcycle helmets must meet, which has already saved countless lives. But if you want to make sure your helmet has been tested impartially, then buying a helmet with the Snell sticker on it is a dependable alternative.

 

Thanks for all the info. I will just buy local when I get there.

 

Is there a place to rent a larger cc bike for a tour around the island?

 

That's good to hear, my DOT helmet doesn't have an icc sticker... I was kinda worried, but I doubt that they will even be checking for stickers an a few weeks anyway..

 

However, whether or not the enforcing officers know this is questionable.

Larry

 

if you go buy a roll of black electrical tape the exact same silver sticker with the hologram is on the packaging of the tape. I bought a roll at handyman and a roll at unicrap. I had 2 helmuts from the U.S. I carefully peeled them off and glued them on the back of the helmut . I have been stopped at checkpoints at least 4 times with no problems.

 

Sometimes check the serial number, and the helmet sticker should have it's own range of serial number.

 

Oh that's good !!! I need some tape anyway haha ill check it out,. Thanks