Information from the NHTSA about DOT helmets

[DOOM&GLOOM]

This for all of us, I hpor this will give some insight on DOT's of helmets.

Read sections 9-10

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/faq%20site/pages/page3.html#Anchor-23775

Now heres the Federal law (US) on Helmets.

http://www.bikersrights.com/nhtsa/fmvss218.html

Pennsylvania's Helmet law 2006 year: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/fs-pub7206.pdf


:cheers: :rant:

[SteveO]

In Europe DOT is not recognised as a legitimate marking. Safty helmets are excempt from VAT (tax) but must carry the European markings, So anyone buying from the US bear that in mind. You will need additional marking so as to comply with the law & will be charges VAT at importation.

[Trucker Mike]

So...In the US...."DOT Approved" really doesn't mean shite? Or did I read section 9 incorrectly?

[DOOM&GLOOM]

The only good helmets are made in Europe, were testing is stringent.

SNELL is a foundation were manufactures pay a small fee per helmet I believe, and charge us anything, I have heard on average anywhere from $30-100 more on the helmet.
I havent researched that yet ! It on my todo list.

DOT has done testing on helmets, I will post them in the future. You will surpised !!

:cheers: :surprise:

[GSX4WIN]

The only good helmets are made in Europe, were testing is stringent.

SNELL is a foundation were manufactures pay a small fee per helmet I believe, and charge us anything, I have heard on average anywhere from $30-100 more on the helmet.
I havent researched that yet ! It on my todo list.

DOT has done testing on helmets, I will post them in the future. You will surpised !!

http://snellhelmetsblog.com/images3/CheapSnellHelmets.gif (http://snelLhelmetsblog.com/cheap-snell-helmets) :surprise:

From what I understand, the snell helmets are actually tested by the snell foundation and then they have a 'secret shopper' style helmet test where they go out into the stores and test one not provided directly by the manufacturer.

DOT 'certification' actually isn't even a real certification, it's a self-approved cert that the company says they've tested to DOT's specs. But a company like Arai doen't even have to let DOT know that they are DOT approving their own helmet. DOT is fairly worthless IMO, I think snell is the only thing worthwhile in the USA.

-JM