What helmet safety standards does the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) require?

 

A: Every year, DOT conducts tests with motorcycle helmets to ensure they comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all motorcyclists wear DOT-issued helmets.

Helmet Safety Standards:

  • An inner liner of one-inch-thick, firm polystyrene foam. If the inner liner is not visible, then you should be able to feel its thickness.
  • The helmet should have a sturdy chinstrap secured with strong rivets.
  • It should weigh around three pounds. Most helmets that do not meet FMVSS No. 218 weigh around one pound.
  • There should be nothing protruding more than two-tenths of an inch from the surface of the helmet.

Most non-compliant helmets are smaller, lighter, and thinner than what DOT requires. Be aware that an apparent DOT sticker located on the back of the helmet does not necessarily guarantee DOT approval. Some novelty sellers buy counterfeit DOT stickers to place on helmets. Be sure to consider the helmet’s weight and foam-thickness rather than relying upon a DOT sticker.

Other Indicators of Safety:
Two other labels you may see inside a helmet are from Snell or ANSI – both of which are private, non-profit organizations. These labels also indicate the helmet meets FMVSS No. 218.

Another indication that a helmet is compliant with DOT standards is a manufacturer’s label that indicates the model, size, manufacture date, and what the helmet is made of. DOT-approved helmets are required to have this label.

Your Grapevine motorcycle accident attorney reminds you that finding a good helmet is worth the effort. If an accident should occur, then wearing a DOT-compliant helmet may save your life.

If you or a loved one was involved in a Grapevine motorcycle accident, please call The Hart Law Firm. Our book also has helpful information: Your Texas Personal Injury Case: Don’t Get Hammered, Strong-Armed, or Thrown to the Dogs. Call (800) 856-2347 today to request a free copy of our book, or to request a complimentary consultation appointment.


let us help you!

Let us review your case. Please fill out the confidential form below or call us 24/7 at the toll free number above.

Name:*

Phone:*

Email:*

Tell us more:*


HART Law Firm, P.C.

6620 Colleyville Blvd
Suite 100
Colleyville, TX 76034
Phone: (817) 380-4888
Get Directions

Testimonials

  • David Hart is an excellent lawyer in every way.
  • I will undoubtedly recommend Hart Law Firm to family and friends!
  • "There is nothing I can say but, THANKS!.."
  • "Just saying thanks for all your help. You're one in a million!"
  • "Just a little note of thanks. Thank you and your staff for all that you guys did.."
  • "I wanted to let you know that I really appreciate all of your hard work on my case..."

View All