In short can I get away with a novelty helmet without worrying about LEO giving me a hard time or do I need a DOT? Hoping to be starting a short duration job in Macon this week and will have my bike as sole transportation.

 

I've been on many rides in Atlanta with LEOs and never had one question my helmet choice.

 

Georgia law says you must wear head protection that's on the state's approved "list" of gear.

However, there is no such list.

 

Being on both the LEO side and the rider side in that state I'll tell you I was never once checked or did a check on a helmet. I will say I rode with a novelty so it's the risk you're willing to take.

 

it all depends on the person who pulled you over. If they want to they will.
Now that the m/c only inpections are here, its definitely gonna happen.
Hate to say it but in a few years, every state will have a DOT helmet law. Its coming.

 

I'm in GA. I've ridden all over the state and never been hassled about my helmet. Come to think of it, I've never been hassled by state or local LE about my helmet in any state ever.

 

I trailered my bike down to GA from Ohio a few years back to my uncle's place on the coast in Southeast GA. I was on my way to Daytona and planned on leaving the truck and trailer and riding to Daytona. I knew there wasn't a helmet law in FL, but I didn't even think about GA. Left the helmet back home in OH.

I only had about 40 miles or so to ride to FL. About 10 miles into my trip, a good ol' boy pulled up beside me at a light and said" I see you are from Ohio by your plates....did you know there is a helmet law here?" I felt stupid and had a look on my face like I just did something really wrong. He continued by saying that "probably doesn't matter since most the law around here ride anyway, but if you come across one with a hair up his ***, he'll get ya!" He directed me to the nearest flea market that had $15 novelty helmets to get me by the short distance to the FL line.

 

Helmet laws are a joke in most states.

 

Georgia has no DOT requirement.

 

never ever been stopped for a helmet infraction --