Pulled over for non DOT helmet
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
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From: Central Texas
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From: Honah Lee
Have not a clue.. Until I said above, I thought it was a law since the online Daytona like mine is under the gel. I did not get pulled because of my old one with the sticker. I was in one of those general checks that they sometimes do in VA. Officer took one look at my helmet and thought it was wrong since the foam is not much thicker then a novelty one. He brought up the DOT sticker but the inside tag was legit, so he just shook his head and handed it back to me. (I had handed it to him) When I talked to Daytona, the lady sure made it sound like the law had passed. I only use it local when it gets above 90 around here. In my mind, it offers no protection and at much above 40, the wind clouds my vision.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 9, 2014 at 08:28 PM.
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
As far as what the law reads, I'm sure there is more "fine print" in each/any state. Michigan has a new helmet law with "qualifiers" regarding NOT wearing a helmet. If you're required ( under certain parameters of the new law ) to wear a helmet it must be a DOT helmet. If you're wearing a non DOT helmet ABATE advised you to not take the helmet off or in the case of the officer requesting that you do remove the helmet, to place it on the seat of your scooter. In order for him to inspect/examine it to determine if it is in compliance he must have your permission to "search the vehicle" ... A couple of years ago we ( several scooters ) were stopped in a n "inspection lane" just outside of Cherokee, NC and the officers wanted out drivers license, proof of insurance, registrations and wanted to see the inside of our helmets. All had DOT helmets too. I should note that some states have very stiff penalties/fines for applying a DOT sticker to a non DOT helmet. Remember that just because it isn't leagle for them to stop you doesn't mean that they won't stop you. I've been riding almost 50 years and I've been stopped several times for some real "chicken $hit" stuff!
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From: My own little slice of heaven
I can not find ANY requirement in DOT or FMVSS 218 that states that the DOT sticker must be under the gel coat. This stands for Department of Transportation, (not doin our thang) but the standard is FMVSS 218, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218, Motorcycle Helmets, and it is applicable to helmets sold in the U.S. for on-road use.
S5.6 Labeling:
S5.6.1 Each helmet shall be labeled permanently and legibly, in a manner such that the label(s) can be read easily without removing padding or any other permanent part, with the following:
(a) Manufacturer's name or identification.
(b) Precise model designation.
(c) Size.
(d) Month and year of manufacture. This may be spelled out (for example, June 1988), or expressed in numerals (for example, 6/88).
(e) The symbol DOT, constituting the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. This symbol shall appear on the outer surface, in a color that contrasts with the background, in letters at least 3/8 inch (1 cm) high, centered laterally with the horizontal centerline of the symbol located a minimum of 1 1/8 inches (2.9 cm) and a maximum of 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm) from the bottom edge of the posterior portion of the helmet.
(f) Instructions to the purchaser as follows:
(1) 'Shell and liner constructed of (identify type(s) of materials).
(2) 'Helmet can be seriously damaged by some common substances without damage being visible to the user. Apply only the following: (Recommended cleaning agents, paints, adhesives, etc., as appropriate).
(3) 'Make no modifications. Fasten helmet securely. If helmet experiences a severe blow, return it to the manufacturer for inspection, or destory it and replace it.
(4) 'Any additional relevant safety information should be applied at the time of purchase by means of an attached tag, brochure, or other suitable means.
So if you get pulled over for a helmet inspection, the DOT sticker is only an indicator not a certification. The REAL sticker should be inside the helmet and should contain all the items of A through D. That's what the cop should be looking for.
S5.6 Labeling:
S5.6.1 Each helmet shall be labeled permanently and legibly, in a manner such that the label(s) can be read easily without removing padding or any other permanent part, with the following:
(a) Manufacturer's name or identification.
(b) Precise model designation.
(c) Size.
(d) Month and year of manufacture. This may be spelled out (for example, June 1988), or expressed in numerals (for example, 6/88).
(e) The symbol DOT, constituting the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. This symbol shall appear on the outer surface, in a color that contrasts with the background, in letters at least 3/8 inch (1 cm) high, centered laterally with the horizontal centerline of the symbol located a minimum of 1 1/8 inches (2.9 cm) and a maximum of 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm) from the bottom edge of the posterior portion of the helmet.
(f) Instructions to the purchaser as follows:
(1) 'Shell and liner constructed of (identify type(s) of materials).
(2) 'Helmet can be seriously damaged by some common substances without damage being visible to the user. Apply only the following: (Recommended cleaning agents, paints, adhesives, etc., as appropriate).
(3) 'Make no modifications. Fasten helmet securely. If helmet experiences a severe blow, return it to the manufacturer for inspection, or destory it and replace it.
(4) 'Any additional relevant safety information should be applied at the time of purchase by means of an attached tag, brochure, or other suitable means.
So if you get pulled over for a helmet inspection, the DOT sticker is only an indicator not a certification. The REAL sticker should be inside the helmet and should contain all the items of A through D. That's what the cop should be looking for.