Novelty Helmets
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
If you have a ticket on your hands, contact your local chapter of ABATE.
They can give you the best advice on fighting a ticket, based on your State Regs and enforcement.
In short, FMVSS218 does not clearly mandate testing or consumer labeling for "helmets".
The consumer cannot be assured that what they buy "in good faith" is a compliant helmet blah blah blah legalize, police officers are similarly not qualified to judge which helmet type things comply- or don't.
Or in most cases are prosecutors or judges.
I am 5-0 vs State of California.
In some States a helmet is a secondary violation, meaning they can't pull you over just for that- in most States it is a "primary" which means they can stop you if they think the helmet is suspect...and further hassle you, delay you etc. This is why you keep your papers in the wallet, do not open the saddlebags- that turns into "probable cause" if they "think" they see a weapon or burglary tool...a knife or screwdriver
If you are shopping- if you are going to wear something on your head, you might as well just find something compliant that may give better protection in a wreck. And keep you from being stopped for no reason.
I choose to ride without unless in hail or in hostile territory- in which case i use a HD branded 1/2 with a ducktail on the back. it's the only helmet which doesn't pull up on the chinstrap or bobble. Fits in the saddlebag ( now that I carry my papers in my wallet.)
mike
They can give you the best advice on fighting a ticket, based on your State Regs and enforcement.
In short, FMVSS218 does not clearly mandate testing or consumer labeling for "helmets".
The consumer cannot be assured that what they buy "in good faith" is a compliant helmet blah blah blah legalize, police officers are similarly not qualified to judge which helmet type things comply- or don't.
Or in most cases are prosecutors or judges.
I am 5-0 vs State of California.
In some States a helmet is a secondary violation, meaning they can't pull you over just for that- in most States it is a "primary" which means they can stop you if they think the helmet is suspect...and further hassle you, delay you etc. This is why you keep your papers in the wallet, do not open the saddlebags- that turns into "probable cause" if they "think" they see a weapon or burglary tool...a knife or screwdriver
If you are shopping- if you are going to wear something on your head, you might as well just find something compliant that may give better protection in a wreck. And keep you from being stopped for no reason.
I choose to ride without unless in hail or in hostile territory- in which case i use a HD branded 1/2 with a ducktail on the back. it's the only helmet which doesn't pull up on the chinstrap or bobble. Fits in the saddlebag ( now that I carry my papers in my wallet.)
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jun 9, 2014 at 08:45 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 4
I wear a Skull Crush helmet which is a Carbon Fiber (no DOT sticker) and in Missouri DOT helmets are required. I have not been stopped for it........but may get an add-on if I ever get stopped for something else. Alot like the seat belt violations.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 594
Likes: 5
From: Akron, Ohio
If you HAVE to wear a helmet by law, might as well wear something that's going to protect your noggin though, right? I disagree with helmet laws whole heartedly.
Lucky for me I'm in a state that allows me to choose. So sometimes I choose to wear one, sometimes I don't, but it's my choice either way.
Lucky for me I'm in a state that allows me to choose. So sometimes I choose to wear one, sometimes I don't, but it's my choice either way.
I ordered some DOT stickers off eBay for $1. But, I think you can fight a ticket because the courts have to prove the helmet does not meet the DOT standards and do you think they are going to do that?
I wear a DOT half helmet anyway, but do have a novelty helmet as a backup. A neighboring state requires the DOT to be under the clear coat, but my HD half helmet is just a sticker on the outside.
How is a police officer an expert authority on if your helmet meets DOT standards? Get a sticker.
I wear a DOT half helmet anyway, but do have a novelty helmet as a backup. A neighboring state requires the DOT to be under the clear coat, but my HD half helmet is just a sticker on the outside.
How is a police officer an expert authority on if your helmet meets DOT standards? Get a sticker.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Yes I was pulled over and cited for loud pipes and no helmet ( I had on a novelty helmet). Bought a DOT half helmet, had my brother inlaw write off the loud pipe fix-it he's LEO, and paid a twenty five dollar fine. Still wear the novelty helmet and no problems in about three years.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Years ago, my dad purchased a novelty helmet & got pulled over.. Turned to Ebay, purchased a sticker that said DOT and hasn't had a problem since
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,226
Likes: 3,049
From: St.Louis Mo.
i have 5 or 6 helmets and wear my novelty helmet all the time. there are some cops that will screw with you over them,but why bother? they enabled the helmet here in missouri in 68 or 69 and iv'e been wearing one ever since, that's why we head to Illinois all the time. lost revenue for the state of missouri. helmet laws suck!
Last edited by hardheaded; Jun 10, 2014 at 08:26 AM.
