Illegal helmets

[RetiredJake]

The heck of it is there is no such thing as a DOT APPROVED helmet. I proved that several years ago in the socialist state of California after getting a helmet ticket. If you doubt my word just request a list of approved helmets from the DOT and if they reply they will tell you they don't approve helmets.

This is a quote from the TN DMV motorcyclist handbook on helmets.

"The riders of all motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and motorized bicycles are required to wear crash helmets. There are no exceptions. Helmets must meet or exceed U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements."

As stated, the helmet must meet or exceed requirements, not that it be DOT Approved. The DOT provides the minimum specifications that helmet manufacturers must meet in order to place the DOT sticker on it. I believe most states use this wording.

 

[BUBBIE]

Jake, here in washington state, after receiving a ticket for wearing a novelty helmet.... I Set a court date and I took 5 helmets into court to argue MY POINT. and the JUDGE said only 2 of the 5 were legal...4 of 5 were legal and dot approved (came with DOT sticker on)
SHE sited that they HAD to be over the ears(2 of mine did not) and the older FOOTBALL style one was not LEGAL even-tho it had a DOT sticker on it...

WHEN SHE SAID I WILL DISMISS THE TICKET, I stopped all argument for fear of going to jail and being charged with obstruction of BLIND JUSTICE!!!

POINT is ,,,, the LAW is interpreted and I for one don't like that. BUT she was getting perturbed with me.....SOOOOOOOO
I took the YES MAM way out...

signed....BUBBIE

 

[Jack Klarich]

Jake, here in washington state, after receiving a ticket for wearing a novelty helmet.... I Set a court date and I took 5 helmets into court to argue MY POINT. and the JUDGE said only 2 of the 5 were legal...4 of 5 were legal and dot approved (came with DOT sticker on)
SHE sited that they HAD to be over the ears(2 of mine did not) and the older FOOTBALL style one was not LEGAL even-tho it had a DOT sticker on it...

WHEN SHE SAID I WILL DISMISS THE TICKET, I stopped all argument for fear of going to jail and being charged with obstruction of BLIND JUSTICE!!!

POINT is ,,,, the LAW is interpreted and I for one don't like that. BUT she was getting perturbed with me.....SOOOOOOOO
I took the YES MAM way out...

signed....BUBBIE

You did the right thing here Bubbie, them judges always have the final word and contempt of court can get ugly, but how is one to know if the state you are in provided they have a helmet law, is going to honor the helmet you assumed to be legal, looks like a catch 22, Jack

 

[Breeze3at]

DOT approved, what a stickety web. Florida had a helmet law until the year after I moved In all the time I rode, I only saw/knew of a few tickets for non DOT helmets. One of the reasons supposedly was the burden of proof of DOT compliance laid on the state, or ticketing municapality and a decent lawyer could get anyone out of the ticket. I even rode with a bicycle helmet many times without hassle. Now I live in GA., and I don't know anyone that has been ticketed for a non DOT helmet. I wear my REAL helmet more and more lately just because I am protective of my remaining brain cells. DOT stickers are available at almost any vendor that has a good selection of stickers, and ebay.

 

[SpringerSteve98]

I put a DOT sticker on my skullcap.... I've had a few officers tell me that it isn't a D.O.T approved helmet.... I lied and told him i bought it at an online auction and was told it was DOT approved. Never got a ticket, but was told to get a real helmet a time or two.

 

[01dynaglide]

I agree with Breeze3at about ticking in GA for non DOT. I have lived here my whole life and have never know of anyone getting a ticket for non dot. I have both dot and non dot. I have never had any trouble with the non dot. I've even been pulled over for speeding with the non dot on and nothing was said regarding it.

 

[gizz46]

Their should be no laws on helmets or seat belts in any state!
I thought this was a free country.
Every they pass a law you loose some freedom.
:newsmile055:

 

[gunnut]

we got compulsory helmet laws here,with the exception of the sihks,who dont HAVE to wear thier turban,and dont HAVE to wear a crash helmet,but the PC brigade let that go right by them.There should be NO exceptions in law,period!!!! Now thats off my chest,I wear my ww2 German helmet everywhere I ride locally,and my real lid on long trips.I've never heard of anyone getting busted for thier choice of headgear,but many because they have a number plate that isnt exacly as the law states it should be(letter size etc.The thing is,I know a cop that rides with illegal tags on his bike,and he keeps saying he expects to get pulled,but so far nothing....I've had illegal tags on,my fun helmet,and very loud pipes with a cop tailing me for nearly 3 miles..and ...nothing...guess it depends on wether or not they can be bothered with the arguements they know they'll get in light of the previous cases at the begining of this post.

 

[blademan]

This is a quote from the TN DMV motorcyclist handbook on helmets.

"The riders of all motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and motorized bicycles are required to wear crash helmets. There are no exceptions. Helmets must meet or exceed U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements."

As stated, the helmet must meet or exceed requirements, not that it be DOT Approved. The DOT provides the minimum specifications that helmet manufacturers must meet in order to place the DOT sticker on it. I believe most states use this wording.

Absolutely correct Jake, they must comply with FMVSS 218. And as the judge who dismissed my case said "you have to be an engineer" to understand it all.

 

[Adamal47]

I believe the rules in PA are you must wear a DOT helmet until you have had you license for one full year then it's voluntary. Personally I wear a DOT helmet because in the event I do have an accident I would like to still be able to spell my own name afterwards rather than worry about looking "cool".