D.O.T. Stickers

[J.A.F.O.]

Originally Posted by Xkvator

I have a DOT ACC helmet...has a certification inside, but no tag on the outide...

Thats wierd..I have an ACC helmet also but it has a red DOT stciker on the outside...Maybe they started using them recently...I bought mine last year.

[route66paul]

If the helmet was made for motorcycle riding it is legal, even if it does not have the certs inside, it was just made prior to the law. The helmets that are NOT legal are those that were never intended to be worn for safety on a motorcycle, like an army helmet, a hard hat, or a novelty helmet. If you get a ticket, you could fight it and you should win, just because your gear is old does not make it illegal.

[why_me]

If I get DOT tattoo'd on the back of my head, you think that would fly?

[Dinero]

[QUOTE=route66paul;713666, just because your gear is old does not make it illegal.[/QUOTE]

Man am I glad to hear that.

[TalonChief]

Originally Posted by old_moldy_balls

If I get DOT tattoo'd on the back of my head, you think that would fly?

Don't do it in the mirror. Ridin' around with TOD written on the back of your head could attract nefarious characters.

[Serg06]

Originally Posted by TalonChief

Don't do it in the mirror. Ridin' around with TOD written on the back of your head could attract nefarious characters.

[Bone Stockman]

Depends on the LEO. I have an ACC 1/2 helmet that is DOT certified. I was not allowed to wear it during my MSF course, because the DOT sticker on the outside is above the clear coat. I expected a hassle with it, so I had the actual DOT paperwork with me.....Still no go. They pulled out a MDOT form with the statute highlighted; the DOT sticker has to be clearcoated onto the helmet.

[Scabbydoo]

Originally Posted by why_me

If I get DOT tattoo'd on the back of my head, you think that would fly?

When I rode with my late brothers MC at Rolling Thunder last year, there was a Marine with a shaved head that hat it tatooed on the back of his head.

[Parks]

The MSF course I sigend up for at the end of this month specified a 3/4 helmet...no half lids DOT, SNELL or otherwise. I would not bother with the sticker as I don't think someone is going to see it or read it from a distance and pull you over for it as long as everythign else seems in order. You could also buy an inexpensive DOT helmet for the trip.

[Parks]

I don't think my Harley half lid has a sticker but it is DOT approved also.

[route66paul]

The DOT specs have to do with the strength of the shell and the thickness of the padding - that is it. There is NO goverment inspection or certification on these helmets, they only have to qualify. The padding has to be a certain thickness, if it is not, it is not to DOT specs. Tires and lenses are certified by D.O.T., not helmets. This is the problem here, there is no certification because there is no testing. A 20 or 30 year old helmet is legal as long as it was sold as a motorcycle helmet(of course, those are usually heavier than a newer one that conforms to DOT specs).

[Highmiles]

The quick tip off for LEO's, is padding thickness. DOT minimum is 1". Most LEO's will not stop you as long as you are wearing any reasonable lid.

[Uesque]

Originally Posted by '05Train

Depends on the LEO. I have an ACC 1/2 helmet that is DOT certified. I was not allowed to wear it during my MSF course, because the DOT sticker on the outside is above the clear coat. I expected a hassle with it, so I had the actual DOT paperwork with me.....Still no go. They pulled out a MDOT form with the statute highlighted; the DOT sticker has to be clearcoated onto the helmet.

I can't imagine that very many helmets would meet that standard. My brand new HJC full face had a SNELL sticker on it that was not clearcoated and came off very easily. I stuck it on the inside just in case anyone gave me a hard time. I also took off the HJC sticker on the front. It looks much better that way.

[TalonChief]

Originally Posted by Uesque

I can't imagine that very many helmets would meet that standard. My brand new HJC full face had a SNELL sticker on it that was not clearcoated and came off very easily. I stuck it on the inside just in case anyone gave me a hard time. I also took off the HJC sticker on the front. It looks much better that way.

I have a flat black helmet with no gel coat on it. Guess I'm screwed.

[mongoose]

I'm just glad that the various state legislatures have time to consider such minutiae as whether the freaking DOT sticker is on top of or underneath the clearcoat.