The thing is: Once in a while I see someone on a motorcycle with this kind of old-fashioned design. Obviously, they haven't been cited, so what gives??
⚠️ Last edited by Vespizzare on UTC; edited 1 time
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Way back when, after I knew I was going to get a Vespa and have a motorbike again, I figured I'd get a helmet like a vintage one I had in the 1960's, albeit fiberglass instead of metal like the old one. However, I soon learned (from the US website that sells them) that they weren't legal and got something more modern.
The thing is: Once in a while I see someone on a motorcycle with this kind of old-fashioned design. Obviously, they haven't been cited, so what gives?? ![]() ⚠️ Last edited by Vespizzare on UTC; edited 1 time
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Around here it seems to be enforced about as rigorously as the cell phone while driving law. Which is to say seldom to never.
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I think that in most cases if you are going to be cited with a helmet violation it would be as part of a stop for some other reason. The DOT label is not easily seen by a trooper in a car, so they probably wouldn't pull you over just for that. However if you get popped for speeding or some other infraction, they might check your helmet.
That's what my police officer friends have told me at any rate. YMMV. |
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I've been wearing non dot approved helmets imported from Italy. I have never been pulled over for this and many a time i've had petrol cars behind me. Having said that I get really nervous when i see police bmw motorcycle police... these guys have huge attitude and i'm sure if one came up behind me it maybe an issue. All my helmets look pretty conventional but that big DOT 5 sticker isn't on the back...
I say wing it until it becomes an issue.. but that's me. |
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lone_airedale wrote: Around here it seems to be enforced about as rigorously as the cell phone while driving law. Which is to say seldom to never. |
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tomjasz wrote: What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year. |
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Also, depends on state helmet laws. In Ohio, helmet is only required for age 18 and under and when you are still a newbie (1 year or less endorsement). Every one else is helmet optional. I also do not see that all police officers on the streets in the USA being aware of helmets having to be approved by DOT. They have too many other issues with which to deal.
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tomjasz wrote: What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year. |
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tomjasz wrote: What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year. |
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Mudnman wrote: tomjasz wrote: What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year. |
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stickyfrog wrote: Mudnman wrote: tomjasz wrote: What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year. |
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Most of the guys I know won't specifically cite for non-DOT compliance unless they are really pissed at the operator, and even then it will be just one more layer on a rather thick cake. Some of the guys I know are not really aware of the requirement for a helmet to be DOT compliant and are only concerned with observing that the operators are wearing anything resembling a helmet, if one is required. ALL of the guys I know, that ride bikes, are aware of the requirement.
I really like those Davida helmets and have considered getting one of the "racing" themed ones, but can't decide which graphics. |
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Don't worry about the traffic police. The style police say you can only wear that thing when riding a vintage.
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If you're actually concerned - print your own sticker or order one online. They're about as much use as the green "Your headlight's on" tally on Vespa dashboards.
The DOT sticker merely proves a DOT sticker has been applied... |
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Mudnman wrote: tomjasz wrote: What helmet? i haven't seen another rider wearing one yet this year. |
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Route 66 Lawdog wrote: I really like those Davida helmets and have considered getting one of the "racing" themed ones, but can't decide which graphics. |
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Unless there is a mandatory helmet law, what would the police enforce. Check local listings. Around here...one in five people wear a helmet.
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ckaiserca wrote: I think that in most cases if you are going to be cited with a helmet violation it would be as part of a stop for some other reason. The DOT label is not easily seen by a trooper in a car, so they probably wouldn't pull you over just for that. However if you get popped for speeding or some other infraction, they might check your helmet. That's what my police officer friends have told me at any rate. YMMV. Beware, many locals that are popular with the PTW crowd have started doing what they call "enforcement check points". They stop all PTWs passing through the enforcement check point and look for all types of violations. Loud exhaust, improper modification, non-compliant helmets, etc. The legality of these check points has been challenged in some states and at least one I read about declared they were illegal because they only stopped PTWs. -Craig |
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caschnd1 wrote: ckaiserca wrote: I think that in most cases if you are going to be cited with a helmet violation it would be as part of a stop for some other reason. The DOT label is not easily seen by a trooper in a car, so they probably wouldn't pull you over just for that. However if you get popped for speeding or some other infraction, they might check your helmet. That's what my police officer friends have told me at any rate. YMMV. Beware, many locals that are popular with the PTW crowd have started doing what they call "enforcement check points". They stop all PTWs passing through the enforcement check point and look for all types of violations. Loud exhaust, improper modification, non-compliant helmets, etc. The legality of these check points has been challenged in some states and at least one I read about declared they were illegal because they only stopped PTWs. -Craig Join the AMA help help fight the fight against this crap |
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As an aside, if you're going to go the Davida route - try before you buy, esPECIALLY in this world of "NO returns on helmets!" we live in. By most standards, I'm a "L" or even "XL", depending on whether we're talking baseball caps, helmets, etc. In other words, I've got a big noggin. That said, when I tried on that very helmet you posted above, the Medium was the one that fit best... And that's not to say that all Davida helmets run large - trying on their 3/4 Jet, and I was back in L/XL territory.
Go figure. |
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Not in Illinois.
50% of bikers here don't even wear helmets. ABATE is big in this state. https://www.abate-il.org |
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jimc wrote: The DOT sticker merely proves a DOT sticker has been applied... |
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No Helmet Law in NH
We have no helmet law in NH. I wear a DOT approved helmet because I love my head, not because I am told I have to.
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Yes...good reason to stop if you have a cheap brain bucket. Usually is a way to open an investigation for a larger (non-moving) offense such as a license status, gang affiliation etc. tickets for just that are rare...at least in Ca
You probably would not come across as an omg member on your Vespa though |
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Hell, the DOT barely enforces the standards. Only about 40 helmets per year are spot checked and tested to see if the actually meet the DOT standards.
All the stickers mean is that the manufacturer claims the helmet meets spec. |
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Aviator47 wrote: Hell, the DOT barely enforces the standards. Only about 40 helmets per year are spot checked and tested to see if the actually meet the DOT standards. All the stickers mean is that the manufacturer claims the helmet meets spec. While there is ongoing debate as to whether Snell requirements for impact resistance are too severe, causing a helmet with very dense foam to allow too much G-force to be transmitted to one's head, it is nice to know that any helmet model bearing "Snell Approved" has actually been subjected to a variety of safety tests. |
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Route 66 Lawdog wrote: While there is ongoing debate as to whether Snell requirements for impact resistance are too severe, causing a helmet with very dense foam to allow too much G-force to be transmitted to one's head, it is nice to know that any helmet model bearing "Snell Approved" has actually been subjected to a variety of safety tests. More seriously, were I in the US and temped to "cheat" on my helmet, I think it would only be to use an EC 22.05 spec unit, which at least is tested to provide a reasonable level of protection. |
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Aviator47 wrote: Route 66 Lawdog wrote: While there is ongoing debate as to whether Snell requirements for impact resistance are too severe, causing a helmet with very dense foam to allow too much G-force to be transmitted to one's head, it is nice to know that any helmet model bearing "Snell Approved" has actually been subjected to a variety of safety tests. More seriously, were I in the US and temped to "cheat" on my helmet, I think it would only be to use an EC 22.05 spec unit, which at least is tested to provide a reasonable level of protection. |
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Based upon reactions of some drivers out here, I believe I am often mistaken for police. Along with the DOT helmet pictured , I use snap-in ear protectors and a Scala Rider G9 headset, which has a boom microphone, probably adding to the unintended illusion.
Probably makes the road safer, due to more attentive drivers. When I use other helmets I have, I perceive more smartphone use and more aggressive behavior around me. I've encountered motorcycle and caged police riding around me. I've never had any confrontations. ![]() |
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I purchased my helmet in London so it is ECE certified, but not DOT. I love the helmet more than any that I tried on here in the states - it fits me perfectly, and is very comfortable.
A DOT helmet is required in my state, so I guess I'm taking a "risk", but I know mine is just as safe as protective (if not more so) than an equivalent helmet purchased here. I wore it when I took the motorcycle safety course, and the instructor didn't question it at all. |
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[quote="Aviator47
Interesting thought. Snell standards may allow too much G force to be transmitted to your head, but at least you can be confident that a Snell certified helmet has been tested to ensure it will indeed transmit those forces. [/quote] Now that, sir, was funny!! Of course, Snell performs a variety of safety tests on helmets besides their G force standards. Their testing is to ensure that no passing helmet transmits any more force than the foundation believes to be safe. The point of contention concerns just how much force safe for a human head. MotoGP professional racers in the U.S. must use Snell certified helmets, so of course I should... |
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If I am not mistaken, Snell recently updated their standards to be more in line with the current thinking in terms of allowable G forces. A friend said it wasn't a matter of Snell being wrong all those years, just that people's heads had changed.
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They did, indeed. The Snell M2010 standard revised, downward, the allowable G force transmitted to one's head. They had become so concerned with having nothing penetrate a shell that they accepted forces of a magnitude typical of what an aviator might experience if things were to go south...
Here's to hoping none of us ever have to test ANY helmet standard. OPA!! |
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From the Snell Foundation:
William "Pete" Snell was a popular amateur sports car race driver who was killed in a crash in 1956. He died of massive head injuries when the auto racing helmet he was wearing failed to protect his head. From what I have read, the Snell standards carried a lot of "baggage" from the early work done to provide better head protection to race car drivers. A few of the test standards pertained to the situation of a driver being restrained in his seat, and the high potential for repetitive impacts on the same point of the helmet, a phenomenon not nearly as common in a PTW mishaps, and challenged by a significant number of mishap investigation professionals. Here's what I wrote about the whole Snell business two years ago. As an experienced safety person, the last paragraph in the linked post reflects my reservations about Snell. |
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I always wondered what prompted Snell on their crusade. If I remember correctly, it was you just-referenced posting which led me originally to the Sharp helmet testing website: good info, there!
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Yes, SHARP is very informative.
I have tried to steer clear of the Snell "controversy". As much emotion as fact in many cases. The post I linked pretty much expresses my reservations on the subject. Snell is in a very awkward position. Unless their standard for certification is uniquely different from any and all other standards, there is no reason for them to exist. I do not question their "sincerity", but whether they like it or not, they have painted themselves into a position where they really cannot accept any other standards body being correct, and that does cast a shadow over their objectivity. |
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[quote="sharpcolorado" I believe I am often mistaken for police. [/quote] But that's part of the allure, no?
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