DOT Motorcycle Helmet Certification is Important

by Frank Medley

As you’re getting ready to buy a new motorcycle helmet, it can be hard to know what is the best and safest for you. One of the best ways to know your helmet is safe is to make sure it’s DOT certified.

DOT motorcycle helmet certification is indicated through a sticker, located on the back of the helmet. If the helmet that you’re interested in doesn’t have this sticker, don’t buy it. You have no idea if it will protect you in a crash.

The United States Department of Transportation, otherwise known as the DOT, is a government agency that tries to keep you safe on the road, through regulations and safety standards.

What standards must be met to attain DOT motorcycle helmet certification? First, a helmet must absorb most of the force on impact. It must also prevent most objects from penetrating it, and it must fasten in a way that can withstand a large amount of force.

Who does the testing to make sure that a helmet meets DOT motorcycle helmet certification standards? The manufacturer themselves test their helmets, and are allowed to attach the sticker should it pass each test.

You’re probably thinking about what happens if a manufacturer fudges the results a little. Periodically, the DOT will send helmets to independent labs for testing, and posts the results on their website.

Before you buy, make sure to familiarize yourself with what the real DOT sticker looks like online. Some unscrupulous manufacturers will attach false stickers to their helmets in order to trick you into buying.

DOT motorcycle helmet certification is an important safety tool for riders. This is a way to ensure that your helmet meets minimum safety standards, and will be able to protect you in a crash.

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