DOT certified helmets are helmets that have been approved by the Federal Motor Vehicle Dot Helmets Safety Standard. Because motorcycle helmets are generally believed to prevent serious injuries and fatalities, many countries have put laws into effect requiring adequate safety helmets to be worn by motorcycle drivers. These laws can vary greatly; even within the United States there are a variety of state laws to contend with. There are also many vehement groups that debate the DOT certified helmets law and other motorcycle helmet regulations, stating that it is a biker's right to choose.

DOT Certified Helmets And Other Standards

DOT certified helmets are one of several different national or international safety standards by which all “safety” helmets are measured. Among DOT certified helmets there are also ECE 22.05 helmet regulations (non-Dot regulated standards in Europe), CSA, CAN3-D230-M85 in Canada, JIS T8133 in Japan, AS 1698 in Australia, the NZ 5430 for New Zealand and the BS 6658:1985 in the United Kingdom. The actual DOT certified helmet regulation by number is the FMVSS 218.

Of all these national and international standards, the DOT motorcycle helmets is the most lax. Therefore many of the smallest lightest DOT helmets, smallest DOT half-face helmets or DOT beanie helmets are officially approved even though they wouldn't necessarily prevent serious injury or fatality if a strong collision happened. This is not to suggest that all ultralight DOT helmets are unsafe; many of the smallest DOT motorcycle helmets or the lightest smallest DOT helmets are safe because they fully enclose the face behind DOT approved carbon fiber helmets shells and shock-absorbent interior linings. The smallest DOT helmets might still be effective – what really matters is if the helmet just passes or exceeds the low national standard for Harley and motorcycle dot helmets.

Snell Memorial Foundation

The Snell foundation has instituted its own label – a far more demanding safety code than the DOT standard. This standard takes into account racing, bicycling, horseback riding as well as motorcycle riding. Therefore, many riders actually look for a Snell certification on a helmet rather than simply a DOT-approved standard. Some popular choices for DOT approved helmets are Bikers Choice and Iron Horse's Dot Helmet Blue Tribal Flame Helmet.

For the best quality in protection and motorcycle safety, make sure your helmet is a little bit more than DOT standard! Choosing above the lowest standard may save your life.