| Author | Message | ||
     Jetbuilder |
Guys i have a problem my wife bought me a new Suomy "Booster" helmet (full face design 06 model) while in germany the problem is there is no manufacture date or DOT/SNELL stamp anywhere on this thing as best i can tell it is of the British "E3" BSI standard. Any suggestions as to it being legal in the US? Red | ||
| Ctyxrnr |
this is off of Suomy's web site. couldn't find the "Booster" model. but if it is BSI rated than it is better than SNELL or DOT. 1. What is BSI? a. BSI is one of the largest and most prestigious standards, quality assurance, inspection, testing and certification organizations in the world. Similar to the familiar UL Listing, the BSI offers testing and rating services for major manufactures with worldwide distribution interests. The BSI Inspectorate is a leading provider of inspection, analysis and testing services across the globe. A vital business within the BSI Group, BSI Inspectorate delivers confidence for buyers and sellers alike, as well as banks and governments involved in international trade the world over. the rest of this is found here: http://www.suomy-usa.com/ssafetya.htm | ||
| Schmitty |
I had a Suomy for a while and I don't recall it having any DOT or Snell stamping on it. But anything stamped BSI SHOULD be legal in the U.S., as the BSI test are much more stringent and comprehensive than the DOT. Schmitty | ||
| Diablobrian |
I wouldn't worry about it. It is beyond DOT standards. The cops only hassle those with the <half helmets about DOT stickers. | ||
| Midknyte |
not to advocate passing off a cheap helmet as something legal, but psssssst - you can get mighty official lookin DOT stickers on ebay | ||
| Brineusaf |
Don't worry about it, officials will know the ratings and standards. If you are questioned simply state that it is of British standards, which surpass DOT and SNELL. | ||
| Spatten1 |
I disagree, most cops will unlikely know about the BSI standard, which is much safer than Snell and meets DOT requirements. My US Suomy has BSI and DOT stickers on it stock. Get a sticker on-line in case a less-knowledgable cop stops you. | ||
| Jaimec |
I know a TON of people who've acquired BMW System IV helmets in Germany (because they don't sell them here). Not one of them has ever been stopped by a cop for wearing one, even though they too are not DOT-certified. As Diablobrian stated, they only stop those wearing OBVIOUSLY illegal helmets like those pudding bowl novelty helmets. The ONE story I heard of a rider being pulled over for wearing a System IV helmet was when the cop himself was a BMW Rider and recognized the helmet from photos (the rider got a verbal warning and was let go). | ||
| Garp |
The original question was is it legal, and the answer is no. If it doesn't have a DOT sticker, it is not legal in the USA. Is it safe? Yes, of course it is. Is it legal? No. | ||
| Jaimec |
Garp has nailed it. Doesn't matter how safe it is. If it hasn't been certified by the USDOT, then it isn't legal for use in the United States. PERIOD. Will he get away with wearing it? In all probability, yes. | ||
| Pwnzor |
If it hasn't been certified by the USDOT, then it isn't legal for use in the United States. Let me clear something up. The US Department of Transportation holds no official position on helmet ratings. It is your local law enforcement agency that follows a set of guidelines which are loosely based on DOT regulations. DOT doesn't make the rules on this, nor do they determine by which "safety rating" a helmet must be classified. Snell and "DOT" ratings are meaningless unless they are accepted by your local cops. Period. The funny thing about it is that most cops and even judges think that the DOT actually has something to do with it. You will need a lawyer to dispel the myth for them. Don't believe me, spend as much time as you like on the USDOT website. Try to find anything about helmets. Still don't believe it, because of everything you read ALL OVER THE PLACE that mentions "DOT" ratings? Call 'em up. Talk all day. They have nothing to do with it. One of the greatest myths of motorcycling. It's all semantics, really. Officers and troopers have the ultimate discretion at the roadside. They can send you to court, rightly or wrongly, they don't care in the end. If the case gets thrown out, does the officer care? No. It's his decision to make you see a judge or not. Then it's the judges decision, a month removed from the situation, whether you pay some crazy fine or not. (Message edited by pwnzor on July 16, 2006) | ||
| Garp |
Technically you are correct that DOT ratings are not set by the US Department of Transportation, but they are NOT left to local law enforcement. There is a Federal regulation that defines what is required for DOT certification. And I quote: The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) known as FMVSS 218 (49CFR571.218), describes in great detail the requirements for "DOT" certification of all helmets sold in the United States for use by motorcyclists. Helmets that do not meet the minimal DOT certification standards may not be sold as "motorcycle helmets." If you want to read the entire regulation it is here: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/DOT-standard.htm (Message edited by garp on July 16, 2006) | ||
| Pwnzor |
but they are NOT left to local law enforcement. Oh, but they are. As I mentioned, the officer (regardless of agency) has the ultimate discretion at the roadside. It's a cold day in Hades when you get pulled over by a federal officer. They are not in the habit of initiating traffic stops unless something drastic is taking place. Even then, they are probably not worried about your helmet because you're probably under arrest. Regulations written in the FMVSS are fine and well. What matters is who does the enforcement. Nine times out of ten, it's a police officer, highway patrol or state trooper. My point is, the DOT has nothing to do with it, and it was stated that "If it hasn't been certified by the USDOT, then it isn't legal for use in the United States". My intention was only to clear up that very statement. I do understand there are federal laws in place regarding helmets. | ||
| Max |
In Illionis there no helmet law. I would think if you were wearing a helmet. It would plus anywhere in USA.I wear full brain bucket all time. So if cop going stop you it not to check your helmet to see if DOT aporoved. If does he has lot time on his hands. | ||
| Jaimec |
Technically, Pwznor is right... the cop has discretion at the roadside. It is up to the JUDGE to determine if the officer was right or not. I've heard many arguments that the police officer does not have the technical capability on a roadside stop of determining whether or not a helmet meet FMVSS 218. HOWEVER there are certain LEGAL requirements all helmets sold with a DOT sticker must meet in terms of labeling. A "DOT" sticker on the back of the helmet is the LEAST of the labeling requirements. But he is wrong on one point... in order for a helmet to be legally sold for use on public roads, it MUST meet FMVSS 218 or it is NOT legal. Even in states that don't have mandatory helmet laws; if you sell a helmet for street use in that state, it MUST meet FMVSS 218 (the "DOT Standard"). | ||
| Pwnzor |
But he is wrong on one point... in order for a helmet to be legally sold for use on public roads, it MUST meet FMVSS 218 or it is NOT legal. Huh? What was I wrong about? All I said was DOT has nothing to do with it. Even in the FMVSS it has "DOT" in quotes, indicating it is just a name. The myth lies in the belief that the United States Department of Transportation has some hand in approving or disapproving of helmets. I only spoke up because the statement was made, If it hasn't been certified by the USDOT, then it isn't legal for use in the United States. Again it is merely a matter of semantics. A clearer way of saying it would be, "If it hasn't been manufactured to 'DOT' standards, then it isn't legal for use in the United States. " Was just trying to shed light on the fact that the USDOT doesn't inspect or certify helmets. Not trying to deny that there is a safety standard for helmets. Better time spent figuring out how to abolish the helmet law in all 50 states, and take seatbelts with it. Soon you won't even be able to smoke in your own car. <object><param></param><embed></embed></object> hmmm i guess HTML doesn't work... oh well (Message edited by pwnzor on July 17, 2006) | ||
| Midknyte |
In Illionis there no helmet law. I would think if you were wearing a helmet. It would plus anywhere in USA.I wear full brain bucket all time. So if cop going stop you it not to check your helmet to see if DOT aporoved. If does he has lot time on his hands. There's a certain bit of irony here to be had in Illinois. While it is not required that you wear a helmet at all, if you do where one, it must be DOT. For instance, you'd be stopped for wearing a bicycle helmet while riding a scooter, but be allowed to [ahem] scoot right by sans helmet. And yes, there are plenty of Illinois (or anywhere - we all know that) police with that much time on their hands. Thankfully though, not in my immediate locale. |
