Every helmet available in the market has a DOT sticker on it. You might wonder why is it there? Is it a brand or just some random sticker applied to motorcycle helmets?
In today’s post, we will address all these questions in a detailed manner. Moreover, we’ll also shed light on why is it important to have a helmet with a DOT sticker on it.
Quick Summary
You can check the post for the following topics:
- Meaning of DOT stickers
- Helmet crash ratings and certifications
- Important tips
- Frequently asked questions
Without further delay, let’s get into it.
DOT Stickers
When it comes to motorcycle helmets, your safety is the utmost priority. This is why helmets were made in the first place.
To ensure that a helmet upholds against a crash, there are some standards and certifications. These certifications determine whether a helmet is suitable for casual or competitive use.
DOT is one of these certifications. Any helmet you can find on the market with this sticker on it means that the helmet is street legal.
What does DOT stand for?
DOT stands for Department of Transportation. It is a state body within the United States. Their purpose is to regulate everything related to day-to-day transportation.
One aspect of this department is to ensure the safety standard of motorcycle helmets. They run a series of crash tests to determine the different durability factors of a helmet.
What are the DOT standards?
DOT has set a number of factors that every helmet must meet for on-road use. Following is the list of these factors:
- Penetration resistance
- Energy absorption
- Impact reduction
- Peripheral vision
- Retention system
Let’s discuss these factors one by one.
Penetration Resistance
DOT holds a penetration test by dropping a helmet on a sharp object from a specific height. The objects used for testing contain metals, glass pieces, and other hard materials.
The helmet is equipped with a crash dummy to gather data and analyze the extent of penetration resistance.
What is the standard for penetration resistance?
DOT states that if a helmet is dropped from 25 ft height, the object must not penetrate and touch the crash dummy inside. If it does, the helmet is marked as failed.
This test basically checks the durability aspect of the outer and inner layers of the helmet. Moreover, it also tests the credibility of the material used in the build of the helmet.
Energy Absorption
The second metric of DOT standards is the amount of G-force a helmet can absorb. Road crashes are always nasty and it is usually the G-force that makes them worse. Accessories such as helmets are vital for protection.
This is why energy absorption is an important factor of any helmet. G-force is reduced and absorbed by the padding inside the helmet.
What is G-force?
G-force stands for Gravitational Force. Its value is the same as the gravity of the Earth. So, 1G of force means Earth’s gravity multiplied by one.
These forces can go as far 80Gs during a crash. So, a helmet’s energy absorption must be beyond an average crash G-force.
What is the DOT standard for energy absorption?
DOT tests helmets up to 400Gs of force. This is done by dropping a helmet with a certain force on a solid surface. The data for impact is then analyzed for the G-force absorption.
A helmet is only cleared if it can absorb a G-force above the 60G mark. Otherwise, the helmet is regarded as unsafe for road use.
Impact Reduction
The third most important test comes in the form of damage done by head-on impact. You do this test alongside the G-force test.
Experts analyze the damage done by the impact on a solid surface. This damage can go from a couple of scratches all the way up to exposed padding.
What is the base standard of DOT for impact reduction?
DOT calibrates this aspect by how deep an impact can reach. The baseline is that it should not touch the internal padding. Cracks and disintegration are acceptable.
If the helmet breaks in pieces, it is marked as unsafe.
Peripheral Vision
Lastly, the vision range is also tested. Since helmets come in all shapes and sizes, this also affects your line of sight.
DOT makes sure that every helmet has a 105-degree angle arc for its visor. This arc extends from one side of the helmet to the other.
Why is it important to have a clear peripheral vision?
Clear sides can help you see the vehicles right beside you. Any obstruction or lack of vision can cause accidents. A 105-degree provides enough peripheral vision to keep track of traffic around you.
Retention System
Another thing DOT focuses on is the strap strength and the joints related to it. The base standard for these straps is to hold 300 lbs of weight without breaking or disjointing.
The test is conducted in a series of steps. The initial weight starts from 50 lbs and goes up to 300 lbs in total. Each weight is held by the straps for 120 seconds.
What happens if the straps break?
In case a strap breaks or disjoints from the helmet, it is ruled out as a safe option for road travel. This test makes sure that a helmet doesn’t come off your head in case of an accident.
These are the four main DOT standards you need to keep in mind. However, DOT certifications aren’t the only ones. There are many third-party companies that run intense tests on motorcycle helmets.
Motorcycle Helmet Certifications
Apart from the DOT helmet certifications, you can also find other markers on your helmet. These markers state the certification and the company it was tested by.
The two alternatives for DOT certifications are SNELL and ECE. Both certifications can be used if a helmet doesn’t have DOT clearance.
What’s the difference between the two?
SNELL operates in the United States. So, all their tests are held according to US laws. Whereas, ECE tests helmets for the entirety of Europe.
Moreover, another main difference is that SNELL certifications are only applicable in the US. On the other hand, ECE certifications are applicable in most parts of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some questions we found on the web. Let’s check them out.
Can I use helmets without DOT certifications?
If you can’t find a helmet with DOT certification, you can alternatively get a helmet with SNELL certifications. Both are approved by US transportation law.
Where can I find the DOT sticker?
Certification stickers are usually located on the backside of a helmet. Turn your helmet around and check the bottom edge for the DOT sticker.
Is it possible to remove DOT stickers?
The certification stickers are embedded under the uppermost layer of the helmet. Even if you use a tool, it is quite impossible to remove this sticker.
Wrapping Things Up…
This brings us to the finish line of today’s post. We hope this information proves to be helpful for you.
You should always look for DOT stickers before buying a motorcycle helmet. It ensures that your helmet has passed all the safety standards and is safe to use for road travel.
Do let us know what sort of certification your helmet has. To learn more, visit out website.
