DOT Approved Helmets

[jsmith75]

My Question:

Do you folks ever check the helmet of a motorcycle rider (that you have pulled over) to see if it is DOT approved?

Background:

State: Alabama

I was looking at this half-helmet my buddy has. I turned it over and looked inside it (I do that with birthday cards, too - I cant help it...LOL) and I notice that it stated it was not to be used for actual riding. I also have a half-helmet but it is DOT approved. It doesnt look as cool as his IMO but at least I have some protection. (I wear full face this time of year)

This helmet is all he wears. He feels that as long as he has something on his head he is protected from getting a ticket if pulled over - he said that you guys / gals dont check as long as the rider has something. (nevermind what would happen to his head after that thin, plastic shell breaks against the pavement) My logic is if he gets caught with that helmet, it is pretty much the same as getting caught without it - since it is not DOT approved. (I'm also attracted to shiny objects, so I'll defer the ruling logic to you guys)

Thanks for your time.

[Legoate]

Personally I couldn't give a crap less if you decide to bash your head into the pavement with no helmet. Unfortunately there are lawmakers in my state that got tired of paying to house vegetables that didn't have adequate insurance when they crashed so they passed a helmet law.

Some officers may cite you. It is illegal. Even if you buy or print out your own DOT stickers and put them on your helmet (popular in my area).

I rode for years and have always found this to be true: There are cyclists who have crashed, and cyclists who will crash. But one thing is certain, we will all crash again.

Let your buddy know he is really getting over on us. Like it's our head that is going to eat the curb after grandma hits him sitting at a light.:rolleyes:

[phantasm]

Personally I couldn't give a crap less if you decide to bash your head into the pavement with no helmet. Unfortunately there are lawmakers in my state that got tired of paying to house vegetables that didn't have adequate insurance when they crashed so they passed a helmet law.

Some officers may cite you. It is illegal. Even if you buy or print out your own DOT stickers and put them on your helmet (popular in my area).

I rode for years and have always found this to be true: There are cyclists who have crashed, and cyclists who will crash. But one thing is certain, we will all crash again.

Let your buddy know he is really getting over on us. Like it's our head that is going to eat the curb after grandma hits him sitting at a light.:rolleyes:

printing your own DOT sticker would be a felony in NY.

[Roger Dat]

Depends on the stop. If the guys is an asshat or is riding like one you can be sure that Im checking the entire bike as well as the helmet.

[jsmith75]

Thanks for the replies.

He is really a good guy - doesnt get in to trouble and even though he said what he said, I've not heard of him getting pulled over...ever. LOL

I hate it that he puts looks ahead of safety. I've been trying to convince him to get a helmet like mine - maybe knowing that he is in trouble either way will help make the case.

The way I look at it, I'm just a fat guy on a bike so there really isnt a helmet that will improve the CDI factor...Unless I could get ahold of the Dark Helmet from Spaceballs...Chicks dig it...Oh yeah...

thanks again.