Are novelty motorcycle helmets safe versus DOT-certified helmets?

Last Updated: 5/4/2023

All helmets are not equal – if you’re a motorcyclist, the helmet you choose can be key in keeping your head protected. While novelty motorcycle helmets may look attractive, they do not meet federal Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards.

What is a novelty helmet?

A novelty motorcycle helmet is manufactured without meeting DOT safety regulations. DOT helmets meet FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) number 218. Novelty helmets may have a thin padding and may be relatively lightweight. DOT helmets are usually heavier and have more padding than do novelty helmets.

Novelty Motorcycle Helmet Performance Testing

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted performance testing on novelty helmets. A summary of that testing, published by the NHTSA in April 2007, concludes that “novelty helmets perform significantly worse in terms of their ability to absorb impact energy during a motorcycle crash.”

In fact, a rider who is wearing a novelty helmet at the time of a crash and head impact has a 100 percent probability of brain injuries and/or skull fracture, per the NHTSA’s computer simulations. Essentially, wearing a novelty helmet at the time of crash, rather than a DOT-certified helmet, greatly increases a motorcyclist’s chance of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

How do I find a safe motorcycle helmet?

Choosing style over safety can lead to catastrophic and fatal injuries. The NHTSA recommends that all motorcyclists, in order to identify a safe helmet, check for thick inner lining, sturdy chin straps and rivets, helmet weight, design of helmet, and the DOT-certified sticker. If a DOT sticker is not visible on a helmet, do not wear it while riding, as there is a strong possibility that the helmet will not adequately protect your head in the event of a crash.

Don’t Wait Any Longer to Take Action

If you currently have a novelty helmet and are using it for head protection while riding, take action now to replace the novelty helmet with a DOT-certified one. Doing so may save your life.

In the event that you are in an accident and do sustain injuries, there are options for recovering money for your injuries, either through an insurance company or through a personal injury lawsuit. At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our attorneys can help explain the advantages of filing a claim through each avenue. You can reach us now for answers to your legal questions at (888) 435-9886.