Helmet law

[wiz001]

Anyone know what the penalty is now for riding with a non DOT helmet? I've heard it is now the same as an equipment (fix-it) ticket carrying a $10 fine and I've heard other things. A couple years ago in this area, if you were pulled over, you were given a ticket with a very large fine and the officer would give you 20 minutes to come up with a DOT helmet. If you couldn't do that, your bike was towed and impounded and now you had a whole other set of bills to pay.
I know that there has been some challenges to the whole DOT certification and the ability of officers to determine a DOT vs non DOT helmet. I've also been told that you do not have to remove your helmet if an officer requests you to do so.
BTW, I ride with either a full face or DOT half helmet, but have been pulled over and asked to show the officer my half helmet. It's made of Kevlar/graphite composite, so it is thinner and smaller than other helmets.

[stormbringer]

There is no set penalty in the peoples republic of kalifornia per se.
The officer citing you has to be certified by the feds to be able to make the case stick in court. some cities will have higher fines than others. Huntington Beach has 1 officer who will be called in to cite you if you get pulled over there. He goes into court with different helmets sawed in half and bores everyone until you are guilty. there are 20 or so officers in the state. Other than that you go in and say " but your honor, I was wearing a helmet." then bob's your uncle and you are down the road but, the cops know that you had to pay court cost and take the day off of work etc, so they will still continue to cite for it. If any one knows of any other cities hitting hard lets hear about it.

[wiz001]

I guess I was able to answer my own question. I went to a MMA meeting last night and got a copy of the following Management Memorandum from the CHP. Basically, it says the CHP will not cite riders wearing the beanie helmets, but will cite riders wearing obvious non-conforming helmets such as baseball caps, styrofoam bike helmets, leather aviator caps, etc. The tickets will be equipment citations (fix-it). This memorandum applies to CHP, not local law enforcement. But they usually follow the CHPs lead on these matters. This doesn't mean that I will be rushing out to buy a novelty, beanie helmet.
The big concern right now is the smog and noise ordinance being pushed thru the legislature.

[jaydub]

Good info. I'm planning a trip south next month & was wondering if I would have to get a new (dot) helmet... guess not!

[APendejo]

Just a little FYI. I test helmets for a living. Just one of the many hats I wear, no pun intended.
The DOT does NOT certify helmets. Compliance testing rests solely on the mfg. Most helmets are tested to FMVSS 218 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard). The test requirements in this specification have virtually no relation with the real world.
No Law enforcement agency that I know of has a "list" of DOT certified helmets.
If you should be pulled over by an LEO who is an "expert" on MC helmets, say nothing, admit nothing and just let him do his thing.
As far as you are concerned, you are following the law, you are wearing a motorcycle helmet.
In California if you are wearing a "motorcycle" helmet and are cited, take it to trial. You will be out a bit of time but will beat the case.
I wear a 1966 white Bell Shorty, my Ol wears a white with silver glitter 1967 Bell Shorty. These helmets were both Snell Foundation certified. No DOT sticker, have been pulled over by Local PD and CHP and never questioned about the helmets.
AP

[CrusherTx3]

I am looing for a couple old schoool 60's-70's beenies for two of my chops I am restoring
all I own now are beenies but are from the late 80's and up

[Rippin]

Here in Oregon...the law states you need to were a motorcycle helmet. it does not state it has to be DOT approved.
I have both DOT and not DOT....
check out the helmets offered by Biltwell...they are 3/4 helmets and are a blast from the past...they come in all colors...metal flake and all.
I highly recomend all of Biltwell products. Made here in the good ole' U.S of A.

[bigdogbiker]

My ticket was 25 dollar not bad at all .California

[84badboy]

I believe as you do that wearing a helmet is a personal thing. But I also think everyone under 21 should probably wear one, especially if they've bought a pocket rocket and/or haven't taken the safety course.

I've had 2 major accidents and always wear a helmet now - no matter where, why or time of day, or even what state I'm riding in. You only need to use a helmet once to pay for itself.

Safe motoring to you all.

[jacobs0505]

I think wearing a helment while driving is imp and abiding the law too is also imp. Its a matter of ones own saftey nothing else.....By d way good info dude...thankx