The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plans to update the new performance tests for motorcycle helmets under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218. The NHTSA is proposing to strengthen the penetration, impact and retention tests.
The NHTSA is also tightening the labeling requirements, including a provision that helmets be marked with the manufacturer’s name along with the words “DOT” and “certified” to make it easier for riders to distinguish between FMVSS No. 218-compliant helmets and novelty helmets commonly referred to as “skullcaps” and “beanies.” In recent years, the number of riders wearing compliant helmets has dropped despite a widespread effort to encourage helmet usage.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.