As you're getting ready to buy a new motorcycle helmet, it can be hard to know what is the best and safest for you. One of the best ways to know your helmet is safe is to make sure it's DOT certified.



You can tell you have DOT motorcycle helmet certification by whether it has the small certification sticker on the back. This is what indicates to you that the helmet will protect you in a crash, so if it's not there, don't get that helmet.

The United States Department of Transportation, otherwise known as the DOT, is a government agency that tries to keep you safe on the road, through regulations and safety standards.

What are the DOT motorcycle helmet certification standards? They require that a helmet which is deemed safe be able to absorb a large amount of energy upon impact, to prevent most helmet penetration, and have a fastener which can withstand a lot of force.

How does DOT motorcycle helmet testing work? It's actually the manufacturer's job to test the helmet. If they find that their helmet passes these standards, they can affix the sticker to the helmet.

You're probably thinking about what happens if a manufacturer fudges the results a little. Periodically, the DOT will send helmets to independent labs for testing, and posts the results on their website.

You should be wary of fake DOT helmets, attached by some manufacturers or helmet dealers to make their helmets more attractive to buyers. Check on the DOT website before you shop to see the real sticker.

When you're ready to buy a new helmet, only buy one with DOT motorcycle helmet certification. These helmets are guaranteed to meet certain safety standards, and will be best able to protect you in an accident.