What should you look for to ensure a helmet is DOT compliant?

To determine if a helmet is Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant, it is essential to look for a specific label that indicates adherence to safety standards. The correct indicator of DOT compliance is a label that explicitly states 'DOT, FMVSS No. 218, CERTIFIED.' This certification means that the helmet has met the minimum safety standards set forth by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

While the manufacturer's name and model are important for identification and ensuring that you have the correct helmet size and fit, they do not themselves verify compliance with safety regulations. Similarly, a price label holds no relevance to the safety standards required for DOT compliance.

Thus, a helmet labeled with the DOT certification provides a critical assurance that it has undergone testing and meets the necessary safety guidelines to protect the rider effectively, making it the key information you should look for. Understanding this ensures you are wearing a helmet that meets the required safety standards, which is crucial for rider safety.