For the decisionally paralyzed, it can be daunting to decide on a motorcycle helmet.
In addition to all the brands, models and styles the most important factor also has options and varying degrees of understanding.
Safety.
The United States requires Department of Transportation or DOT standards, most European countries require Economic Commission for Europe or ECE standards and Snell operates independently of government oversight providing the consumer proof of more rigid safety standards helmet manufacturers can opt in on but not for legal requirement.
By law, riders in the US must wear a DOT certified helmet, Europe requires motorcyclists to wear ECE approved and those who prefer can opt for the additional Snell approval. All Snell certified helmets pass the standards set forth for DOT and ECE but not all DOT and ECE pass Snell.
What does it all mean and what helmet do I get!?
Simply put and for expediency, to be within the law stateside, riders must wear a DOT-certified helmet.
All helmets sold at MotoSport.com have DOT certification but some also have Snell and even though Europe sits half a world away, some of the helmets sold also have ECE certification because some helmets we sell with DOT approval also pass ECE standards.
Let's breakdown the differences to give you a better understand of what DOT, ECE and Snell mean so you can decide if riding with one standard gives you necessary peace of mind to enjoy the road.
By the way, all these safety standards get regular updates so when you see all these official looking numbers after acronyms, don't focus to hard on that. Read on to understand what each standard offers to the consumer.
The Difference Between DOT, ECE and Snell Certifications
DOT (Department of Transportation) Certification
Overview:
In the United States, motorcycle helmets must pass DOT (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) for legal use on public roads (current standard is FMVSS 218.) The Department of Transportation sets a legal minimum level of safety helmets must pass for outlets like MotoSport to sell.
Key Features to DOT Certification:
- Self-Certification: Manufacturers test their helmets to ensure compliance and certify them with a DOT sticker. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may conduct random compliance checks.
- Impact Testing: Measures the helmet's ability to absorb energy during direct impacts using drop tests at specific speds.
- Retention System Test: Tests the chin strap's strength to ensure it remains fastened during an impact.
- Penetration Test: Ensures the outer shell resists penetration from sharp objects.
Pros to DOT Certification:
- Legally required in the U.S.
- Ensures a basic level of protection for riders.
- Less stringent testing makes helmets more affordable and comfortable for everyday use.
Cons to DOT Certification:
- Less rigorous testing compared to ECE or Snell standards.
- Does not include rotational impact testing now recognized as a critical component for brain protection. Think MIPS.
- Self-Certification: Manufacturers test their own helmet for compliance. In other words, the honor system. No third-party testing or immediate federal oversight. But if caught fines and other legal trouble ensues.
ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) Certification
Overview:
More than 50 countries require the ECE 22.05 standard for motorcycle riders. The recently passed ECE 22.06 standard brings even more rigorous testing. A helmet passing ECE standards but not DOT cannot be used legally in the United States.
Key Features to ECE Certification:
- Third-Party Testing: ECE certification requires independent, third-party testing to ensure helmets meet safety standards.
- Impact Testing: Evaluates helmets for direct and rotational impacts.
- Batch Testing: Manufacturers must submit helmets from every production batch for additional testing to maintain certification.
- Chin Strap Test: Tests the retention system's ability to withstand forces and prevent detachment.
What's New for ECE 22.06:
- Rotational Impact Testing: Measures how well the helmet reduces rotational forces during a crash, addressing brain injuries caused by twisting motions.
- Extended Testing Areas: Tests impacts in more areas of the helmet shell.
- Accessory Testing: Ensures add-ons like visors and cameras don't compromise safety.
Pros to ECE Certification:
- Recognized internationally.
- More rigorous and comprehensive than DOT certification.
- Now includes rotational impact testing (22.06).
Cons to ECE Certification:
- Stringent testing may lead to slightly more expensive and heavier helmets.
How can the more rigorous ECE helmet fail DOT? Government regulators have different testing methods, criteria, and focuses. ECE prioritizes energy absorption and rotational impact testing, DOT focuses on high-energy impacts (Americans have the need for speed!) and structural rigidity, which leads to differences in passing criteria.
Snell Certification
Overview:
The non-profit Snell Memorial Foundation sets voluntary safety standards for helmets, with a focus on high-performance models often used in motorsports. Updated approximately every five years (M2025 just replaced M2020), manufacturers submit their helmets for testing - if they so choose - then offer include Snell certification as a relevant selling point. The United States nor European countries require Snell certification for legal helmet use. Read What is a Snell Helmet for more information.
Key Features to Snell Certification:
- High-Impact Testing: Evaluates helmets for severe crash scenarios using higher velocities than DOT or ECE tests.
- Multi-Impact Testing: Ensures helmets can withstand multiple impacts in the same area, simulating real-world crash conditions.
- Shell Rigidity Testing: Tests the helmet's structural integrity to resist deformation under pressure.
- Chin Bar Test on Full-Face Helmets: Evaluates the strength and energy absorption of the chin bar in full-face helmets.
Pros to Snell Certification:
- Often considered the gold standard in helmet safety standards.
- Extremely rigorous testing for high-speed impacts.
- Provides peace of mind for competitive riders.
Cons to Snell Certification:
- Focuses heavily on severe impacts, which may not align with real-world crashes for everyday riders.
- Some argue Snell sets their standards too high.
- Heavier helmets because of added materials for impact resistance.
The updated Snell M2025 standards evaluate how well a helmet can reduce rotational forces that can cause brain injuries but the non-profit has yet to fully integrate or standardize rotational force testing as part of their certification process.
DOT, ECE, and Snell Comparison Table
| Feature | DOT | ECE 22.05/22.06 | Snell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Testing | Direct impacts only | Direct & rotational impacts | High-velocity direct impacts |
| Rotational Testing | No | Yes (22.06 standard) | In research (not mandatory) |
| Chin Bar Test | No | Yes | Yes |
| Batch Testing | Random spot checks | Mandatory | N/A |
| Self-Certification | Yes | No | No |
| Region Focus | United States | Europe and global | Voluntary, racing-oriented |
Choosing a Motorcycle Helmet Certification
What helmet should you choose? It's all up to you.
Keep in mind the well-known adage we often spout around here: If you have a $10 head buy a $10 helmet.
If you spend enough time browsing expect to find super expensive helmets with only DOT certification and less expensive with DOT and Snell approvals. So, price doesn't always equate to certification.
Understand first: Legally, riders in the United States must wear a DOT approved helmet and those in Europe must wear an ECE approved helmet. Those in the United States who prefer a helmet with more rigid safety standards can look for DOT and Snell certification or (though not widely available, yet) a DOT and ECE certified helmet. Likewise, European riders can opt for an ECE and Snell certified helmet if the additional testing and levels of safety provide them with greater peace of mind.
The best helmet for you riding in the United States provides DOT certification, fits right and feels right. Some riders don't like the heavier Snell and find DOT helmets fit better which goes along way towards overall safety. A cumbersome helmet that doesn't fit and wears you down but has Snell certification actually poses a safety hazard to that rider.
As a suggestion:
Everyday Riders:
Go with a DOT approved helmet in the United States and ECE in Europe. If that extra layer of protection gives you peace of mind, then check out Snell certified helmets.
Track Riders and Racers:
Racers and track riders almost universally opt for a Snell-certified helmet.
Global Travelers:
Those in the United States traveling abroad with intention to ride, should leave their DOT approved helmet (and Snell certified) at home unless it also has ECE certification. ECE represents one of the most widely recognized certifications worldwide.
