I didn’t know this until this weekend. A manufacturer is able to put a DOT sticker on a motorcycle helmet because the manufacturer believes that the helmet meets DOT standards. But that does not mean that the helmet passes the actual tests. For example, here is a detailed review of the AFX FX-28 helmet:

AFX FX-28 Motorcycle Helmet Review

It says:

The FX-28 meets both DOT and ECE helmet safety standards, but it’s marked only as one or the other, depending upon the country where it is being sold.

Which is true. However, if you go to the NHSTA web site here…

Compliance Testing, Motorcycle Helmets

…and click on 2008, you can see that the AFX FX-28 failed the actual tests. From that page you can access the complete report on the failure:

Safety compliance testing for AFX, Model FX-28

The problem with this helmet is the penetration test: “The helmet failed penetration at the crown location for all four test conditions.” Later in the report they give details on the test and the results.

So, if you are thinking about buying a helmet, you might want to check the site and make sure it passes the tests.

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