Helmet Certifications: What is the difference and what do I need to get on track? (2024)

FAQs

Helmet Certifications: What is the difference and what do I need to get on track? ›

The SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not. The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than the M standard (Some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal). The SA and K standards include a rollbar multi-impact test while the M standard does not.

In conclusion, both the DOT and ECE standards have their own strengths and weaknesses. While the DOT standard is a good starting point for minimum helmet performance, the ECE standard offers a higher level of protection and ongoing testing to ensure that helmets remain safe to use over time.

Make sure your helmet has the DOT symbol on the outside back; this means it meets our Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218. NHTSA does not approve helmets, or any other motor vehicle equipment, instead relying on a self-certification process.

A Snell-approved helmet is generally regarded as safer than a similar DOT-approved helmet without a Snell rating. For this reason, most racing organizations require a Snell-approved helmet. For more specific information, follow these links: Snell Helmet Standards.

As per NHRA rules: Drivers of all 8.59 or quicker vehicles must wear a helmet meeting SNELL or SFI specifications. Full Face helmet is mandatory on vehicles 6.39 or quicker.

In the United States, Snell certification is preferred for high-end and racing helmets. For most helmets sold to the public, standard testing includes DOT or ECE certification. Most helmet manufacturers also produce slightly different helmets for the European and North American markets.

DOT and Snell offer Impact Analysis and use accelerometers to determine how fast the helmet stops moving during the impact test, but their standards differ. The DOT allows up to 400Gs of peak acceleration while the Snell standards only allow up to 275Gs.

The rating SA is for Competitive Automotive Sports. The Snell Foundation describes the differences in this way: The SA standard was designed for competitive auto racing while the M standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports.

Class G helmets are proof tested at 2,200 volts. Class E (Electrical) Helmets--This is equivalent to the old Class B. Class E helmets are proof tested at 20,000 volts. Class C (Conductive) Helmets--This class provides no electrical insulation; the alpha designation did not change from the old standard.

Rest assured, the HECC label shows that the helmet and eye and face protectors you purchase are certified for use—for 6 ½ years.

What helmet can I use for a track day? ›

You will require an ACU approved full face helmet (not off-road style motorcycle helmets).

A helmet with a lower score offers better protection. STAR scores are assigned a number of stars to categorize impact performance. The number of stars varies between 1-5, with 5 stars being the best.

Race Helmet – Every competitor will need a SNELL or FIA verified and approved helmet, which is always checked by a scrutineer at every race meeting you compete in. Any helmet bought from new can be used for 10 years from when they were first hom*ologated.

As mentioned, helmet ratings Snell are updated every five years and expire 12 years from the Snell Year. With the latest being 2020's SA2020 (SA for cars, M for motorcycles), helmet, which will expire on January 1st, 2032.

The helmet number is the small piece of paper on the front of the race number. This piece of paper is actually a sticker. You will need to peel the sticker off of its protective paper and place it on the front of your helmet.

Start with helmets: They're important for sports and activities such as football, hockey, baseball, softball, biking, lacrosse, horseback riding, skateboarding, inline skating, skiing, and snowboarding — to name just a few. Helmets reduce the risk of head injuries 75%–85%.

A major difference between DOT and ECE certification is that while DOT simulates two impacts in the same location on the helmet, ECE does this only once. However, it is generally accepted that a DOT certified helmet would pass the ECE test, and vice versa.

In the USA they have their own certification, the DOT approval. DOT stands for Department of Transportation and it is run by the government. ECE approved helmets and generally also DOT approved, this doesn't always work both ways however.

The DOT certification is mandatory for all helmets sold in the US, and it is considered the minimum safety standard for helmets. The Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) is an international organization that sets safety standards for motorcycle helmets sold in most of the European countries.

A DOT sticker signifies that the helmet meets necessary U.S. safety requirements. ECE (Economic Commission for Europe): The ECE standard is more comprehensive, recognized in over 50 countries. It includes rigorous testing for impact absorption, strap integrity, and abrasion resistance.