Motorcycle Helmets and Laws

A proper motorcycle helmet has two principal protective components: a thin, hard, outer shell typically made from polycarbonate plastic, fiberglass, or Kevlar and a soft, thick, inner liner usually made of expanded polystyrene or polypropylene "EPS" foam.

The purpose of the hard outer shell is:
1.to prevent penetration of the helmet by a pointed object that might otherwise puncture the skull, and
2.to provide structure to the inner liner so it does not disintegrate upon abrasive contact with pavement. This is important because the foams used have very little resistance to penetration and abrasion.

The purpose of the foam liner is to crush during an impact, thereby increasing the distance and period of time over which the head stops and reducing its deceleration.

"Full Face" helmets offer extra protection with the chin guard.

When you shop for your motorcycle helmet, be sure you are able to speak with someone knowledgeable and trained in proper helmet fitment. A helmet that doesn't fit you properly isn't going to protect you as it should if and when you need it.
The helmet should fit snuggly without having to force it down on your head.
With the chin strap cinched under your chin, you should NOT be able to grab the back of the helmet and roll it off your head.
It should not obstruct your vision in any way.
You should not be able to stick your finger between your forehead and the inside of the helmet.
An experienced salesperson is your best friend when buying a helmet. They are concerned with your safety more than the "look".

This is the style most pictured when someone talks about motorcycle helmets.
They usually have snaps along the front to attach visors (like the picture), or face shields.

Some riders prefer the very small helmet that is referred to as a "skid lid'. Many do this because they live where a motorcycle helmet is mandatory and they are just doing whatever is necessary to comply with the laws.
But more often than not, these helmets offer NO protection and some don't even have foam or padding inside.

Most likely you won't find any DOT certification on these helmets and they are not really a legal helmet.

Laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear a helmet are in place in 20 states and the District of Columbia.

Laws requiring only some motorcyclists to wear a helmet are in place in 27 states.

There is no motorcycle helmet use law in 3 states (Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire)