A DOT approved motorcycle helmet means that the helmet legally meets the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) set of standards created to ensure helmets provide an acceptable level of protection to the head of the wearer. DOT being the Department Of Transportation. FMVSS being the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

DOT approved motorcycle helmets are those that have met the safety standards set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States. In states with helmet laws, all helmets must be DOT certified.

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218 is issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is part of the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Thus, a “ DOT-approved ” motorcycle helmet meets this standard—and modern ones have a decal stating “ FMVSS No. 218.”

The DOT rating favors a shock-absorbent helmet and, indeed, current scientific research indicates that shock absorption is the best strategy for motorcycle safety. The DOT standard does not require chin bar testing. Thus, you will find that open face and half helmets are often DOT approved.