Motorcycle Helmet Compliance Labels in the U.S.

Motorcycle helmets are classified as traffic safety protective equipment and must comply with international and regional mandatory technical standards before entering the market. Selling compliant products is not only a legal requirement but also an essential measure to ensure consumer safety and maintain marketplace integrity.

As a seller, you must ensure that motorcycle helmets sold in the U.S. market comply with all relevant U.S. regulatory requirements.

This article references the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 218)and provides examples of compliant motorcycle helmet labeling to help sellers understand the compliance information required for such products.

> Note:The content below is for reference only and does notconstitute the complete compliance requirements for motorcycle helmets.

Please ensure that all labels, user manuals, and related materials accompanying your product are clear, complete, and easy to understand.

If you have any questions about the examples provided, consult your legal advisor.

Compliance Requirements

1. Product Information Label

Display Requirements:

The label must be permanent, legible, and readable without removing any partsof the helmet.

Content should include (but is not limited to):

- Manufacturer name

- Size (in inches or centimeters, with allowable tolerance)

- Date of manufacture (e.g., “June 2010” or “6/10”)

- Instructional information (examples):

- The shell and liner are made of XX material.

- Certain substances may cause damage → Use only recommended cleaners/paints/adhesives.

- Do not modify; always fasten securely.

- After a severe impact → Send for inspection or replace.

- Additional safety information may be provided via supplementary labels or manuals.

2. Certification Label (DOT Label)

Each helmet must bear a permanent and legible certification label, separate from the product information label.

This certification label must comply with the following content, format, and layoutrequirements, arranged from top to bottom:

- Manufacturer/Brand (minimum letter height: 0.09 inches)

- Model Name (minimum letter height: 0.09 inches)

- “DOT” symbol (minimum letter height: 0.38 inches)

- “FMVSS No. 218” (minimum letter height: 0.09 inches)

- “CERTIFIED” (minimum letter height: 0.09 inches)

Additional Notes:

- The label must have high contrast(letters and background in contrasting colors).

- No additional informationmay be added to this label.

- The label must be affixed to the outer shellof the helmet, with the centerline of “DOT” located 2.5–7.6 cm above the lower rear edge.

Special Reminders

- U.S. motorcycle helmet compliance labels = Product Information Label + DOT Certification Label— both are mandatory.

- Do notuse CE, ukca, fcc, or other certification marks unless the corresponding certification has actually been obtained.

- Physical labels must match the qualification documents and real product images.