Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
NHTSA Updates Rules for Motorcycle Helmets
New NHTSA Motorcycle Helmet Requirements
According to Motorcycle USA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially published a Final Rule that will modify the current legal labeling requirements for motorcycle helmets.
While the Rule does not go into effect until May 13, 2013, these changes will greatly help law enforcement agencies and bikers across the U.S. to recognize certified and uncertified helmets.
Preventing Fake Certification Labels for Helmets
The changes will also make it that much harder for those who want to make fake certification labels for helmets. Additionally, the modifications will help officials enforce a given Massachusetts helmet laws and ensure that those who wear a helmet while biking are wearing the right one.
The new labeling rules would require the brand name to be clearly indicated on the helmet, along with "Certified" and other distinct lettering approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in specific areas on the helmet in order to deter any tampering of the helmet.
There will also be additional changes made to attenuation testing, which will allow for an increased tolerance in areas of impact on the helmet itself.
NHTSA is also clarifying the requirements for helmet conditioning by giving set temperature ranges and more defined time measurements for the conditioning process. Once it's in effect, the Final Rule would allow helmet conditioning to occur 4-24 hours before testing is scheduled.
Have You Been in a Motorcycle Accident in Boston?
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident because of a reckless driver, call a Massachusetts motorcycle accidents attorney with Kiley Law Group for a free case evaluation at (888) 208-1695.
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