Motorcycle Helmet Safety Ratings: DOT, ECE & CCC explained by KingsMotorcycleFairings.com

Motorcycle helmets help cover and protect the riders' head and face from possible injuries by 69% making it the most important piece of safety gear for all motorcycle riders to wear. However, not all helmets are made the same or hold up to the same safety values. Our team at KingsMotorcycleFairings.com will go over the most common motorcycle helmet safety ratings to look for when purchasing your next helmet.

DOT Helmet Certification - FMVSS No. 218 safety compliance testing for motorcycle helmets

DOT or U.S Department of Transportation follows the regulations from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS). If you reside in the U.S and are on the search for a new motorcycle helmet online or in store you’ll certainly want to check if it is DOT certified; meaning that the specific helmet model has gone through the DOT testing and is following the standard regulations set by the U.S. FMVSS to ensure it’s safety. Pro tip: DOT standard focuses on skull safety, collision absorption tests and helmet punctures for the riders, while the face and chin are not under consideration of these standards.

ECE - 22.05 Helmet Standard

The ECE 22.05 or Economic Commission For Europe certification comes from the United Nations agreement from 1958. The ECE standard and regulations are very similar to the DOT standards in regards to skull and impact resistance protection. However, the ECE regulations are a little more rigorous, covering the safety of the rider's chin strap buckle, chin strap tension failure, puncture test, the visor, the helmet's abrasion resistance and the shell deformation. Making the ECE standard considerably more safe. Lastly, it’s always a plus if the helmet you purchase is certified by multiple standards to ensure enhanced safety measures!

CCC Helmet Certification

The CCC or China Compulsory Certification is a compulsory safety mark for many imported/exported China originated helmet products. Much like DOT and ECE, China requires all helmet models to go through rigorous safety testing and to be certified before being sold to riders regardless of their location. The CCC tests are extensive like ECE and the testing includes; skull safety, helmet structure, impact resistance, visor protection, puncture tests and overall comfort. 

Despite our KingsMotorcycleFarings.com team describing the DOT, ECE and CCC helmet safety standards above, Motorcycle certifications can still become complex or confusing when shopping for the perfect motorcycle helmet, especially if you are new to riding. Remember that just because a helmet is certified by one specific classification, does not mean it meets the same safety standards as other certifications. Motorcycle helmets save lives, so it is vital for you and your passenger to always be wearing a helmet when riding and to know if the helmet you purchased will ensure your safety!

The team here at KingsMotorcycleFairings.com wishes that you found this article helpful. If you have extra time, we’d love for you to visit our online store for the largest selection of quality Motorcycle Helmets, Fairing Kits, Boots, Goggles, Backpacks & Accessories!