Interpretation ID: aiam2086
Office of Standards Enforcement;
SUBJECT: Certification of Universal Size Motorcycle Helmets You have asked whether a universal motorcycle helmet must b permanently labelled with the DOT label to certify compliance with FMVSS No. 218. As I understand it, these helmets are readily adjustable and can be made to fit the size C headform by means of filler material supplied by the manufacturer for the purpose of allowing such adjustment. Accordingly, they are required to comply with the standard.; The requirements of the standard apply to helmets that fit headfor size C. It is my interpretation that the term 'fit' includes the case where by means of an adjusting mechanism supplied by the manufacturer for the purpose of permitting adjustment to headform size C, *inter* *alia*, the helmet can readily be made to fit headform size C. You should, in testing the helmets for compliance purposes, follow the manufacturer's suggested procedures for fitting the helmet to the size C headform and then proceed as with any other helmet. When other headforms become available, a helmet will be required to pass the requirements for all sizes that it fits.; Frank Berndt, Acting Chief Counsel