You’ll find different types of helmets in the market, but all of them aren’t street legal. There are only a few helmets that you’re allowed to use while riding on a street.
However, riders are confused about whether off-road helmets can be used on the public streets or not. So many of you, especially those who newly got a driving license, ask me often whether they can wear a dirt bike helmet on the street or not.
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Can You Wear A Dirt Bike Helmet On The Street?
Wearing a dirt bike helmet on the street is legal, and at the same time, it can be illegal also. If the dirt bike helmets get DOT or with some other standard stickers, that means it’s legal for wearing on the roads. A low-quality dirt bike helmet that does not have any permission sticker is completely illegal for the streets. However, wearing a dirt bike helmet on the street is never recommended.
In this article, I am going to provide you with various information about wearing dirt bike helmets while riding on the streets. Then, by reading this entire article, you’ll know how to identify a DOT-certified dirt bike helmet. And in the end, I reveal my opinion about it.
Anyway, if you don’t want to face any police cases due to wearing the wrong helmet on the road, consider finishing this article:
How To Identify A DOT Certified Dirt Bike Helmet In The USA?
A dirt bike helmet must be approved by the ‘Department of Transportation’ (DOT) for wearing on the street in the USA. DOT will mark your dirt bike helmet with a sticker as permission for street wearing. This sticker is positioned on the back of the helmet, and it makes your dirt bike helmet legal for wearing on the street riding.
It’s good news that nowadays, you can purchase DOT certified dirt bike helmets directly from the market. These helmets are legal for street riding. However, at the same time, you’ll find some dirt bike helmets in the market that are actually not approved by the DOT.
The task of identifying a DOT-approved dirt bike helmet is a bit confusing. Don’t be worry here I tell you about the format that will help you to identify an actual DOT certified dirt bike helmet in the USA:
- Name Of Manufacturer.
- Model Number.
- Sign Of DOT Approvals.
- FMVSS No. 218 Certified.
You’ll find all this information within the sticker’ borders of the emblem. The word ‘certified’ is positioned in the center below the text of ‘FMVSS No. 218.’ Those helmets are made after 2013, they all follow this format.
If the helmet is manufactured before 2013, you can’t verify its authenticity on the basis of this format. In that case, make sure that the helmet is made by a trusty manufacturer. For example, Aria, Fox, etc., are well-known brands that make DOT-approved dirt bike helmets.
Do A Dirt Bike Helmet Recommended For Street Riding?
The owner of https://honestriders.com says,” riders can ride dirt bikes in private properties, sea beaches, neighborhoods, specific trails, and other off-road. Without any special permission, you can’t ride dirt bikes on a public street, road, or highway.”
Basically, people ride dirt bikes as their hobby. It has a gentle speed that makes the ride more enjoyable. Generally, riders don’t face any tough challenges while riding a dirt bike on the off-roads.
On the other hand, street bikes are completely different from dirt bikes. Riders ride them on the public streets, roads, and highways. Street bikes are able to provide more incredible speed while riding.
For these reasons, both dirt bike and street bike helmets are separately designed. There are lots of differences between them. You can read this article to know the fundamental differences between a dirt bike helmet and a street bike helmet.
Well, it’s time to reveal my opinion. Personally, I don’t recommend anyone to wear a dirt bike helmet while riding on the street. Here I list some points with a short explanation about why I don’t recommend a dirt bike helmet for street riding:
Specifically Designed For The Off-roads Riding
Dirt bikes and street bikes are ridden on entirely different tracks. Street bikes ride on the plain and level roads, while dirt bikes are ridden on bumpy surfaces.
That’s why dirt bike helmets are specifically designed and made for off-road riding. This type of helmet is built in such a way that it can easily cope up with the bumps of the street.
Less Protective
Honestly speaking, dirt bike helmets have a very average protection capability. In contrast, street bike helmets come in the market with developed protection capability. Street riders face more risk of severe accidents than off-road riders.
When you’re going to ride on the off-roads, an average quality, less protective helmet can ensure your proper safety. But street riding these helmets is not solid enough to protect your heads and face from an accident.
Though dirt bike helmets are more comfortable to wear, they are only capable of preventing the dust that comes flying towards the riders’ faces or eyes. On the other side, street bike helmets have the capability to provide better wind and noise protection during riding.
Not For The Speedy Riding
As usual, riders ride their bikes at an extreme speed. Unfortunately, when you ride your bike for more than 70-80 kph, then your dirt bike helmet starts shifting on your head. As a result, you feel discomfort. Therefore, you wear a dirt bike only when you ride at below 50 kph speed.
Grips And Padding Are Not Up To The Mark
Dirt bike helmets have less padding, and these pads are too soft. On the other hand, street bike helmets have come with good grips and firm padding. The soft pads give comfort, and the firm pads are protective. When you ride on the streets, you require more protection than comfort.
Final Words
You already know that I don’t recommend wearing a dirt bike helmet on the street. Still, you can wear it at your own risk. But make sure that your dirt bike helmet is approved by the DOT. All the best for your riding.
