Dragon-n-DOT-Helmets...

[skuuter]

Just a "heads-up" about ridin' "The Dragon" and Hwy 28 this year at the TRIKE TALK RALLY IN THE VALLEY V...They have added "DOT Approved Hemet Violations" to the Inspections and Violations They are ticketing for. "Worse" if They inspect an Open Face Hemet that has had a "DOT Sticker" added to it. Just thought I would add this here "just in case" for some of You.....ThumbUp

 

[10rhrk]

I can understand why they are cracking down, it's crazy up there! We were riding it last Friday with Annette's friend from Canada. It wasn't so bad then, but go on a weekend, it's a zoo! Lot's of rider's are getting hurt. Last summer when my voltage regulator went out on my RK, The tow truck driver towed me over the Dragon to Smokey mtn HD. You wouldn't believe the stories he told me going over. Almost every curve had a story about someone wrecking.
I think Harley rider's are the worst offender's when it comes to non dot helmet's. Gotta have the cool factor.

 

[skuuter]

North Carolina and Tennessee State Troopers working both sides (129 and 28) last Saturday, along with Blount County, Tennessee.....ThumbUp

 

[lzski326]

Skuuter, what did you mean with the "Open Face Hemet that has had a "DOT Sticker" added to it". <br />
I wear a cheap half helmet, so maybe I will be in trouble.<br />
Larry

 

[skuuter]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>lzski326</strong>
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<div class="message">Skuuter, what did you mean with the "Open Face Hemet that has had a "DOT Sticker" added to it". <br />
I wear a cheap half helmet, so maybe I will be in trouble.<br />
Larry</div>

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</div>They expect to see the DOT Approved Sticker, complete with the Model Licensing Number, and all of it under the Helmets Gel/Clear Coat, not simply stuck on the outside. Lotsa' Folks have made, or buy over the Internet, simple, counterfeit "DOT Approved" Stickers. Better to get caught with a Non-DOT Version, than with a "Homemade Replica"...Both North Carolina and Tennessee have Helmet Laws that specifically state "DOT Approved Hemets Mandatory"...We were up on 129 (Dragon) and 28 last Saturday...North Carolina and Tennessee State Troopers patroling along with Blount County, Tennessee Deputies.....<img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" />

 

[skuuter]

Please don't try to turn this Thread into a "Pros and Cons of DOT Helmets" Thread. I posted this solely for the INFO for Our Members attending the RALLY. There are Other Threads here on TRIKE TALK that discuss the Safety, Politics, etc. of DOT Helmets, and States requiring Their useage....THANKS, skuuter.....ThumbUp

 

[Blondie Gal]

Skuut, what exactly do you mean by 'open face' helmet? John & I have exactly the same Scorpion helmets, but I have the 'transformer' part (with face shield and lower jaw) on; his is open - is his not to their standards?

 

[Paul_Trike]

If your helmet came with the DOT sticker you should be good to go. I think he is saying that some people will but copy cat logos on the back of non-compliant helmets. <br />
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In this case they are checking inside the helmet as well to insure it is a true DOT compliant helmet.

 

[skuuter]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Paul_Trike</strong>
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<div class="message">If your helmet came with the DOT sticker you should be good to go. I think he is saying that some people will but copy cat logos on the back of non-compliant helmets. <br />
<br />
In this case they are checking inside the helmet as well to insure it is a true DOT compliant helmet.</div>

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</div>Yes.....<img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" />.....Some of the Half Shell (open at Your ears) and the 3/4 (sides covering Your ears) Open Face Helmets (open face meaning no mouth/lower jaw coverage, solid or modular flip-up type) must be Officially DOT Certified. They don't bother with Full Coverage Types because They're all DOT-Spec. Here is what They're looking for.....<br />
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<img src="http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh125/skuutertrash/DOTCertification001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<br />
This is on my Smallest, Lightest Open Face Helmet. Bad Enough ($$$) to get caught with a Non-DOT Helmet, but a DOT sticker added to one, or a non-motorcycle Helmet such as a Bicycle, Kayak, etc. type can get You in really serious trouble. "Hopefully" by June, the Law Enforcement has gotten to be less, and Your odds of being stopped has gotten better, but there have been citations and impounds happening lately. Two of my Personal Friends were ticketed 2 weeks ago for non-DOT Helmets. This Law was always enforceable, but generally skipped over.

Today's Economy has the States/Cities/Counties collecting every dollar They can though.....<img src="images/smilies/cool.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Cool" class="inlineimg" />

 

[keepinon]

Been severely claustrophobic all my life, just cannot put on a full face helmet. I've worn an old Bell 1/2 helmet for 10 years, it is high enough that it doesn't bother me.

I've recently purchased an HJC CS-2N half helmet that's ok (after I removed the "ear muffs") and an HJC CS-5N 3/4 helmet.. I am trying to adjust.. a little at a time. I *need* the 3/4 for bluetooth phone use. Being on call and not being able to hear a phone severely limits my weekend riding.

But, point is, all of these helmets have the old style egg-shape DOT stickers on the rear. It is not under a clear coat. The old black Bell might get me looked at, but the sewn-in tag is still inside & legible, of course the newer ones have the same, but are white so look nothing like the "novelty" types.

Thanks for the info, guess I'll "cross that bridge" when I get to it. But having dealt with Tennessee's finest before, I have no doubt they'll check.

 

[skuuter]

Best way is to just not have "ANYTHING" that is noticably small...We watched a Rider on a Late Model Indian get pulled over by a Tennessee Highway Patrol Officer because of His Passenger's "Beanie" Helmet yesterday. He pulled Them over into the Parking Lot of a Store we were taking a "Water Break" at.......

Notice Helmet on Right Handlebar, as They sit waiting for another Helmet to arrive.....

This was Her Helmet...it is what You don't want to get caught with...Yes, You can "roll the dice", and "most" don't get caught or stopped, but "if You do"..........

 

[Memnoch451]

I guess that all would come to an end if there was no helmet law in the state?<br />
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Just a thought.. In some states there are Front Plate requirements... and in some states there are not. If I come from a Non Helmet state why is it that I have to wear a helmet in a helmet state?? Shouldn't your states helmet laws go with you just like your states other Vehicular laws?<br />
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Mind you I'm a Helmet person but, not a ticket or red tape person!

 

[skuuter]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Memnoch451</strong>
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<div class="message">I guess that all would come to an end if there was no helmet law in the state?<br />
<br />
Just a thought.. In some states there are Front Plate requirements... and in some states there are not. If I come from a Non Helmet state why is it that I have to wear a helmet in a helmet state?? Shouldn't your states helmet laws go with you just like your states other Vehicular laws?<br />
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Mind you I'm a Helmet person but, not a ticket or red tape person!</div>

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</div>My Thinking also...."but".....I've been ticketed in North Carolina for no Trailer Tag on a Race Car Trailer (Tennessee didn't require it) in years past. Apparently the Various State DOTs think You should check that State's Laws that You feel might apply to You before entering that State, and adhere to Them. Got several North Carolina Ruckus Scooter Buddies that were ticketed by Park Rangers for no Tags in the Smokies Park...50cc and under are not required to have Them in North Carolina...<b>"TOUGH ECONOMY-SOURCE OF MORE REVENUE"</b>.....<img src="images/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg" />

 

[Memnoch451]

My Thinking also...."but".....I've been ticketed in North Carolina for no Trailer Tag on a Race Car Trailer (Tennessee didn't require it) in years past. Apparently the Various State DOTs think You should check that State's Laws that You feel might apply to You before entering that State, and adhere to Them. Got several North Carolina Ruckus Scooter Buddies that were ticketed by Park Rangers for no Tags in the Smokies Park...50cc and under are not required to have Them in North Carolina..."TOUGH ECONOMY-SOURCE OF MORE REVENUE".....

BOO HISSS.. DAMN THE MAN!!!!!

 

[Ozarkryder]

OK-if the helmet has the DOT sticker on the back and the official sewn-in warning tag on the inside all should be OK, no matter if it is a full-face, modular, 3/4 or half.
We be OK on that.
I have heard that some have been pulled over on the Tennessee side with GPS units, as you can't have a TV or DVD in sight of the driver, and they were stretching it to call a GPS a "screen". Anything to this?

 

[skuuter]

OK-if the helmet has the DOT sticker on the back and the official sewn-in warning tag on the inside all should be OK, no matter if it is a full-face, modular, 3/4 or half.
We be OK on that.
I have heard that some have been pulled over on the Tennessee side with GPS units, as you can't have a TV or DVD in sight of the driver, and they were stretching it to call a GPS a "screen". Anything to this?

Yep, should be OK....Never heard of Anyone personally being pulled for a GPS...mine is "usually" in plain sight all the time, even at License Check Points...never had it mentioned, but don't think "They" could ever enforce something like that though.....ThumbUp

 

[Shimpy]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>skuuter</strong>
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<div class="message">Yep, should be OK....Never heard of Anyone personally being pulled for a GPS...mine is "usually" in plain sight all the time, even at License Check Points...never had it mentioned, but don't think "They" could ever enforce something like that though.....<img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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</div>Pulled for a GPS? Honda built mine in and they wouldn't if it was illegal, and there is nothing I can do about it except turn it off.

 

[GARYD]

Wouldn't that apply to all cars too, since a lot of cars now have GPS units in them.
I can just see a LEO sitting and waiting for all the Luxury cars to drive by because I believe 100% of those have GPS screens.

 

[Russ 4053]

Tennessee Highway Patrol is conducting a drivers license checkpoint at Hwy 129 at Foothills Parkway from 10AM until noon on Friday 5/11/12. This is straight out of the Maryville/Alcoa Daily Times newspaper. I live in Blount County and the Highway Patrol and Blount County Sheriff Office will be patroling the Dragon very much during the riding season. Foothills Parkway is just about 2-3 miles from the Dragon on Hwy 129.