The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—the same agency recommending that all states adopt laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear federally approved helmets—is at it again. This time, the NHTSA has changed motorcycle helmet labeling rules to “help” consumers and law enforcement determine whether helmets have been approved by the Department of Transportation. The agency wants to crack down on counterfeit DOT stickers as well as reducing the use of non-compliant helmets. Starting on May 13, 2013, every approved helmet must sport a decal with the manufacturer’s name and/or brand name and the word “certified” placed horizontally under “FMVSS No. 218” lettering. The ruling also dictates where the decal must be placed on the helmet. Motorcycle rights organizations are investigating how helmets manufactured prior to May 13, 2013 will be addressed, including how law enforcement would be able to recognize when the helmet was made.
According to the NHTSA web site, “If you wish to submit a petition for reconsideration of this rule, your petition must be received by June 27, 2011.” Refer to Docket No. NHTSA-2011-0050 and send your petition to: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. The text of the ruling appears here: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-05-13/html/2011-11367.htm
We’d like to thank the Feds from trying to save us from ourselves once again.
