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What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 5:46 pm
by daves
Hi,

Do any of our police experienced members know what the penalty would likely be if pulled up for wearing a non uk\ EU approved helmet, for example a DOT one?

Cheers

Dave

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 6:32 pm
by milleplod
AFAIK, its still a non-endorsable ticket at the roadside......£50 these days? I've been retired a while now!.....but no doubt if you were reported and went to court, the fine would be one of those dreaded linked-to-your-income ones! The offence always used to be 'not wearing a helmet' if it was a non-approved one (Simpson Bandits spring to mind). Realistically, unless you're wearing one of those ridiculous pseudo-Wehrmacht things, or anything else that stands out like a sore thumb, the chances of being caught will be about zilch, I would think - we never went around checking normal-looking helmets, the lads I know who are still in the job don't either.

Pete

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 6:39 pm
by Herb
But....if you had an accident wearing a non approved helmet, would there be implications? Reduced insurance payout for head injures for example, or limiting the claim for reduced visibility (Simpson bandit type helmets)?

I don't know, but being the law abiding type I am, I wouldn't risk it anymore.

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 9:32 pm
by andy griff
Frankly, I'd be amazed if an insurance company had the nous to tell the difference. Also, I have never heard of a company asking to inspect gear post crash.

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 11:09 pm
by fontana
andy griff wrote:Frankly, I'd be amazed if an insurance company had the nous to tell the difference. Also, I have never heard of a company asking to inspect gear post crash.
dont you believe that for a second.
if the incident is serious enough, the insurance company will go through every legal requirement related to clothing and bike with a fine tooth comb and theyll have experts carrying out the investigation
they will be looking for any way possible of reducing payment.
just because you have never heard of an insurer inspecting helmets, dont assume it never happens.
it does if the potential claim is serious enough ^ ie fatal or life changing.

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 11:26 pm
by boxerscott
fontana wrote:
andy griff wrote:Frankly, I'd be amazed if an insurance company had the nous to tell the difference. Also, I have never heard of a company asking to inspect gear post crash.
dont you believe that for a second.
if the incident is serious enough, the insurance company will go through every legal requirement related to clothing and bike with a fine tooth comb and theyll have experts carrying out the investigation
they will be looking for any way possible of reducing payment.
just because you have never heard of an insurer inspecting helmets, dont assume it never happens.
it does if the potential claim is serious enough ^ ie fatal or life changing.
Forensically speaking I doubt very much that anyone would be too enthusiastic to inspect a strangers Helmet. :wink:

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 8:50 am
by ianbcr
What about one of those German war helmets would go good with the bcr

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 9:18 am
by milleplod
ianbcr wrote:What about one of those German war helmets would go good with the bcr
Preferably with horns on. :D

Pete

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 6:06 pm
by daves
Thanks for the advice guys, looks like it will have to go back. My missus bought be an open face lid as a bit of an impulse buy - didn't think it wouldn't be UK legal and only realised when I got home. It's a Biltwell lid, DOT approved only. Nicely made too. Shame to have to take it back as much for her as me. Pretty annoyed at the shop selling it TBH.

Cheers

Dave

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 6:59 pm
by Herb
Biktwell crash helmets are readily available in the U.K. None of the retailers I have looked at advertise as 'not for road use' or similar. It's not on really

Edited. Moto central sell them as not for road use, although clearly they sell them knowing they will be used on the road. That's pretty shady in my book. I might have a word with them next time I am in there. Not that it will help!

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 8:14 pm
by dave the german
it used to be something like "if they offered a similar level or exceeded the level protection afforded by BS blah blah" but health and safety has gone bonkers. used to be loads up and down Westgate Road with the old Simpson Starwars lids but as Al Murray says "different times"

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 5:18 am
by Neil178
I wouldn't worry too much about the EU approval so much now ...

Re: What's the penalty - non approved helmet?

Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 8:59 am
by The Teutonic Tangerine
You could always "invest" in one of these puppies and see if you get pulled over.

http://www.banggood.com/Motorcycle-Anti ... mds=search