Tool
Helmet rating decoder
A helmet can carry several labels. Tick the ones you see and compare who issues them, how they are checked and what each test covers.
Short answer
DOT FMVSS 218 is the US federal standard and is required on helmets sold for street use. ECE 22.06 is the UN regulation, with lab approval and an oblique impact test. Snell M2020 is voluntary and private. A label means the model met that test when made; it does not promise how an injury turns out.
Tick the labels you see
This helmet carries the DOT label required for helmets sold for street use in the US.
DOT
US federal standard, enforced by NHTSA
The maker self-certifies and puts the DOT label on the helmet. NHTSA buys helmets and tests them for compliance.
- Impact absorptionYes
- Penetration testYes
- Strap retentionYes
- Oblique (rotational) impactNo
- Visor testsNo
- Approved accessory fitmentsNo
- Lab approval before saleNo
- Checks on production helmetsYes
- Meets the US street requirementYes
Required on every helmet sold for on-road use in the US.
ECE 22.06
UN regulation, type approval by an accredited lab
Lab approval plus batch testing, with impacts at more points and speeds, an oblique impact test and visor tests. Accessories such as intercom fitments are approved with the helmet.
- Impact absorptionYes
- Penetration testNo
- Strap retentionYes
- Oblique (rotational) impactYes
- Visor testsYes
- Approved accessory fitmentsYes
- Lab approval before saleYes
- Checks on production helmetsYes
- Meets the US street requirementNo
The label on the chin strap shows 22.06, or an approval number that begins with 06.
A label means the model met that standard's tests when it was made. It does not promise how any crash or injury turns out.
Where to find the labels
The DOT sticker sits on the back of the shell. The ECE label is usually sewn onto the chin strap and shows the approval number. Snell certification is a sticker inside the helmet, often under the comfort liner.
- 1DOT FMVSS 218 sticker on the back of the shell
- 2ECE 22.06 label sewn on the chin strap with the approval number
- 3Snell M2020 sticker inside the helmet, often under the comfort liner
A helmet can carry more than one label. For street use in the US, the DOT label is the required one.
Several labels on one helmet
A helmet can be certified to more than one standard. Many helmets sold in the US carry DOT and ECE 22.06, and some add Snell M2020D. Each label means the model met that standard's tests when it was made. None of them is a promise about injuries in a crash. For street riding in the US, the DOT label is the one the law requires. See fit, sizing and safety ratings for more.