Using a non UK spec helmet in the UK. What could happen?

[petemell]

I am thinking of buying a Simpson Fury crash helmet. These are only on sale in USA and they can be bought mail order for about $350 including postage.

But does anybody know what the implications could be of using an helmet with no BS mark on the visor or sticker on the helmet? It is fully road legal in America and is carbon, kevlar, fibreglass in comes in black, white or grey.

It would only cost just over £200 including import duty, they are a bargain, and it doesn't look much different to any other helmet to me. Does anybody know if you can get them DOT inspected to make them propper legal.

Or is it just like noisy exhausts, mini indicators and loony lights, everyone uses them but they shouldn't.

[.Chris.]

I'm not sure if it would even be illegal. IIRC there's something in the regs to the effect that if the helmet by nature of its design, construction, materials and so on, could reasonably be expected to provide a similar level of protection to one with BS or ECE approval then you're OK. That lid would most likely fall into that category, especially given that it's got American approval.

In any case even if you did get caught and fined it would only be £30 - the same as for having no helmet at all.
____________________
Chris
1985 Kawasaki Z550F

[Kickstart]

Hi

Suspect that technically it would be the same offence as not wearing a helmet at all. And some chance of being done for the visor as well.

That said I used an Aus spec helmet on the road for several years.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[.Chris.]

Found this on the Department for Transport website:

[lllN30lll]

can I ask why you want to buy that model? just looks like most other helmets I see, if it's for the name then could you not buy an Arai etc. and use some genuine Simpson decals on it.

I've not been pulled with my 2 yet, cops have seen them but never said anything, they both have gold ACU badges on the back, a shop gave me 2 to put on them ( I tell a lie, I knicked a book of them )

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/lllN30lll/29072008350.jpg
____________________
Turbo R1
CRF450R

[iooi]

I bet the police would not even notice the lid. Only time it might come into play would be if you had a accident, and you recived head injuries. If the other parties ins co looked into it it could affect you payout.
____________________
Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[petemell]

[Ghost]

LOL at:

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

You'd be very unlucky to encounter problems on the road. You wouldn't be able to use it on a track.

Bear in mind that your insurance may pay out less for any head injuries you sustained in an accident and the helmet was found to not be of UK spec.
____________________
My Flickr

[Kal]

[Finglonga]

Good luck if it doesn't fit with sending it back.
____________________
Andy Sez....
F.Y.Y.F.F.

[petemell]

[D O G]