If a bike helmet does not have DOT certification, it means that it has not been tested and certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States. The DOT certification is a safety standard specifically designed for motorcycle helmets and is not applicable to bicycle helmets.
DOT certification ensures that motorcycle helmets meet specific safety standards established by the DOT. These standards include criteria related to impact absorption, penetration resistance, retention system effectiveness, and peripheral vision requirements. Helmets that meet these standards receive a DOT certification label or sticker indicating their compliance.
In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets the safety standards for bicycle helmets. Therefore, a lack of DOT certification does not necessarily mean that a bike helmet is unsafe or inadequate. Instead, you should look for a CPSC certification label on a bicycle helmet to ensure that it meets the relevant safety standards for cycling.
It's crucial to wear a properly fitting and certified helmet when participating in activities like cycling or motorcycling to provide adequate protection in case of an accident or impact.