"Standards Enforcement Program for FMVSS No. 218, "Motorcycle Helmets"

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an operating administration of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), and its mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce economic costs associated with motor vehicle crashes.  As part of its mission to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes, NHTSA promulgates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).  Manufacturers of motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment are required to certify that each product they sell in the United States meets the requirements of all applicable safety standards.  NHTSA’s Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) is charged with determining whether manufacturers meet the applicable safety standards.  This contract effort will enable the agency to meet its mission by assuring that motor vehicles meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 218, Motorcycle Helmets.

FMVSS No. 218 establishes minimum performance requirements for helmets designed for use by motorcyclists and other motor vehicle users.  The purpose of FMVSS No. 218 is to reduce deaths and injuries to motorcyclists and other motor vehicle users resulting from head impacts. The requirements for compliance testing of motorcycle helmets include testing such components to the load test requirements of FMVSS No. 218 as specified in TP-218-07.