Anyone got pulled over for a helmet camera lately?

4751 Views 27 Replies 22 Participants Last post by NeverSatisfied, 5 mo ago

bittercold

Discussion Starter · 6 mo ago

I was considering getting one but stumbled into this legal gray area. You can't modify the helmet, but whether strapping a camera with some belts is a modification may vary on what the police feels like that day.

I found discussions and videos of that but they all seem to be years old, so perhaps it's accepted nowadays?
I'm in California.

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bittercold

Discussion Starter · #2 · 6 mo ago

Also has anyone tried this type of thing on their bikes?

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Nice that it has a rear camera, but the reviews are mixed.

PerazziMx14

· #3 · 6 mo ago

I don’t think sticking a camera on a helmet is considered modifying the helmet. No different than adding a communication devise or a reflective sticker.

Reactions: 5

Rolex

· #4 · 6 mo ago

Here down under there are rules as to how far the item can stick out from the helmet, if the cop is having a bad day we would be charged with not wearing a helmet because the helmet no longer complies.

The same goes for non-genuine visors.

kballowe

· #5 · 6 mo ago

No, but there's always that one guy that will get a ticket, and then whine incessantly about it.

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theayn

· #6 · 6 mo ago

Don't know about California, here in Ontario there is a requirement for the helmet to have a smooth outer shell; from our Highway Traffic Act:

1. A helmet worn by a person,
(a) riding on or operating a motorcycle; or
(b) operating a motor assisted bicycle,
on a highway shall,
(c) have a hard, smooth outer shell lined with protective padding material or fitted with other energy absorbing material and shall be strongly attached to a strap designed to be fastened under the chin of the wearer; and
(d) be undamaged from use or misuse. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 610, s. 1.

I can certainly see how adding anything to the outside of the helmet could be considered to be no longer a 'smooth outer shell' and thus be a violation. I've been through several spot checks where the communicator on the side of my helmet was clearly visible to the officer, nothing has ever been said about it. A couple of police officers I know have told me (not specifically about helmets) that they generally ignore small violations, and go after the more obvious ones. That might mean that a small communicator gets ignored, but a large camera gets ticketed. They've also told me about what they call 'bonus points'. Trivial things that you'll never get pulled over for, but if you get pulled over for something else and you're a jerk about it, you'll definitely get fined for it. Little things like having your license plate validation sticker in the wrong place. I can also see a helmet attachment falling into that category.

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Philbytx

· #7 · 6 mo ago

I like our Nolan helmets with the N-Com system designed into the helmet. Not cheap but very happy with it for a few years now.
I have dash cams in both our vehicles and considered a helmet cam but I will probably go with bike mounted equipment.

Motorpsychology

· #8 · 6 mo ago

theayn said:
Don't know about California, here in Ontario there is a requirement for the helmet to have a smooth outer shell; from our Highway Traffic Act:

1. A helmet worn by a person,
(a) riding on or operating a motorcycle; or
(b) operating a motor assisted bicycle,
on a highway shall,
(c) have a hard, smooth outer shell lined with protective padding material or fitted with other energy absorbing material and shall be strongly attached to a strap designed to be fastened under the chin of the wearer; and
(d) be undamaged from use or misuse. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 610, s. 1.

I can certainly see how adding anything to the outside of the helmet could be considered to be no longer a 'smooth outer shell' and thus be a violation. I've been through several spot checks where the communicator on the side of my helmet was clearly visible to the officer, nothing has ever been said about it. A couple of police officers I know have told me (not specifically about helmets) that they generally ignore small violations, and go after the more obvious ones. That might mean that a small communicator gets ignored, but a large camera gets ticketed. They've also told me about what they call 'bonus points'. Trivial things that you'll never get pulled over for, but if you get pulled over for something else and you're a jerk about it, you'll definitely get fined for it. Little things like having your license plate validation sticker in the wrong place. I can also see a helmet attachment falling into that category.

I interpret "hard, smooth outer shell" to mean a non-bycycle helmet. So, on a motorcycle or an e-bike you need to wear a motorcycle helmet. A camera strap-mounted on the helmet does not interfere with the integrity of the helmet unless there are holes drilled into the shell, in that case it's no longer smooth.

Reactions: 1

Oakwood

· #9 · 6 mo ago

Just move and don't go back. Problem solved.

Reactions: 1

stickerbush

· #10 · 6 mo ago

bittercold said:
Also has anyone tried this type of thing on their bikes?

Amazon.com: VSYSTO WiFi Motorcycle Dash Cam, 2 Inch Screen All Waterproof HD 1080P WDR SONY307 150° Wide Angle Fisheye Lens Front and Rear Camera, Night Vision, G-Sensor Loop Recording (Black-2Inch) : Electronics

Buy VSYSTO WiFi Motorcycle Dash Cam, 2 Inch Screen All Waterproof HD 1080P WDR SONY307 150° Wide Angle Fisheye Lens Front and Rear Camera, Night Vision, G-Sensor Loop Recording (Black-2Inch): On-Dash Cameras - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Nice that it has a rear camera, but the reviews are mixed.

I have a similar version of the VSYSTO dash cam, one that has no screen. It works fine, would be nice if it was higher resolution, my only complaint.

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: VSYSTO WiFi Motorcycle Dash Cam, Full Body Waterproof HD 1080P Front and Rear Sport Accident Proof Camera DVR for Motor Bike, Night Vision G-Sensor Loop Recording : Electronics

Amazon.com: VSYSTO WiFi Motorcycle Dash Cam, Full Body Waterproof HD 1080P Front and Rear Sport Accident Proof Camera DVR for Motor Bike, Night Vision G-Sensor Loop Recording : Electronics

www.amazon.com

StretchNM

· #11 · 6 mo ago

California has moved closer to UK-type BS laws than seemingly anywhere else in the U.S. An officer that uses a Go-Pro camera as Probable Cause to pull you over is actually looking for and hoping to find another violation. A "real" violation of law.

Reactions: 2

81Delorean

· #12 · 6 mo ago

stickerbush said:
I have a similar version of the VSYSTO dash cam, one that has no screen. It works fine, would be nice if it was higher resolution, my only complaint.

Amazon.com: VSYSTO WiFi Motorcycle Dash Cam, Full Body Waterproof HD 1080P Front and Rear Sport Accident Proof Camera DVR for Motor Bike, Night Vision G-Sensor Loop Recording : Electronics

Amazon.com: VSYSTO WiFi Motorcycle Dash Cam, Full Body Waterproof HD 1080P Front and Rear Sport Accident Proof Camera DVR for Motor Bike, Night Vision G-Sensor Loop Recording : Electronics

www.amazon.com

I was looking at getting a system like this also without the screen. I never look at my footage after a ride, mainly want it for evidence is something happens.
Never been a fan of helmet cams although I've never tried one. I know they don't weigh much but not sure I would want the extra weight hanging off the front of my helmet or wherever it's mounted and also don't know what it does to disturb the airflow around the helmet whether it creates more turbulence or would just increase airflow noise.

GoodDl

· #13 · 6 mo ago

Wow some people here are making a lot of assumptions about laws in CA. I live and ride in CA, and ALWAYS with my helmet cam on just in case a cager crashes into me.

My exhaust is loud and my blinkers are smaller non dot type too. Never had so much as a glance from law enforcement. My helmet also has a hi viz stripe attracting even more attention.

In CA it's not going to be a problem unless you have crap plastered all over your helmet, a cop really feels like being an ass that day, or you're riding somewhere you shouldn't be (private) or in a manner you shouldn't be.

Dado8

· #14 · 6 mo ago

Philbytx said:
I like our Nolan helmets with the N-Com system designed into the helmet. Not cheap but very happy with it for a few years now.
I have dash cams in both our vehicles and considered a helmet cam but I will probably go with bike mounted equipment.

phil keep in mind you will get much steadier video when the camera is mounted on you...some (most) bikes vibrate more at certain rpm's. Also with the helmet mounted camera you can pan left and right cca 180deg, depends on your neck flexibility

,and when standing up you'll get another angle which is nice, plus when you dismount you can film your bike as well, kind of like walkaround video.

Front and rear facing permanent bike mounted (traffic) camera setup, is also good for Insurance claims in case of accident.

Reactions: 1

V-Tom

· #15 · 6 mo ago

theayn said:
...
Trivial things that you'll never get pulled over for, but if you get pulled over for something else and you're a jerk about it, you'll definitely get fined for it. Little things like having your license plate validation sticker in the wrong place. I can also see a helmet attachment falling into that category.

I hear those referred to as "FU" tickets. give an officer attitude and expect several FU tickets.

..Tom

Reactions: 4

PlugnPlay

· #16 · 6 mo ago

GoodDl said:
Wow some people here are making a lot of assumptions about laws in CA. I live and ride in CA, and ALWAYS with my helmet cam on just in case a cager crashes into me.

My exhaust is loud and my blinkers are smaller non dot type too. Never had so much as a glance from law enforcement. My helmet also has a hi viz stripe attracting even more attention.

In CA it's not going to be a problem unless you have crap plastered all over your helmet, a cop really feels like being an ass that day, or you're riding somewhere you shouldn't be (private) or in a manner you shouldn't be.

This ^ +1 (also riding in CA)
Plus my GoPro mount is on the chin, so not as obvious
IMO local CA LE see something else about my riding (speed, style, bike type) LONG before noticing the cam.

Reactions: 1

Rolex

· #17 · 6 mo ago

The reason for not wanting anything attached to the helmet is because they believe the protrusion will cause extra damage to the occupant during a crash.

Something to think about when fitting anything to the helmet, getting caught breaking the law may be the least of your problems.

Reactions: 2

Dado8

· #18 · 6 mo ago

Rolex said:
The reason for not wanting anything attached to the helmet is because they believe the protrusion will cause extra damage to the occupant during a crash.

Something to think about when fitting anything to the helmet, getting caught breaking the law may be the least of your problems.

That's correct, and the problem is in the slide, those mounts may catch and twist your neck.

Just like wearing "regular or hiking shoes with rubber soles" instead of the motorcycle ones with sliders

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bittercold

Discussion Starter · #19 · 6 mo ago

Rolex said:
The reason for not wanting anything attached to the helmet is because they believe the protrusion will cause extra damage to the occupant during a crash.
Something to think about when fitting anything to the helmet, getting caught breaking the law may be the least of your problems.

That's an oversimplification. "Protrusion" is a term that can mean just about anything. A camera that would easily break off if extremely unlikely to cause any damage in that process, compared to, for example, flying into your windshield.
My main concern is having evidence of what happened, as I had my motorcycle and my car totaled by another person 100% at fault.

As far what "they believe" goes - apparently there are already helmets with built-in cameras, like this one:

Product

The Sena Momentum Pro is a full-face, smart motorcycle helmet that utilizes industry-leading Bluetooth technology for optimum rider communication, music and navigation. The Pro Helmet also features a built-in QHD action camera to easily capture photo and video recording of your ride with the...

www.sena.com

However, according to the law:

www.law.cornell.edu

49 CFR § 571.218 - Standard No. 218; Motorcycle helmets.

www.law.cornell.edu

www.law.cornell.edu

"Rigid projections outside any helmet's shell shall be limited to those required for operation of essential accessories, and shall not protrude more than 0.20 inch (5 mm). "

I'm pretty sure that camera is way over 5mm protrusion, and yet it is DOT approved, so those "beliefs" are clearly flexible.

Yeah, I know people attaching anything they want and claiming it's safe is a slippery slope, but times change, norms change, technology changes, and regulations might as well, but that's wandering off the original topic of the thread.

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oldjeep

· #20 · 6 mo ago

Well since they don't require helmets in MN - I doubt that they care if you mount a camera to one.

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