SCCA Helmet Rules (just information)

[jeallen]

While doing tech at the NvS event in Huntsville, there were some questions about helmets.
I know what I told a couple of folks was incorrect, so I wanted to post up chapter and verse.

The latest Snell standard is 2010, so if I read this correctly, Snell 2000 and Snell 2005 helmets are still approved for use (95 is not).

4.3.1 Helmets
Helmets meeting the following standards must be worn while on course:
All helmets meeting the latest or two immediately preceding Snell
Foundation standards (SA2010, SAH2010, SA2005, SA2000, M2010,
M2005, M2000, K2010, K2005, K98), SFI standards 31.1, 41.1, 31.1A,
31.2A, 41.1A, 41.2A or British spec BS6658-85 type A/FR are accept-able.

Formula Junior drivers must use helmets meeting the above, SFI 24.1
(Youth Helmets), Snell CMR2007 (Children’s Motorsports Restricted),
or Snell CMS2007 (Children’s Motorsports Standard) specifications.
For maximum protection, helmets must fit securely and should provide
adequate peripheral vision. The chin strap must be securely fastened.

[TouringBubble]

That is correct. Current and two preceding. Basically, you have a 15 year window in most cases.

[jeallen]

Found this graphic, note SA rated is automotive, M rated (motorcycle) is also approved for autocross. The Snell Sticker is ALWAYS found in the helmets interior on the foam shell (not in/on the soft padding). While all Snell helmets are DOT approved, there are lots of DOT approved helmets that are not SNELL approved.





The date refers to a published standard (which changed significantly in 2010). Older helmets are not necessarily bad, but as standards have gotten tougher and technology improved, older helmets have been dropped from SCCA's list.

[jeallen]

There were some questions recently about approved helmets. Thought it might be a good idea to bump this for exposure.

[rodhx]

And the Snell 2015 standard goes into affect ~November this year, which means anyone with a SA2000 or M2000 helmet needs to put a new one on their Christmas list.

If any of our new folks who have never purchased a helmet are reading this, the sweet spot is usually the prior certification once the new ones come out. In other words, when the Snell 2015s hit the market the 2010s will be discounted yet still good for 10 years. If you're patient and shop around it is pretty easy to find a new helmet under $75 and then you won't have to hot swap a loaner. If you find a really good deal on a 2005 certification helmet it is still good for 5 years.

Several of the club's loaner helmets will expire this year and we are investigating replacements.