Reflectorized Helmets in Vermont

[DaveSlash5]

While checking the "Motorcycle Laws By State" section in the BMW Anonymous, I noted that Vermont requires "reflectorization". I checked the AMA website where I learned that the helmet is required to have four square inches of reflectors on the left and right sides. Is there any thing available that would look better (i.e. non-dorky) and work better than a 2x2 inch square of reflective tape? I have seen an ad for a "Halo Helmet Band". Does anyone know if it would qualify, and does it stay put if you are not behind a fairing? Thanks for any feedback.

[Burnszilla]

I had a Halo a few years back. After it stretched out, at high speeds it would come off and hang around your neck. I was on a naked bike. I reckon the Halo strip that is at least 1 inch thick and more than 4 inches long would qualify.

I now have this 3M Reflective Tape (http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Adhesive-3M-Solas-Grade-Reflective-p-16513.html) on my helmet. My helmet is silver so it kind of blends in.

[ROLAND]

I had a HALO for years, " worked fine ",,,, I haven't heard of anyone being pulled over for just that, but it is the Law.................

[Belquar]

I don't have a bmw shop near me but when I first started riding I had to reflectorize my helmet to pass NJ state inspection. The guy at the inspection station sent me down to the Harley shop down the street. Said they had all I would need. They sell three packs of colored reflective strips, about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long. I have a silver helmet and silver reflective strips. They sell all the colors you can think of so you can match your helmet and avoid the "dorky" thing.

I am sure you can find them online as well.

Brian

[tessler]

This reflectorization required stuff is new to me, but lo-and-behold, it all checks out: Indeed, not only is it required by VT, but by the two main places I love to ride: NJ and my own state of NY.

Just curious, but what, if any, are the penalties for non compliance? Has anyone ever been pulled-over by State Police and ticketed for this infraction?

[tuber1]

When all the biker's came to Sturgis the town was able to build a new Police Station. I wonder how the enforcement is going to be at the Rally ? :deal

Essex Junction, (where the Rally is), is a littl fussy about speed limits. There is alot of traffic on VT 15,at the main gate, and also at 5 points intersection, right up the road.

[Unregistered]

I have been riding in Vermont for 30 years (stopped for speeding once) and have never put reflectors on my helmet. the inspection sticker is for the bike, not the rider.

[100394]

I have been riding in Vermont for 30 years (stopped for speeding once) and have never put reflectors on my helmet. the inspection sticker is for the bike, not the rider.

This may be so, but NJ will not pass the bike unless the rider presenting the bike has reflectors on his helmet. The last time I took a bike to an inspection station, (not state employees, it's been outsourced), they had a vending machine with reflectors in it. :)

[GRANT63RT]

This reflectorization required stuff is new to me, but lo-and-behold, it all checks out: Indeed, not only is it required by VT, but by the two main places I love to ride: NJ and my own state of NY.

Just curious, but what, if any, are the penalties for non compliance? Has anyone ever been pulled-over by State Police and ticketed for this infraction?

I took the MSF course in '98. As a graduation present, we all recieved a 4" square reflective sticker for our helmets so we would be in compliance with the NYS law. Although it is the law, the instructors admitted they'd never heard of anyone being ticketed for not having one. I confess, I never did use it and don't plan to (I've got plenty of other reflective stuff on my gear). I can't imagine getting a ticket for that unless you did something else to piss off a trooper and he was just looking for ways to make your life miserable. In other words, I wouldn't worry too much about it if I was you. If anyone has gotten a ticket for this, I'd be curious to know the circumstances.

[HankPfister]

A lot of sign shops carry 3m reflective vinyl in lots of colors. If you can match your helmet color you could be creative cutting shapes from the vinyl and it would show up at night under headlights. I have bought reflective black vinyl and cut pieces to fit on the rear of my saddlebags. See you in Vermont!

[kioolt]

If you're really wanting to put some on your helmet look here.

http://reflectivedecals.com/

[Greengo]

I got some pretty nice looking reflectors from, I think Sierra BMW. They look similar to the graphic used on the BMW "The Ride Is On hat." You can get them in black or white. They look pretty cool and they do the job, and best of all, they're cheap...if anyone cares ;)

David Greenlees :bliss (This is my kinda guy)
119929
'96 R1100RT

[ROLAND]

Talk to Ted Hall he has the Reflective COW's............... That's what I have, but I'm from VT.................

[PAULBACH]

They are the best! Ted has a wide variety especially designed for ...



Ready?



MOOOOVers :dance

[iRene]

Talk to Ted Hall he has the Reflective COW's............... That's what I have, but I'm from VT.................

I also have the requisite herd of Heiffermeister Reflecting Cows circling the base of my helmet. No LEO there has ever said anything about this requirement to me or members of my party in my presence (any of the FEW times we desperately deserved more than the finger wagging we got...) Get 3M reflective at a safety products distributor, it IS a good idea regardless.

All jokes aside, Vermont has always had low-key, reasonable, and prudent enforcement, and that's part of why I spend lotsa time there riding.

[GSCookeMnster]

I've lived and rode in Vermont for 20 years and never knew about that regulation. Haven't been stopped for it and I doubt that LEO are going to stop you for it. They have much more important things to do. I wouldn't worry, just come on up and enjoy yourself.

Brian

[mike cousino]

Another motorcycle law that BMW riders should be aware of is: ;)

That your handlebars can NOT be more than 17" high.

[ryegatehermit]

Just remember, our deer are much larger than those white tail rabbits you have in NC. If you get up in the Northeast Kingdom, watch oit for moose

[jmerlino]

Another motorcycle law that BMW riders should be aware of is: ;)

That your handlebars can NOT be more than 17" high.
They make 'em like that? :stick

[DaveSlash5]

I want to thank everyone for their input. I will be picking up some form of reflective decal or sticker before heading to Vermont just to be safe.
I am normally a daylight rider which seems to lessens the safety issue of reflective items; while looking at riders yesterday I did note that in daylight BRIGHT colors show up much better than reflective material. And although my Roadcrafter has reflective strips, if I were out at night I would want all the conspicuity that I could get!
I tend not to ride much at night mainly because in this area of North Carolina the roads tend to "Deer Central" after the sun goes down. After talking it over with other riders in the area we seem to agree that those rude critters do not to notice reflective materials. Oh well, part of the problem when you live ten minutes off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Look for my reflectorized helmet in Essex Junction. Maybe those urban deer will notice it!

[mike cousino]

Look for my reflectorized helmet in Essex Junction. Maybe those urban deer will notice it!

I've heard of other states that have a similar law and once where a rider couldn't get his bike's safety inspection because he didn't have the required amount of reflection on his helmet.

I recall some years ago here in VT where a man was returning home on the interstate from a late shift. Apparently he hit a deer and went down. A car came along, the driver didn't see him and ran over him. I never heard which killed him, but since that time I've wondered if a reflective vest would've saved him.

[Unregistered]

I bought a Halo band for my wife's helmet a few years ago. It was fine the first season but, as another mentioned, the UV caused the elastic to wear out. The following season it was constantly falling off. The fact that it's on a curved shiny-smooth surface doesn't help matters either.

[Beemeup]

No trip to Vermont would be complete without reflective cow stickers,
when in Rome.............etc......

[bullit7801]

I bought a Halo band for my wife's helmet a few years ago. It was fine the first season but, as another mentioned, the UV caused the elastic to wear out. The following season it was constantly falling off. The fact that it's on a curved shiny-smooth surface doesn't help matters either.I had the same problem with a Halo even when new. Solution: double sticky sided Scotch tape. Never moved in three years. By then the Halo was falling apart.

tb

[iRene]

I had the same problem with a Halo even when new. Solution: double sticky sided Scotch tape. Never moved in three years. By then the Halo was falling apart.

tb

Ditto about the HALO, I ended up cutting it and using the strips to reflectorize the Camelbak that I wear which covers part of my Darien reflective.

Is that double sided tape what J-Lo used to hold herself in the very low cut green Versace dress she wore to some awards ceremony years ago?

[bullit7801]

Is that double sided tape what J-Lo used to hold herself in the very low cut green Versace dress she wore to some awards ceremony years ago?Who is this J-Lo and why would I care about a dress?? :stick :D :D :D

tb

[dancogan]

Who is this J-Lo and why would I care about a dress?? :stick :D :D :D

tb
Nobody's THAT old! :stick (Not even me.)

[Marysue]

I have dorky yellow reflectorized stuff on my silver helmet out of desperation to be seen by lunatic NY car drivers, but would love to get some reflectorized cows (to match the MOO sticker on my luggage). Who is Ted Hall and how do I get shiny cows from him?

[dataman]

Here is the latest contact info I have on Ted. Good luck. Ted Hall 802-259-2427 hfrmystr@vermontel.com

[Kutcher]

humm.
I just bought a Shoei silver metalic helmet that is "naturally reflective"...
At least thats what the dealer said.

I wonder if I need anything more...?


-Kutch

[jrcornnuts]

Thank god they don't make you have reflective tape in New Hampshire, I would hate to have to stick that tape to side of my head, and I bet it would take off some hair when pulling it off.

[Random]

I have a hard time believing that a state trooper is going to pull an out of state rider over just because of the lack of reflecters on the helmet.

[Fritzc]

I got some pretty nice looking reflectors from, I think Sierra BMW. They look similar to the graphic used on the BMW "The Ride Is On hat." You can get them in black or white. They look pretty cool and they do the job, and best of all, they're cheap...if anyone cares ;)

David Greenlees

I looked at decals on Sierra BMW on line catalog and decided to order some. I ordered $11 worth of decals but cancelled when I found out the shipping charges would be $14!! :bolt

[BradfordBenn]

You could always just go to the local auto parts store and buy some reflective tape and then using a razor make your own design.

[AZgman]

The current BMW RA membership sticker is retro-reflective... :nyah

[Callmethebreeze]

I just bought a couple of motoman reflectors. It is highly unlikely that a Trooper will bother pulling you over for reflectors. If you get stopped for some other moving violation, however, they'll just add it on to the bill.
Ride safe,
Breeze

[dzimbric]

I saw a set of reflectorized stickers "Warning, In the event of an accident, do not remove this helmet until qualified medical personnel are present" This sticker also included instructions on how to safely remove the helmet, on a WI members helmet. Is anyone familiar with these stickers and do they know where they can be purchased?

[ROLAND]

I was riding in souther Vermont yesterday, and it was a nice day with tons of MC on the road. 80% were HD's with Black helmets with NO reflectors on them. "don't understand that Black thing" If they had White at least you could see them better.......... And didn't see anyone pulled over by police...

I like white w/Reflectors, but I'm not a HD rider........... Maybe they think Black is COOL, but not in summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The_Veg]

I saw a set of reflectorized stickers "Warning, In the event of an accident, do not remove this helmet until qualified medical personnel are present" This sticker also included instructions on how to safely remove the helmet, on a WI members helmet. Is anyone familiar with these stickers and do they know where they can be purchased?

I dunno about that sticker, but a local ambulance-chasing lawyer here distributes a bright-orange sticker with a similar admonition to local bike shops. But intstead of removal instructions, the bottom of the sticker just has the lawyer's contact info. I trimmed the shyster-data from two of these stickers and put one on the front and one on the back of my previous helmet.

[GPRUDD]

VT ready

[Unregistered]

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[pbbeck]

I saw a set of reflectorized stickers "Warning, In the event of an accident, do not remove this helmet until qualified medical personnel are present" This sticker also included instructions on how to safely remove the helmet, on a WI members helmet. Is anyone familiar with these stickers and do they know where they can be purchased?

They sell them at Irv Seaver BMW Motorcycles (http://www.irvseaverbmw.com/index.jsp). I've seen them at their store. Give 'em a call.

[Catman]

I by no means want to start a beef here, but I think we need to take a long look before hopping on the reflective cow bandwagon. First and foremost, we need someone to calculate the surface area of said cow. If the cow
doesn't cover the requisite 4 square inches, we have a serious problem. We could all end up in the slammer in Vermont because of some anorectic cow model. Please, consider what's at steak. . .

[PAULBACH]

I have no beef with your tail nor want to horn in. I understand the need not to cry over spilt milk but hay, I have nothing to hide. The cows meat the test and the cream once again rises to the top.

Any claim to the contrary is utter BS. :nyah

[k75karol]

I looked at decals on Sierra BMW on line catalog and decided to order some. I ordered $11 worth of decals but cancelled when I found out the shipping charges would be $14!! :bolt

Just in case no one's already mentioned this....Conspicuity, Inc. has vests, but they also have reflectorized stick-ons. :) Including happy faces. :) :)

see: http://www.conspicuityinc.com/ConspicWeb/CatNavFrame1.htm

[The_Veg]

Paul, did you mean UDDER BS? :D

[PAULBACH]

Eggactly!

Downloaded the pictures from New Zealand last night. 1,138 pictures to sort through.

And that is no BS

[DARRYL CAINEY]

This a very moooving thread!

Darryl

[BradfordBenn]

Eggactly!

Downloaded the pictures from New Zealand last night. 1,138 pictures to sort through.

And that is no BS

Digital film is cheap, and reusable :)

[Unregistered]

I saw a set of reflectorized stickers "Warning, In the event of an accident, do not remove this helmet until qualified medical personnel are present" This sticker also included instructions on how to safely remove the helmet, on a WI members helmet. Is anyone familiar with these stickers and do they know where they can be purchased?

FWIW, similar stickers were produced by the Wisconsin DOT (they say do NOT remove the helmet, except by qualified folks). Several years ago I tracked down the source within DOT and they sent me some of these reflective stickers to Illinois. Can't provide contact info, or confirm that they're still available, but it's a start...

[csbrownjr]

RiderWearHouse has directional arrows for helmets. I think I have also seen similar items in slightly less obnoxious colors elsewhere.

FWIW, www.aerostitch.com #1214 $20.00

Charlie

[csbrownjr]

Streetglo sells refelctive tape and decals for helmets. For $22.00 including shipping I bought a pair 37.5 ft (1/2 & 1/4 inch) rolls of relective tape. If you have a bunch of helmets and tend to cross state lines, this is probably a better alternative. Also, I do not know how well the arrow type reflector work with flip-top helmets.

www.streetglo.net

Charlie

[BernieEcht]

How large does the reflective patch for the helmet has to be?
Although where does it have to be located on the helmet?
Thanks.

[csbrownjr]

According to the earliest posts on this thread (before the discussion morphed into discussing the virtues of cow-shaped reflectors) and the AMA's State's Laws page.

Hope this and the links I posted help.

Charlie

[ROLAND]

I have posted this here before, I have lived in VT. all my life and have NOT seen anyone get pulled over for No Reflectors !!!!!!!!!!!!! "look at all the HD riders with helmet's hardly big enought for a Sticker.............. Enjoy, not to worry..

[BernieEcht]

Thanks, Roland. I missed that earlier post.

[ROLAND]

The Law in on the Books, so if they wanted to be A**h**** they could ticket you, But I would not worry. HAVE FUN IN VT...................

[rado360]

The BMW MOA stiker is reflective,put that on your helmet.

[tye954]

ALL,
www.whitehorsepress.com sells lots of reflectorized decal, vests and other safety gear like a belt with handles for your kids who can't put their arms around you when you take them for a ride. They also sell PIAA aux lites with mounting brackets for $324 + depending on the type of Beemer you ride. Ride safe always.

[BlackFly]

An Aerostich suit, with its copious Scotchlite tape on all sides, should fulfill the obligation. Don't you think?

What? You don't have a 'Stich???

BFF :blah

[mintaka]

I have a hard time believing that a state trooper is going to pull an out of state rider over just because of the lack of reflecters on the helmet.Funny that visitors to another state ALWAYS seem to think the laws in the state visited… applies to visitors when discussing vehicle "equipment."

It doesn't.

IF your "vehicle" is properly equipped in accordance w/ the laws of the state where it's registered… it's legal in EVERY other state. It's in the US Constitution as: Article IV Section 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.This DOES NOT apply to the OPERATION of the vehicle.

[dancogan]

Funny that visitors to another state ALWAYS seem to think the laws in the state visited… applies to visitors when discussing vehicle "equipment."

It doesn't.

IF your "vehicle" is properly equipped in accordance w/ the laws of the state where it's registered… it's legal in EVERY other state. It's in the US Constitution as: This DOES NOT apply to the OPERATION of the vehicle.

Yeah, but I don't believe "equipment" necessarily includes what the operator wears. Hence, visitors from non-helmet states must wear a helmet when they come to Michigan. I would assume the same thing would hold true for the requirement of reflectorized material on the helmet.

[DaveSlash5]

I now have a reflectorized helmet long after first asking the question; better safe than sorry, I don't have to worry 'bout no stinkin' law (since I'm complying) and it was cheap enough! But once I get to Vermont I will ride the trail and have a cow.
The ride following the cow signs, is that a Cow Path?

[BradfordBenn]

Just remember one and all, saying you read it on the Internet is not a valid defense. I recommend doing your own research to your own comfort. :thumb