ASTM F3103-14(2019)

Standard Specification for Testing Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Helmets

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the performance requirements for helmets used by off-road motorcycle and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riders. It provides additional performance requirements including positional stability and performance criteria for chin bars on full-facial coverage helmets if the helmet is equipped with a chin bar. It does not require that helmets provide full facial coverage and is not intended to restrict design. This specification covers labels and warnings, marking of the test line, conditioning and number of samples, impact sites, roll-off testing, chin bar rigidity test, and compliance documentation.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers performance requirements for helmets used by off-road motorcycle and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riders.  
1.2 Compliance with the federally mandated FMVSS No. 218 shall be documented as part of compliance with this ASTM standard.  
1.3 This specification provides additional performance requirements including positional stability and performance criteria for chin bars on full-facial coverage helmets if the helmet is equipped with a chin bar.  
1.4 This standard does not require that helmets provide full facial coverage.  
1.5 This is a performance specification and is not intended to restrict design.  
1.6 All testing and requirements of this specification shall be in accordance with Test Methods F1446, except where noted herein.  
1.7 Partial utilization of this standard is prohibited. Any statement of compliance with this specification must be a certification that the product meets all of the requirements of this specification in its entirety. A product that fails to meet any one of the requirements of this specification is considered to have failed this standard, and should not be sold with any indication that it meets parts of this standard.  
1.8 Headgear designed to comply with this and other standards may proclaim uses as certified by the manufacturer.  
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.10 The following safety caveat applies to the chemical, mechanical, or physical, or a combination thereof, test methods described herein and is meant specifically for those performing the tests (in an effort to provide them with notice to take the appropriate precautions when conducting the tests): This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2019
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.53 - Headgear and Helmets

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F3103-14 - Standard Specification for Testing Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Helmets
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2727-09(2020) - Standard Guide for Manufacturers for Labeling Headgear Products
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM F2727-09(2014) - Standard Guide for Manufacturers for Labeling Headgear Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM F2220-14 - Standard Specification for Headforms
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM F2220-12 - Standard Specification for Headforms
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM F2220-11 - Standard Specification for Headforms
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM F2220-02(2009) - Standard Specification for Headforms
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM F2727-09 - Standard Guide for Manufacturers for Labeling Headgear Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM F2220-02 - Standard Specification for Headforms
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002
• Referred By: ASTM F3221-16 - Standard Guide for Training for Snowmobile Operator’s Endorsement
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Referred By: ASTM F3194-16 - Standard Guide for Training for Personnel Operating Small Land Off Road Vehicles (ATV-ROHV Ops Endorsement)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019

Overview

ASTM F3103-14(2019): Standard Specification for Testing Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Helmets sets clear and rigorous performance requirements for helmets used by off-road motorcycle and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riders. Developed by ASTM International, this standard aims to enhance rider safety by specifying criteria for helmet performance, including positional stability and, when applicable, chin bar rigidity for full-facial coverage helmets. The standard maintains flexibility in helmet design and covers labeling, sample conditioning, testing protocols, and compliance documentation, ensuring helmets meet both ASTM and federal safety requirements.

Key Topics

• Helmet Performance Requirements: Establishes minimum criteria for helmets used in off-road activities such as motocross, enduro, and ATV riding.
• Compliance with Federal Standards: Requires documented compliance with FMVSS No. 218 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for Motorcycle Helmets) as part of ASTM F3103 compliance.
• Chin Bar Rigidity: Provides specific test procedures and minimum performance requirements for the chin bar on full-facial helmets.
• Positional Stability: Mandates tests to ensure helmets remain securely positioned during typical off-road use.
• Testing Protocols: Specifies procedures for impact testing, roll-off testing, and marking test lines using referenced ASTM methods (notably ASTM F1446).
• Sample Conditioning: Outlines conditioning environments and requirements for the number and type of samples tested.
• Labeling and Warnings: Details necessary labeling for end users, including instructions and warnings to promote proper helmet use.
• Documentation: Emphasizes the necessity for manufacturers to provide full compliance documentation and prohibits partial claims of conformity.

Applications

ASTM F3103-14(2019) is highly relevant for the following:

• Helmet Manufacturers: Ensures product compliance with comprehensive testing standards, facilitating access to markets and building consumer trust.
• Testing Laboratories: Establishes a unified procedure for helmet impact, roll-off, and chin bar testing, aiding consistent certification.
• Regulators and Safety Inspectors: Provides an authoritative benchmark for inspecting and certifying helmets used in off-road recreational and competitive environments.
• Riders and Racing Organizations: Guarantees that helmets purchased for motocross, endurocross, sand dune, and trail riding meet rigorously tested safety benchmarks.
• Retailers: Assures that helmet products offered to customers have undergone required safety testing and meet both ASTM and FMVSS standards.

Related Standards

• ASTM F1446: Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures Used in Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective Headgear.
• ASTM F2220: Specification for Headforms.
• ASTM F2727: Guide for Manufacturers for Labeling Headgear Products.
• UNI EN 960: Headforms for Use in the Testing of Protective Helmets.
• FMVSS No. 218: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for Motorcycle Helmets.
• ANSI SVIA 1-2010: American National Standard for Four Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles.
• TP-218-07: Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS No. 218.

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM F3103-14(2019) promotes higher safety standards for off-road motorcycle and ATV helmets. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers demonstrate a commitment to rider protection, product quality, and compliance with key regulatory benchmarks. The standard also empowers consumers and regulatory authorities to identify helmets that have been thoroughly tested for real-world off-road conditions. Overall, ASTM F3103-14(2019) serves as a critical tool for advancing helmet safety, reducing injury risk, and supporting innovation without limiting design creativity.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3103 −14 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
Testing Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Helmets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3103; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope appropriate precautions when conducting the tests): This stan-
dard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if
1.1 This specification covers performance requirements for
any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
helmets used by off-road motorcycle and All-Terrain Vehicle
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
(ATV) riders.
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
1.2 Compliance with the federally mandated FMVSS No.
regulatory limitations prior to use.
218shallbedocumentedaspartofcompliancewiththisASTM
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
standard.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.3 This specification provides additional performance re- ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
quirements including positional stability and performance
criteria for chin bars on full-facial coverage helmets if the mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
helmet is equipped with a chin bar.
1.4 This standard does not require that helmets provide full
2. Referenced Documents
facial coverage.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.5 This is a performance specification and is not intended
F1446 Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures Used in
to restrict design.
Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective
1.6 All testing and requirements of this specification shall Headgear
beinaccordancewithTestMethodsF1446,exceptwherenoted F2220 Specification for Headforms
herein. F2727 Guide for Manufacturers for Labeling Headgear
Products
1.7 Partial utilization of this standard is prohibited. Any
2.2 Other Standards:
statement of compliance with this specification must be a
UNI EN 960 Headforms for Use in the Testing of Protective
certification that the product meets all of the requirements of
Helmets
this specification in its entirety.Aproduct that fails to meet any
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 Motorcycle
one of the requirements of this specification is considered to
Helmets, effective May 13, 2013
have failed this standard, and should not be sold with any
Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS No. 218: TP-218-
indication that it meets parts of this standard.
07 effective May 13, 2013
1.8 Headgear designed to comply with this and other
American National Standard for Four Wheel All-Terrain
standards may proclaim uses as certified by the manufacturer.
Vehicles, ANSI SVIA 1-2010
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3. Terminology
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
3.1 Definitions—Off-road motorcycle and ATV use
includes, but is not limited to, motocross, supercross, enduro,
1.10 The following safety caveat applies to the chemical,
endurocross, arenacross, flat-track, observed trials, hill-
mechanical,orphysical,oracombinationthereof,testmethods
climbing, ice-racing, and non-competitive uses such as trail,
described herein and is meant specifically for those performing
cross-country, desert, sand dune riding, etc.
the tests (in an effort to provide them with notice to take the
3.2 All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), n—a motorized off-highway
vehicle designed to travel on four low pressure tires, having a
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F08 on Sports
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.53 on Headgear and Helmets. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019. Published November 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F3103 – 14. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F3103-14R19. the ASTM website.
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