South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 38 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Article 3 - DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Subarticle 5 - PROTECTIVE HELMETS, FACE SHIELDS AND WINDSCREENS
Section 38-151 - Requirements for Approval

Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 38-151

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 3, March 22, 2024

A. Helmet: Shall be approved only if it meets the minimum requirements of the USA Standard #Z90.1-1966 for Protective Headgear for Vehicular Users with respect to:

1. Construction

2. Materials

3. Extent of protection (coverage)

4. Labelling

5. Shock absorption (except limited to one impact at each of four sites)

6. Penetration

7. Retention (performance of harnesses)

Also, to be approved by the Department, a helmet shall have a reflectorized surface, or shall have securely affixed thereto on both the right and left side a reflectorized material providing not less than 4 square inches of reflectorized surface on each side of the helmet. If the reflectorized material is affixed to the helmet, it must be attached with a suitable permanent, weather-proof and water-resistant adhesive.

Special Labeling

Helmets approved by the Department shall be permanently labelled on the outer surface of the shell at the lower rear center edge with letters and numbers at least 1/4 inch; in height giving the manufacturer's name or trade name and model name or number, and these shall be the same under which the helmet has been approved by the Department.

B. Goggles: Shall be approved only if they meet with the minimum requirements of the "Eye Protection" section of the USA Standard #Z2.1-1959 for Head, Eye and Respiratory Protection, specifically that portion applicable to the following types of eye protection devices:

Goggles, eye cup (except welders and cutters)

Spectacles, metal or plastic frame

Goggles, flexible fitting

Spectacles, plastic eye shield

The following modifications of the USA Standards shall be applicable:

(a) Table 3, Selection of Eye-and Face-Protective Devices, shall not apply.

(b) Language referring to employees shall be construed as referring to persons operating or riding on a two-wheeled motorized vehicle.

Goggles approved by the Department shall bear a readily identifiable mark used by the manufacturer to indicate compliance with the USA Standards, and the device shall bear a manufacturer's tag at time of sale to the consumer indicating the brand name and model designation, and these shall be the same under which the goggles were approved by the Department.

C. Face Shield: Shall be approved only if:

(a) It meets the requirements established in the USA Standard Specifications #Z2.1-1959 for Head, Eye and Respiratory Protection, specifically that portion devoted to "Face Shields" and prescribing official test procedures for the following physical qualities (other than where exceptions or modifications are given):
1. Impact resistance, plastic-window face shield, except that the face shield shall be tested while attached to a helmet and the harness of the helmet shall take the place of the crown strap

2. Penetration resistance, plastic-window face shield

3. Visible transmittance, plastic windows

4. Flammability, plastic windows

5. Disinfection

(b) The edge of the shield is smooth, and if bevelled it must be dull finished.

(c) The shield is adequately supported, as a snap-on or flip-up attachment to the helmet.

(d) The shield covers the face both front and sides, from the leading edge of the helmet above the eyes to a point at or below the tip of the nose of the wearer.

(e) The shield is marked permanently and legibly for manufacturer identification as required by USA Standard #Z2.1-1959 and in addition bears a manufacturer's tag at time of sale to the consumer indicating brand name and model designation, and these shall be the same under which the shield was approved by the Department.

D. Windscreen: Shall be approved only if

(a) The visual material meets the provisions appearing in USA Standard Specifications #Z26.1-1966 for Safety Glazing Materials for Motor Vehicles Operated on Land Highways as pertaining to motorcycle use. For rigid plastic material Item #4 of Table 1 shall be used, and for flexible plastics Item #6 of Table 1 shall be used.

(b) The metal support for the shield shall be of material that will bend under impact rather than fragment.

(c) Cover material, other than visual material, shall be beaded at the edges or otherwise suitably trimmed off to prevent fraying, and if cloth shall be tested for flammability in accordance with procedures of #5902 of specifications of the ASTM.

(d) Each windscreen approved shall be labelled at a readily visible location showing the name of manufacturer, trade name if any and model designation, and these shall be the same name and model under which the device has been approved.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. South Carolina may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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