16 CFR § 1203.16 - Dynamic strength of retention system test.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t16/s1203.16"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "16 CFR § 1203.16 - Dynamic strength of retention system test."
title_number: 16
title_name: "Commercial Practices"
section_number: "1203.16"
section_name: "Dynamic strength of retention system test."
chapter_name: "CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ACT REGULATIONS"
part_number: "1203"
part_name: "SAFETY STANDARD FOR BICYCLE HELMETS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "15 U.S.C. 2056, 2058, and 6001-6006. Subpart B is also issued under 15 U.S.C. 2063. Subpart C is also issued under 15 U.S.C. 2065."
regulatory_source: "63 FR 11729, Mar. 10, 1998, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "1203"
---


# 1203.16 Dynamic strength of retention system test.

(a) *Test equipment.* (1) ISO headforms without the lower chin portion shall be used.

(2) The retention system strength test equipment shall consist of a dynamic impact apparatus that allows a 4-kg (8.8-lb) drop weight to slide in a guided free fall to impact a rigid stop anvil (see Figure 8 of this part). Two cylindrical rollers that spin freely, with a diameter of 12.5±0.5 mm (0.49 in.±0.02 in.) and a center-to-center distance of 76.0±1 mm (3.0±0.04 in.), shall make up a stirrup that represents the bone structure of the lower jaw. The entire dynamic test apparatus hangs freely on the retention system. The entire mass of the support assembly, including the 4-kg (8.8-lb) drop weight, shall be 11 kg±0.5 kg (24.2 lb±1.1 lb).

(b) *Test procedure.* (1) Place the helmet on the appropriate size headform on the test device according to the HPI. Fasten the strap of the retention system under the stirrup.

(2) Mark the pre-test position of the retention system, with the entire dynamic test apparatus hanging freely on the retention system.

(3) Raise the 4-kg (8.8-lb) drop weight to a height of 0.6 m (2 ft) from the stop anvil and release it, so that it impacts the stop anvil.

(4) Record the maximum elongation of the retention system during the impact. A marker system or a displacement transducer, as shown in Figure 8 of this part, are two methods of measuring the elongation.