...only motorcycle helmets that are DOT, Snell, BSI, or CSA approved are legal in Ontario.
DOT - A standard specification developed back in the 1970's (or even 1960's perhaps) by the US Department of Transport. Manufacturers or importers of helmets are responsible for labeling and certifying compliance. No actual testing is really required, but the DOT will examine and test helmets on a yearly basis and note ones that do not comply, probably insisting that they be withdrawn.
Snell - A private organization that develops standards for helmets and tests them for compliance. New standards are written every five years and to test a helmet and gain compliance sticker for labeling, the manufacturer pays the organization. All race bodies in North America require that helmets worn during race events - be Snell approved. One of the current tests is for chin protection, such that only full-face helmets can be approved. The flip design of helmet so-far do not have strong enough latching mechanisms to be able to pass this test.
BSI - The British Standards Institute used to have standards (probably still do) that covered helmets. This type of helmet was sometimes imported into Ontario and sold. I haven't seen one in years.
CSA - The Canadian Standards Association has all kinds of standards - but none for motorcycle helmets. When they do and if manufacturers produce helmets that follow, then they will be acceptable under the law. For now, CSA has standards and helmets exist for hockey, bicycles, and skiing - but none of those helmets are acceptable or legal for use on a motorcycle.
ECE - The Economic Community of Europe has standards for motorcycle helmets that are sold and used in those countries. (I believe it has supplanted the BSI standard these days.) Helmets that meet this standard will very easily meet the DOT standard, but unless they are properly labeled as such (by the manufacturer or importer) - they are not legal to use on the road. Some track events in North America will allow their use in place of a Snell-approved helmet, but that's in recognition of world-wide racing. There currently is a debate over the effectiveness of the Snell standards vs the latest ECE standards. (Specifically, is the Snell standard demanding too hard an impact resistance vs allowing softer absorption of blows?)
