We don't currently have a helmet law in Illinois. However, all the years I was on patrol, I stopped several motorcycles for various violations (traffic AND criminal). As a matter of officer safety, I would have anyone wearing a helmet (and that was a small percentage) remove it. Not only does an officer need to be able to identify a violator (which is pretty hard to do with face shields or full coverage helmets), but a helmet gives someone a distinct advantage if the contact becomes confrontational/physical.

Imagine being struck in the face with the top of a helmet/head strike, or smacking your hand against it during a scuffle!! As far as the officers checking for compliance by asking you to remove a helmet, I am not sure you would have a good defense when you refuse. Granted, we all have rights, but the officer has already indicated he suspects a violation by identifying a non-DOT helmet. And let's face it, it isn't very hard to tell!! My opinion? If you are wearing a DOT helmet or not, who cares? If you care so little about the brains God gave you, maybe it's a matter of natural selection.

Ride safe, and have a great summer.

This one claims to be the smallest.

Looks and sounds good, but a bit pricy.