What stickers on a helmet indicate that it is likely well-made?

A helmet that displays DOT and possibly ECE or Snell stickers indicates that it has undergone rigorous testing and meets safety standards for protective headgear. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is a requirement in the United States, signifying that the helmet has been tested for crash protection and impact resistance.

The Snell Memorial Foundation and the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) are additional safety standards that further validate the quality and effectiveness of the helmet in protecting the rider during an accident. Helmets with Snell certification usually offer higher levels of performance compared to those that only meet DOT standards. ECE certification is recognized internationally, adding to the credibility of the helmet's safety.

Stickers from the other options, like NRF and ACI, as well as ANSI and CSA, do not specifically certify helmets for motorcycle use or may not represent the rigorous testing that DOT, ECE, and Snell standards encompass. Therefore, identifying a helmet with the DOT certification and potentially ECE or Snell tags gives the rider confidence in the protection and quality provided by the helmet.