North Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Law

Like most states, North Carolina has a motorcycle helmet law. However, even among states with helmet laws, there is a lot of variation. Some states only require helmets based on the rider’s and passenger’s age and/or experience level. Others, like North Carolina, require helmets for all motorcycle riders.

Do Motorcycle Helmets Help in an Accident?

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), riders who wore helmets suffered between 37 percent and 42 percent fewer fatal injuries in crashes. Additionally, riders without helmets were three times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries, which can result in severe and permanent physical and cognitive impairment.

Regardless of what state you’re riding in or how old you are, wearing a helmet can protect you from life-altering or life-ending head injuries.

Who Needs to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina law, every motorcycle rider and passenger must wear a helmet regardless of age or skill level. Traumatic brain injuries don’t discriminate between riders. Everyone who rides a motorcycle is at risk of suffering a life-changing injury, even if they do everything right.

You never know when a distracted driver will crash into you, so it’s better to wear a helmet just in case. If you’re not wearing a helmet, the driver may also try to claim that you would not have suffered severe injuries if you were.

North Carolina’s Motorcycle Helmet Standards

While wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle is essential, it’s just as essential to make sure your helmet meets North Carolina’s safety standards. Helmets worn by riders and passengers must meet the following requirements:

• Thick Inner Liner – The inner liner of the motorcycle helmet should be made of polystyrene foam and be at least one inch thick. This foam can include a softer covering, but any helmet missing the polystyrene foam or with a liner that isn’t thick enough isn’t compliant. The liner’s thickness is vital for protecting your head from blunt and penetrating forces you may experience in a collision.
• DOT Sticker – Motorcycle helmets should have an official DOT symbol permanently installed on the back of the helmet by the manufacturer. Purchasing an aftermarket DOT sticker and applying it to a non-compliant helmet doesn’t make it compliant.
• Manufacturer Label – There should be a manufacturer label inside the helmet detailing the manufacturer and the helmet’s specifications. These specifications include the model, size, construction material, and sometimes the forces the helmet is rated to withstand.

Are There Exceptions to North Carolina’s Motorcycle Helmet Law?

There are no exceptions to North Carolina’s motorcycle helmet law. All riders and passengers of motorized cycles, including motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles fitted with motors, must wear a helmet when on public roads throughout the state.

Law Tigers: Your Trusted North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Understanding North Carolina motorcycle helmet law is crucial for staying safe and protecting your rights on the road. But even when you follow the law and wear a helmet, accidents can happen. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, trust Law Tigers, the motorcycle accident attorneys who ride.

We’re here to help you navigate North Carolina’s motorcycle laws and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Law Tigers North Carolina today at 1-800-LAWTIGERS or visit our website for a free consultation. Ride safe, and remember—when the unexpected happens, we’re here to support you every step of the way!