North Carolina Motorcycle Laws

As a general rule, motorcycles in North Carolina must follow all the same traffic laws that other motor vehicle operators must. However, there are also some motorcycle-specific rules and regulations that riders should be aware of. Regardless of whether you are a new rider or an experienced veteran, it is important to review the basic rules of the road every now and then to ensure you remain safe and compliant when riding.

Motorcycle Helmet Laws in North Carolina

First and foremost, North Carolina has mandatory motorcycle helmet laws requiring all riders and passengers to wear a DOT-approved helmet, regardless of age or experience level. Violating the helmet law is a traffic infraction punishable by a $25.50 fine and any applicable court costs. There is no other penalty for failing to wear a motorcycle helmet, such as a license suspension or jail time.

Note that North Carolina law explicitly establishes that failing to wear a helmet cannot be considered evidence of contributory negligence in civil suits. So, if you sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident and weren’t wearing a helmet, the at-fault party cannot use your lack of helmet as a defense against paying damages. This provision is especially important in contributory negligence states like North Carolina. This rule completely bars injury victims from recovering damages if they share fault for their injuries.

Motorcycle Licensing & Insurance Requirements

Like other states, North Carolina has licensing and insurance requirements for motorcycles. In order to receive a motorcycle endorsement, you must be at least 18 years old, possess a regular or provisional driver’s license, pass a written knowledge test, and pass a practical motorcycle skills test. Riders between the ages of 16 and 17 can apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit with parental/guardian consent to practice their skills before applying for the endorsement.

Riders must also carry the following minimum amounts of liability coverage:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury/death
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injury/death
• $25,000 property liability insurance

All North Carolina auto policies must also provide uninsured motorist coverage, even if it exceeds the minimum requirements. Riders must carry appropriate proof of insurance when riding and present it to law enforcement officers upon request.

Motorcycle-Specific Traffic Laws

Below are some key motorcycle-specific traffic rules that govern regular riding on the streets.

• Motorcycles cannot carry more passengers than the total number the bike is intended for, but there are no age restrictions for passengers.
• If a motorcycle is carrying two or more passengers, it is entitled to use the HOV lane, the same as other motor vehicles.
• Motorcycles must have working headlights/taillights, brake lights, turn signals, a horn, and footrests.

Safe on Red Law

Vehicle-actuated sensors that detect the presence of cars control many traffic lights in North Carolina. Motorcycles are usually too light to trigger these sensors, so North Carolina has a safe-on-red law that permits riders to cross through a red light if the following conditions hold:

• A car-detecting sensor controls the red light
• The rider comes to a complete stop at the intersection
• No other vehicle or pedestrian has the right of way
• The rider waits for at least three minutes at the intersection before crossing

Can You Lane Split in North Carolina?

Lane splitting refers to a motorcycle moving in between lanes of stationary or moving traffic. Lane splitting in North Carolina is illegal — motorcycle riders must use a full lane and can only cross when they are changing lanes or passing lawfully. Two motorcyclists can, however, share a single lane and ride side by side.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, our legal team here at Law Tigers is ready to help. For decades, we’ve helped defend the rights of wronged motorcycle riders by providing skilled representation and sound legal advice across the United States. To get a free case evaluation or to schedule your free consultation, call us at Law Tigers today at 1-800-529-8443.