North Carolina Motorcycle Laws
The following summary of the laws specifically impacting on-road motorcycling were published on the AMA website around November 2008.
Pleae check for the latest information at the AMA website.
Safety Helmet |
Required by law |
State Funded Rider Ed |
Available for all eligible applicants |
Eye Protection |
Not Required |
Daytime Use of Headlight |
Required by law - modulating headlight permitted |
Passenger Seat |
Required if carrying a passenger |
Passenger Footrest |
Required if carrying a passenger |
Passenger Age Restriction |
None |
Helmet Speakers |
No Restrictions |
Safety Inspection |
Required by law |
Mirror Left (L) Right (R) |
One required by law |
Radar Detector |
No Restriction |
Turn Signals |
Not Required |
Muffler |
Muffler or other exhaust system of the type installed at the time of manufacture, in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise; muffler cut-out prohibited. |
Maximum Sound Level |
No acoustical criteria. |
State Insurance Requirements |
Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(30/60/25) - Insurance companies may apply to Insurance Bureau for insurance discount for rider education course graduates. |
Handlebar Height |
No Restrictions |
Rider-Education Waiver |
Skill Test |
Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States |
Yes |
Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane |
Yes. (a) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane. (b) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane. |
Lane Splitting |
Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes |
Red Light Exception |
Motorcycles may proceed through a red light, if they have waited for at least three minutes, and if it's safe to do so. |