North Carolina Motorcycle Laws

NC Motorcycle Laws

Key Takeaway

  • NC requires helmets, insurance, and at least one rearview mirror.
  • Learner’s permits restrict passengers, interstate travel, and night riding.
  • Contributory negligence law may block compensation if you break safety rules.
  • A motorcycle accident lawyer can protect your rights and fight insurers.

North Carolina has a lot to offer motorcycle riders, from its scenic byways to its stunning coastlines to its breathtaking mountain views. However, with the fantastic freedom of the open road comes plenty of important responsibilities. All riders must follow NC motorcycle laws to protect their safety and the safety of others.

Understanding the motorcycle laws in North Carolina is also crucial for protecting your legal rights in the event of an accident. The team at Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group, P.A., is here to help you if you need further legal guidance.

Contact us now or call us 24/7 at 919-980-9895 for a free consultation with our North Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys. Our office is conveniently located at 3400 Croasdaile Drive, Suite 300, Durham, NC 27705. We take your injuries personally, and we are ready to help you understand your legal options.

NC Motorcycle Permit Restrictions

For new riders, North Carolina offers a motorcycle learner’s permit that allows you to practice before obtaining your motorcycle endorsement. To qualify, you must be at least 16 years old and carry a regular driver’s license or learner’s permit.

Here are some key rules for North Carolina motorcycle learner’s permit holders:

  • No passengers – You cannot carry another person on your motorcycle while operating with a learner’s permit. Doing so can result in a traffic citation, points on your driving record, and potential suspension of your permit.
  • Helmet required – Under North Carolina law, all riders must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved motorcycle helmet at all times.
  • Daytime riding only – Permit holders may operate a motorcycle only during daylight hours. In North Carolina, daylight hours are defined as between a half hour before sunrise and a half hour after sunset.
  • No interstate travel – Learner’s permit riders cannot leave the state on their bike.

How to Get an NC Motorcycle License

You will need a motorcycle endorsement on your existing driver’s license to ride a motorcycle without NC motorcycle permit restrictions. The process of obtaining an endorsement varies depending on your age and riding experience.

Here is how to get an NC motorcycle license:

  • Obtain a learner’s permit (optional for adults) – Riders under 18 must first obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit and hold it for at least one year before applying for a license.
  • Pass a knowledge and skills test – You must pass a written motorcycle knowledge test and a road skills test to assess your ability to operate a motorcycle safely.
  • Motorcycle safety course (recommended) – You can waive the skills test requirement by completing a state-approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. While not mandatory, this course is highly recommended for acquiring safe riding habits.
  • Pay the licensing fee – All riders must pay a motorcycle endorsement fee in addition to the standard driver’s license fee. The fee is $3.05 per year.

Does North Carolina Have a Mirror Law for Motorcycles?

Not all states require motorcycles to have mirrors, and the ones that do have varying requirements. So, does North Carolina have a mirror law for motorcycles, and if so, what is it?

Yes, you must have at least one rearview mirror on your motorcycle in North Carolina. A mirror enables riders to see vehicles approaching from behind, reducing the risk of lane-change or merging accidents, which motorcyclists are at a higher risk for due to lower visibility.

While NC motorcycle laws require only one mirror, many riders choose to have mirrors on both sides for maximum visibility.

Tip – Handlebar-mounted mirrors are not only legal in North Carolina but highly recommended, as they can significantly improve your awareness of surrounding traffic.

Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in North Carolina

Motorcycle insurance is a legal requirement in North Carolina.

You must carry liability insurance that offers at least:

  • $30,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $60,000 for total bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

Remember that these are only the minimum requirements, and many riders choose higher coverage limits and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage to provide better financial protection after a crash.

Tip – Riding without insurance is not just a significant risk in the event of an accident, it can also result in fines, license suspension, and impoundment of your bike.

Why Understanding NC Motorcycle Laws Matters After an Accident

Following motorcycle laws in North Carolina is crucial for a variety of reasons. It helps protect you and those around you while also keeping you out of legal trouble. However, there is more to it than that.

North Carolina is one of the few states that uses a contributory negligence system for personal injury cases. That means that if you are not following motorcycle laws and that contributes to an accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation, even if the driver of the other motor vehicle was the primary reason the accident occurred.

Get Help from a North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

An experienced personal injury lawyer is critical when pursuing a motorcycle accident claim in North Carolina. You need to build a strong case based on substantial evidence to recover compensation, and our skilled attorneys can help you do it.

The team at Kornbluth Ginsberg offers:

  • Free case review – Before pursuing your case, you will first need to determine whether you have a valid claim. Our attorneys will sit down with you to review your case, ask some key questions, and inform you of your legal rights, free of charge.
  • In-depth investigation – Insurance companies often attempt to shift the blame onto you for the accident, but our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation to establish the at-fault party’s liability and seek the compensation you deserve.
  • Compassionate legal services – Motorcycle accidents can leave victims seriously injured, emotionally scarred, and facing significant financial distress. At Kornbluth Ginsberg, we treat our clients the way we want to be treated: with compassion, understanding, and respect.
  • Aggressive advocacy – We do not back down to big insurance companies. We will fight for your right to fair compensation, whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.

If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you do not have to face the fallout alone. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Kornbluth Ginsberg have a deep knowledge of North Carolina motorcycle laws and extensive experience seeking justice on behalf of accident victims just like you.

Contact us today or call us 24/7 at 919-980-9895 for your free consultation.