--- title: North Carolina Motorcycle Laws description: To safely enjoy North Carolina roadways, motorcycle riders should follow the rules of the road. Learn the motorcycle laws of North Carolina from Dawson & Albritton. image: https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/nc-motorcycle-laws-300x200.jpg --- - Search Search Close this search box. - Download Forms - [Make a Payment](https://secure.lawpay.com/pages/ironsandirons/trust) - [(252) 215-3000](tel:252-215-3000) [![Irons and Irons](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/irons-law-logo.png?width=178&height=46&name=irons-law-logo.png)](https://theironslawfirm.com/) - [Personal Injury](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law) - [Auto Accident](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/car-accident) - [Motorcycle Accident](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/motorcycle-accident) - [Nursing Home Abuse](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/nursing-home-abuse) - [Rideshare Accidents](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/rideshare-accidents) - [Slip and Fall](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/slip-and-fall) - [Traumatic Brain Injury](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/brain-injury) - [Truck Accident](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/trucking-accident) - [Wrongful Death](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/wrongful-death) - [Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce) - [Separation Agreements](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/separation-agreements) - [Divorce Options](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/options) - [Absolute Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/absolute) - [Collaborative Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/collaborative) - [High Net Worth Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/high-net-worth) - [Military Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/military-divorce) - [Division of Pensions, 401(k) & Retirement Accounts](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/division-of-pension-and-retirement-accounts) - [Post Separation Support and Alimony](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/support-and-alimony) - [Property Distribution](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/property-distribution) - [5 Critical Questions For Your Initial Consultation](https://theironslawfirm.com/5-consultation-questions) - [Family Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law) - [Child Custody](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/child-custody) - [Child Custody Modification](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/child-custody-modification) - [Child Support / Modification](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/child-support-modification) - [Collaborative Family Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/collaborative-family-law) - [5 Critical Questions For Your Initial Consultation](https://theironslawfirm.com/5-consultation-questions) - [Education Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law) - [East Carolina University/Pitt Community College Disputes](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law/ecu-college-disputes) - [Public And Private School Disputes](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law/school-disputes) - [Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/medical-malpractice) - [Medical Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/medical-malpractice) - [Dental Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/dental-malpractice) - [Pharmaceutical Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/pharmaceutical-malpractice) - Attorneys - [Gib Irons](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/gib-irons) - [Ben G. Irons II](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/ben-g-irons-ii) - [Harry H. Albritton, Jr.](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/attorney-harry-h-albritton-jr) - [Brianne Lee Van Apeldoorn](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/brianne-lee-van-apeldoorn) - [Misty Waldroup](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/misty-waldroup) [Schedule Consultation](https://theironslawfirm.com/contact/consultation-request) [tel:252-215-3000](tel:252-215-3000) [Irons & Irons P.A. Blog](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com) [Subscribe](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/nc-motorcycle-laws#popup-form) ### Subscribe via Email # North Carolina Motorcycle Laws December 06, 2019 Written by: Harry Albritton - Share - Share - Share - [Copy](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/nc-motorcycle-laws) ![](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/nc-motorcycle-laws-300x200.jpg) Copied the Url ![nc motorcycle laws](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/nc-motorcycle-laws-300x200.jpg?width=435&height=290&name=nc-motorcycle-laws-300x200.jpg)Motorcycles are a transportation experience like no other. However, to safely enjoy North Carolina roadways, motorcycle riders should follow the rules of the road. Because motorcycles leave riders less protected than passengers in cars, additional laws apply. Bikers should know about these NC motorcycle laws before driving on North Carolina roads: - Motorcycle license requirements, - Motorcycle helmet laws, and - Motorcycle driving laws. ## **NC Motorcycle License Requirements** Motorcyclists in North Carolina must obtain a provisional, regular, or commercial driver’s license, just like any other North Carolina driver. Then, motorcyclists must complete an additional step. NC motorcycle laws require motorcyclists to obtain a motorcycle learner permit or motorcycle endorsement. To receive a motorcycle learner permit, the driver must pass motorcycle knowledge, road sign identification, and vision tests. Motorcycle learner permits last for 12 months, but the driver can renew a permit for up to 6 months. Teen drivers who hold a provisional license must get a parent or guardian’s signature and complete a motorcycle safety course. NC motorcycle laws approve motorcycle safety courses offered through [N.C. Motorcycle Safety Education Program](http://ncmotorcyclesafety.org/)(NCMSEP) or the [Motorcycle Safety Foundation](https://msf-usa.org/)(MSF). Motorcycle drivers younger than age 18 cannot carry passengers on their bikes. To receive a motorcycle endorsement, a driver must pass both a North Carolina motorcycle laws knowledge and an off-street skills test. Drivers can make an appointment for a skills test on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, at certain [NCDMV driver license offices](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/locate-dmv-office/Pages/dmv-offices.aspx). ### **Motorcycle License Costs** North Carolina drivers must pay the following fees to obtain a motorcycle license. - $20 for a motorcycle learner permit - $2.30 for a motorcycle endorsement After receiving a motorcycle learning permit or endorsement, bikers can legally ride their motorcycles on North Carolina roads. ## **North Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Laws** All motorcycle drivers and riders must wear helmets on North Carolina roads. Helmets must comply with [Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218](https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/NoMigrate/fmvss218.htm) The standard’s motorcycle helmet requirements include: - Passing acceleration and penetration tests - Providing specified peripheral vision clearance - Lacking rigid interior projections - Affixing a required label NC motorcycle laws say motorcyclists must secure helmet chin straps when driving or riding a motorcycle. North Carolina law does not require motorcyclists to wear other protective clothing. However, clothing such as leather pants and jackets, jeans, closed-toe boots, thick gloves, and goggles can offer further protection. ## **NC Motorcycle Driving Laws** Motorcyclists must follow all the driving laws that other automotive drivers follow. However, bikers should keep a few additional laws in mind. - Motorcyclists can share a lane with another motorcycle, riding side by side. - Motorcyclists cannot share a lane with an automobile. - There is no minimum age for motorcycle passengers, but a motorcyclist can’t carry more passengers than the bike’s designed capacity. Motorcycle drivers following all NC motorcycle laws should still exhibit caution for other drivers. After all, cars sometimes neglect to look out for bikers, leading to deadly consequences. ## **Need Legal Advice for Your North Carolina Motorcycle Accident?** If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident by a negligent driver, we can help you recover compensation. We have recovered millions for injured North Carolina families. [Call us](https://dev-harry-albritton.pantheonsite.io/contact-us/) for a **free consultation.** We’ll listen to your story, explain NC motorcycle laws, and offer you our best legal advice. If you decide to hire us, you’ll pay nothing until we win your case. That’s because Attorney Albritton works on a contingency fee in order to reduce your stress. We fund the case through trial and advocate for you so that you can focus on recovery. If you’re ready to claim what you’re owed, [give us a call today](https://dev-harry-albritton.pantheonsite.io/contact-us/).  ### [Harry Albritton](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/author/harry-albritton) Harry H. Albritton, Jr. is a passionate attorney representing victims of negligence and malpractice, with deep roots in eastern North Carolina. A graduate of East Carolina University, he returned to practice law in Pitt County after obtaining his law degree from Ohio Northern University. Throughout his career, he has successfully handled a diverse range of cases, from minor car accidents to multi-million dollar catastrophic injuries, and has been recognized for his legal abilities by Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers. When not practicing law, he prioritizes spending time with his wife and three sons, engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. ### Related Posts [Personal Injury](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/tag/personal-injury) 3 min read #### [How a Greenville North Carolina Motorcycle Lawyer Can Maximize Your Compensation](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/how-a-greenville-north-carolina-motorcycle-lawyer-can-maximize-your-compensation) [Read more](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/how-a-greenville-north-carolina-motorcycle-lawyer-can-maximize-your-compensation) 2 min read #### [Filing an Auto Insurance Claim in North Carolina](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/filing-an-auto-insurance-claim-in-north-carolina) [Read more](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/filing-an-auto-insurance-claim-in-north-carolina) [Car Accidents](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/tag/car-accidents) 3 min read #### [Understanding North Carolina Car Accident Laws Post-Accident](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/north-carolina-car-accident-laws) [Read more](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/north-carolina-car-accident-laws) [![IRONS & IRONS P.A.](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Irons%20and%20Irons/Pillar-Graphic.png?width=134&height=67&name=Pillar-Graphic.png)](https://theironslawfirm.com/) Irons & Irons P.A. 620 Lynndale Ct Suite A Greenville, NC 27858 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Phone: [252-215-3000](tel:252-215-3000) PRACTICE AREAS - [Personal Injury](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law) - [Medical Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/medical-malpractice) - [Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce) - [Family Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law) - [Education Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law) ATTORNEYS - [Gib Irons](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/gib-irons) - [Ben G. 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