North Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Laws (2024)

Helmet laws on motorcycles really help protect riders and keep riders from suffering serious injuries. The rules for motorcycle helmets that are supposed to help you stay safe on the road are very strict in North Carolina. All drivers and passengers of motor vehicles should know about North Carolina motorcycle helmet laws. Not only does this ensure you are in good compliance with the law, but it also protects you more in case of a motorcycle accident.

Understanding the details of these laws, how helmets are compliant, penalties for noncompliance, and North Carolina bike safety regulations can help keep you safe while enjoying the fresh air on the back of your bike.

Summary of North Carolina’s Motorcycle Helmet Act

Every North Carolinian motorcycle driver must wear a helmet that meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. It’s a North Carolina General Statute 20-140.4 requirement for every individual, no matter their age or motorcycle.

Helmets should also have a retention strap attached, and federal safety requirements should include measures that help protect you in a crash. They stop head injuries, the deadliest motorcyclist injury, from occurring because they adhere to these laws.

Key Requirements for a Compliant Helmet

Riders must meet certain requirements if they want to follow North Carolina helmet regulations. Below are the essential features compliant helmets need:

1. Thick inner liner. A supportive helmet should have a stiff, energy-absorbing inner liner that is at least one inch thick. This polystyrene foam liner is a must to absorb the crash force. Non-compliant helmets may not have this protection or only offer a thin foam lining, which offers very little protection and isn’t safety-compliant.
2. DOT sticker. FMVSS 218 states that all helmets that pass must have a “DOT” sticker on them. This sticker must be stuck on the helmet back by the manufacturer. Check novelty helmets for removeable or separate “DOT” stickers which don’t show any true federal compliance.
3. Manufacturer’s label. A label inside all compiled helmets will have important manufacturer information, model number, size, date of manufacture, and care/use instructions. This label is not only for certifying the helmet to meet the requirements of safety but also contains information that can identify the helmet’s design and use.

Exemptions to the Helmet Law

North Carolina’s helmet law applies pretty much to all motorcycle riders, with some exceptions. In an autocycle with fully enclosed seating or a roll bar or roll cage, for example, the helmet requirement doesn’t apply to riders or passengers. A three-wheeled autocycle is like a motorcycle, but it has three wheels, and the design’s extra protective features allow riders to skip the helmet in some circumstances.

Why Helmet Regulations Should Be Followed

Beyond the law, a legal helmet is an absolute safety necessity. Head injuries can lead to death on motorcycles, and FMVSS 218-compliant helmets make these injuries much less severe. If you have a good helmet, it can guard you against traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and other severe head injuries. Wearing a helmet and obeying regulations can mean the difference between a minor injury and a catastrophic injury when a collision occurs.

The Importance of Regular Helmet Inspections and Replacement

In addition to choosing a compliant helmet, it’s essential for riders to regularly inspect their helmets for wear and damage. Helmets can degrade over time due to exposure to sun, sweat, and other elements, which can compromise their protective qualities. Riders should replace helmets every five years or after any significant impact, even if there’s no visible damage, to ensure maximum safety on the road.

FAQs

Can I Use a Helmet with a Removable DOT Sticker?

No, a removable DOT sticker does not indicate compliance with federal safety standards. The DOT symbol must be permanently affixed by the helmet’s manufacturer to certify it as meeting FMVSS 218. Helmets with separate or removable stickers are often novelty helmets that fail to meet the necessary safety criteria and should not be relied upon for protection.

How Can I Verify If My Helmet Is FMVSS 218 Compliant?

To verify compliance, check for a thick inner liner about an inch thick, a DOT sticker stuck to the back, and an inside label with the manufacturer’s name, model, size, and care label. These things show the helmet has been engineered and manufactured to meet FMVSS 218 regulations and will provide better protection if you have an accident.

Are There Any Age Exemptions to the Helmet Law in North Carolina?

North Carolina’s helmet law applies to all motorcycle and moped riders, regardless of age. This requirement ensures uniform safety standards across the state, recognizing that head injuries can have severe consequences for riders of any age. Helmets provide critical protection, reducing the risk of serious injuries in accidents for everyone on the road.

Are Helmets Required for Moped Riders in North Carolina?

North Carolina regulations mandate all moped owners and riders wear a helmet certified to FMVSS 218. While mopeds are usually more leisurely than motorcycles, they still put people at risk of head injury, and helmet use is mandatory for safety reasons and statutory requirements. Contact an attorney if you’ve been injured in a moped accident.

What Are the Risks of Using a Non-Compliant Helmet in North Carolina?

When you are wearing a helmet that is not compliant, you are far more likely to suffer serious head injury if you crash. Non-compliant helmets don’t come with the most basic safety provisions, such as a heavy-duty inner liner and adequate impact protection. Not only are they more likely to be injured, but riding without a properly fitted helmet can cost you money and legal trouble.

Contact a North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer

Understanding and following North Carolina’s motorcycle helmet legislation is critical for both riders and passengers. Compliance with these laws not only provides legal protection but also significantly reduces the chance of serious injury.

If you live in Burke County, Catawba County, or Caldwell County and have any questions concerning motorcycle safety or have been involved in a motorcycle accident, Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC is here to help. Contact us today to set up a consultation and let us provide the legal advice you need to keep safe on the road.