North Carolina Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
Insurance for your motorcycle is mandatory by law in North Carolina. There is a minimum compulsory liability of:
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $30,000
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $60,000
- Property Damage Liability Limit: $25,000
When looking for insurance quotes in North Carolina, you may want to begin by looking at our review of insurance companies or get more detailed information on motorcycle insurance companies from the state regulator's website. You can see the full list of licensed insurers in the state plus get many other useful resources including information on how to file a complaint by visiting the state insurance division web site.
Licensing and Registration
To get your North Carolina motorcycle learner permit you have to pass three tests: vision, traffic signs, and motorcycle knowledge. If you plan on getting a full motorcycle endorsement you'll have to pass four tests; vision, traffic signs, motorcycle knowledge and a motorcycle road test. If you are applying for your Driver License at the same time as your Motorcycle Endorsement or Motorcycle Learner Permit you will only have to take the vision and traffic signs tests once.
Please visit these North Carolina websites for updated and detailed information
- North Carolina Driver License Information
- North Carolina DMV
- Department of Transportation
- Division of Highways
Helmet Laws
In North Carolina, motorcycle helmets must be in all riders possession and worn by riders and passengers. We strongly advocate the use of helmets at all times for all riders and passengers to protect from injuries.
Use our specialized search to find North Carolina motorcycle resources
Motorcycle Safety Schools and Training Programs
Many states offer motorcycle safety training programs and most insurance companies will offer discounts to bikers that have completed a certified course.
Below is a partial list of The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Safety courses in North Carolina. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- Charlotte - Riders Edge
- Raleigh - Wake Tech Community College
- Greensboro - Harley-davidson/buell of Greensboro
- Durham - Durham Technical Community College
- Dobson - Surry Community College
- Winston Salem - Forsythe Tech Community College
- Asheboro - Randolph Community College
- Haw River - Alamance Community College
Accidents and Safety in North Carolina
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 121,597 motorcycles registered in North Carolina with only 159 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| NC | 121.597 | 159 | 91% | 9% | 38% |
| VA | 82.602 | 82 | 93% | 7% | 46% |
| SC | 102.760 | 115 | 26% | 74% | 53% |
| GA | 186.719 | 166 | 93% | 7% | 25% |
| TN | 151.368 | 134 | 89% | 11% | 31% |
Sweet Rides in North Carolina
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Cherohala Skyway
- Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
- Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Biking Clubs
- Knob Mountain North Carolina Motorcycle Chapter
- Degataga Motorcycle Club
- CAROLINA RIPPERS RIDING CLUB
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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