← North Carolina driving laws›Motorcycle Helmet Law

North Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Restricted: North Carolina requires the operator and all passengers to wear a safety helmet meeting the FMVSS 218 standard, at any age.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

Vehicle rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

North Carolina requires the operator and all passengers to wear a safety helmet meeting the FMVSS 218 standard, at any age. See N.C.G.S. 20-140.4.

Official source: ncleg.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering North Carolina

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

GeorgiaRestricted
Georgia requires every rider to wear a helmet — operators and passengers alike, with no age exemption. The helmet has to be DOT-compliant, meaning it is labeled with the maker's name or brand, the model, DOT, FMVSS No. 218, and CERTIFIED. Eye or face protection is also required in Georgia. The rules apply to all motor-driven cycles, including scooters and mini-bikes of 51cc or greater. See O.C.G.A. 40-6-315.
Verified Jul 29, 2026 · Source: dds.georgia.gov · Full Georgia rule →
South CarolinaConditional
South Carolina requires a helmet only for operators and passengers under 21; riders 21 and older are exempt. See SC Code 56-5-3660.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: scstatehouse.gov · Full South Carolina rule →
TennesseeRestricted
In Tennessee, every motorcycle driver and passenger must wear a crash helmet. See TCA 55-9-302.
Verified Aug 2, 2026 · Source: capitol.tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
VirginiaRestricted
Virginia requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective helmets. See Va. Code 46.2-910.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind North Carolina vehicle rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.