Laws Regarding Motorcycles

North Carolina and South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Like any other motor vehicle on the roadways, motorcycles have rules and regulations that vary from state to state. It is therefore important to know and understand these rules and regulations when you are traveling in order to avoid hefty fines and other consequences of breaking state motorcycle laws. If an accident occurs and a motorcyclist has violated a state law, then this can add more stress to an already difficult situation.

Attorney Brian Steed Tatum has years of experience in helping North Carolina’s and South Carolina’s injured motorists dealing with the effects of motorcycle accidents. He devotes his knowledge and skill to all clients to help them receive the compensation they deserve as a result of their injuries.

Motorcycle Laws: North Carolina

North Carolina accepts motorcycle endorsements on a license from other states, but there are additional laws that riders must know and abide by when riding through this state.

All motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets while riding. Eye protection is not required, but the helmets must meet federal guidelines. Passengers of all ages are allowed to ride along with a rider, but the motorcycle must be built to carry two people (i.e., a separate passenger seat and footrests).

Motorcycles may operate side by side in the same lane; however, lane splitting is not allowed. Motorcycles must also have at least one headlamp turned on at all times, including during the daytime. The motorcycles must have at least one rearview mirror that provides the riders with an unobstructed view behind the bike for at least 200 feet.

Motorcycle Laws: South Carolina

South Carolina’s motorcycle laws are similar to the laws in North Carolina, but there are a few significant differences, the main on being helmet laws. In South Carolina, all riders under the age of 21 must wear a helmet and eye protection (not required only when the motorcycle has a windscreen). Riders 21 and older are not required to wear a helmet or eye protection.

Passengers can ride with motorcyclists, if the bike is built to carry two people. Passengers must have their own seat and footrests and the passenger must wear a helmet if he or she is under 21.

South Carolina also requires motorcycles to be equipped with at least one, but no more than two, headlamps that must be on at all times, including in the daytime. Finally, all motorcycles must have a rearview mirror that gives the rider ample vision at all times.

Consult an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Whether the accident was small and resulted in only property damage or it was more catastrophic, you need an experienced attorney to help you determine your rights and guide you through the process of seeking legal recourse.

The Tatum Law Firm is dedicated to its clients and will find the course of action that makes sense for them and their families. We understand how difficult and stressful life can be after an accident and our dedicated motorcycle accident attorney, Brian Steed Tatum, is ready to evaluate all cases and help people through the process of getting the maximum compensation available for their losses.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, please contact our office for assistance at (704) 307-4350, or reach out online for a free case evaluation.