Safety Laws & Regulations
NC Bicycle and Helmet Laws (summary)
- Child Bicycle Safety Act requires every person under 16 years old to wear an approved bicycle helmet when operating a bicycle on any public road, public bicycle path, or other public right-of-way.
- In addition this law specifies that all child passengers falling at or below 40 pounds/40 inches, must be carried in a separate restraining seat.
- Any parent or legal guardian who knowingly allows a child to ride without a helmet or to ride as a passenger not secured in a restraining seat (when applicable), will be in violation of the law. Violation of the law carries a $10 civil fine. The fine may be waived upon the receipt of satisfactory proof of purchase of helmet or restraining seat. This law goes into effect October 1, 2001.
City of Charlotte; Town of Cornelius; Town of Matthews–
Child Protection Helmet (summary)
- No person under the age of sixteen (16) shall use, operate or be a passenger on a bicycle, in-line skates, roller skates, skateboard or scooter on a public roadway, public bicycle path, or other public right-of-way unless the person wears a protective helmet of good fit, fastened securely upon the head with straps of the helmet.
- It shall be unlawful for a parent or guardian to knowingly allow his or her child or ward to so operate or ride a bicycle, in-line skates, roller skates, skateboard or scooter without wearing a protective helmet of good fit, fastened securely upon the head with straps of the helmet.
- Such helmet shall meet or exceed the safety standards set forth by the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American National Standards Institute, or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
- Penalties – Violations shall be punishable by a civil fine of $25.00. The fine may be waived as to any first time violator upon presentation of evidence that the violator has purchased or procured an approved helmet and demonstrates intention of using the helmet as required by law.
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