Bicycle Helmet Law

An Overview for Parents / Guardians & Children

On October 1, 2001, The Child Bicycle Safety Act went into effect as enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly.

Here's what it means to your child:

• All children below the age of 16 must wear a protective bicycle helmet that fits well and is fastened securely to the child's head using the straps of the helmet while they are operating a bicycle.
• This law also applies to children under the age of 16 who are passengers on bicycles being operated by another person. (Example: children riding in seats on the rear of the bicycle.) This does not apply to tricycles.
• This requirement applies to all public roadways, public bicycle paths, or other public maintained right-of-way.

Here's what it means to you as the parent/guardian:

• Any parent/guardian found responsible for violation of the child helmet safety law may be ordered to pay a civil fine of up to $10.
• In the case of a first conviction of this child helmet safety law, the court may waive the fine upon proof that the responsible person has purchased or obtained an appropriate bicycle helmet.