Can My Child Ride on My Motorcycle with Me?

Janet Ward Black | | Motocycle Accidents
father and son wearing helmets and riding motorbikes

Under North Carolina law, children can ride with their parents on a motorcycle, but there are still important rules to follow. There are also significant safety issues when children ride motorcycles, as they can sustain severe injuries in a motorcycle accident.

Riding with Children as Passengers on Motorcycles

There are several important things to consider before taking your child with you on a motorcycle ride. First and foremost is whether your child will be safe if they ride with you. While North Carolina law allows parents to take their children on a motorcycle, motorcycles provide far less crash protection than cars. If you get into an accident while riding with your child, they could sustain severe or fatal injuries.

The second major issue is following North Carolina’s motorcycle laws. You need to follow the law to avoid trouble with the police and protect your right to compensation should a crash occur. Before you take your child on a motorcycle ride, make sure you know all the rules you must follow.

NC Motorcycle Laws: What Parents Need to Know

There are two key North Carolina motorcycle laws parents must follow if they want to ride with their children:

  • Wear a helmet – State law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear an approved helmet with a retention strap. The only exception to this rule is for riders and passengers in autocycles with fully enclosed seats or roll bars/cages.
  • No more passengers than the motorcycle is designed to carry – North Carolina law prohibits riders from having more people on a motorcycle than it is designed to carry. In other words, parents cannot take child passengers on motorcycles unless the motorcycle has a designated passenger seat with passenger footpegs or a sidecar.

What Do Children Need to Do to Ride Safely as Motorcycle Passengers?

While North Carolina does not set a minimum age requirement for riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, parents need to do everything they can to protect their children when riding. Following these steps can help keep your child safe when you ride with them:

  • Make sure your child wears a helmet, riding gear, and appropriate clothing.
  • Do not bring your child with you unless your motorcycle has a designated passenger seat.
  • Put your child behind you instead of in front of you so they don’t become crushed if a collision occurs.
  • Consider using a child safety harness or other restraint system to keep them on the motorcycle.
  • Make sure your child is strong enough to hold on to you while riding to avoid falling off the motorcycle.

Liability in Case of an Accident Involving a Child Motorcycle Passenger

If your child sustains an injury while riding on a motorcycle, you have the right to seek compensation from the liable parties. The driver who hit you or another liable party might try to blame you for causing your child’s injuries since you brought them on the ride, but as long as you didn’t cause the crash, you can seek compensation for their injuries and any injuries you sustained. A North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation for your and your child’s injuries.

Contact a North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Now

Our North Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to protect your rights. Contact Ward Black Law now for a free case evaluation.

Author: Janet Ward Black

Attorney Janet Ward Black is the principal owner of Ward Black Law located in Greensboro.  It is one of the largest woman-owned law firms in our state. The firm’s clients have received settlements of more than $100 million over the last 10 years. The firm represents people injured at work, in accidents, and by dangerous products and environmental hazards across North Carolina.