NC H142

Allows persons 21 years of age or older to operate a motorcycle without a safety helmet if they held a motorcycle license for more than 12 months or completed the Motorcycle Safety Instruction Program, provided they carry insurance with at least $10,000 in medical benefits.

Permits persons 21 years of age or older to ride as motorcycle passengers without a safety helmet if the operator is allowed to ride without one under the new exemption and the passenger carries insurance with at least $10,000 in medical benefits.

Reduces the penalty for helmet use violations from $25.50 plus court costs to $25.50 with no court costs assessed.

Maintains that helmet violations are not considered negligence per se or contributory negligence in civil actions and do not result in driver's license points or insurance surcharges.

Takes effect October 1, 2015, and applies to violations occurring on or after that date.