NC S66

Allows persons 21 years of age or older to operate a motorcycle without a safety helmet if they have held a motorcycle license or endorsement for more than 12 months or completed an approved motorcycle safety instruction course, provided they carry insurance with at least $10,000 in medical benefits.

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

Maintains the requirement that operators and passengers under 21 years of age must wear safety helmets that comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.

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

Becomes effective October 1, 2017, and applies to violations occurring on or after that date.