In NC, motorcycles have to ride w/ their headlights on in the daytime,?

Question

but do they have to be on brights? It seems like every motorcycle I see during the day has on their brights. I hate that and if it blinds people then it doesn't seem safe to me!

Love these answers! I have a new perspective of motorcycles and riders! Thanks guys!

Answer 1

Some riders will ride with their high beams on or instal a modulator that flickers the headlight constantly in order to increase visibility by other. Yes it is annoying, but since you did notice them, it's getting what they're hoping accomplished. The most common reason for car vs motorcycle accidents in which the rider is not at fault is because the auto driver claims not to have seen the motorcycle. Until car drivers start paying attention more and stop talking on their cell phones or doing other crap while driving, it's unlikely motorcyclists are going to stop trying to be as visible as possible. Most riders could care less how much they annoy drivers if the alternative means getting run over by an SUV.

Answer 2

It's been federal law since the mid 1980's that all new street-legal motorcycles sold in the USA must have the headlight on whenever the engine is running.

What's really annoying to me is that people still make left turns, or pull out of driveways directly in front of oncoming motorcycles, and try to use the excuse that they just didn't see them.

Answer 3

well either way the idea is to be noticed,but there are still those whom think it is funny to pull out if front of motorcycles and laugh about it while the rider is making corrections to not get in a wreck,and people wonder why some carry weapons with them even,which i dont,but the tactics are highly worrysome.
i have had that done a few times, one was a female whom was trying to raise my attention towards her,bad move for that
when there is no regard for another life other than to attract my attention,the bike wins along with life.

Answer 4

I second crazy Sherm's answer. My headight is on whenever the bike is on, and I ride with the bright on all the time for visibility. Car drivers are "blind" when it comes to bikes and they are way too distracted with the phones, radio, etc. I could care less if I annoy someone with my bright on in the daytime. I am annoyed when they pull out in front of me and I have to take evasive maneuvers when I have the right of way. Better them annoyed than me dead. Have patience. You would feel the same if you were on 2 wheels instead of 4.

Answer 5

It` s good to have your headlights on you get noticed that way!! Here in Florida you don`t have to wear a helmet so headlights should be on because most people in cars don`t look for bikers. I saw about a year ago here a lady was at a stop light and was turning right on red, She didn`t see the biker in front of her because she was looking the other way and on her cell phone. She ran right over him. He died later at the hospital. He wasn`t doing anything but just waiting for the light to change. So I keep my lights on all the time so I can be seen.

Answer 6

In TX we are permitted to use are brights all day. When you consider all the lights they put on SUVs we must do all be can to be visible. So, while you may be annoyed, at least you notice where motorcycles are. It annoys us worse when someone runs over us. :-)

Answer 7

Here in PA, the laws the same, low beams during day of course. But I can't turn my headlight off anyway.

Answer 8

Here in N.C. we are required to have headlight on at all times. Having it on bright is a personal choice.

Answer 9

most bikes are wired to have a headlight on at all times, from the manufactor. and there is no way highbeams blind during the day.

Answer 10

How can a high beam blind you during daylight? I'm like most people who ride, I always notice other bikes and it never bothers me.