Is it legal to ride a motorcycle with no turn signals in NC?

Question

I just inherited my father's old motorcycle (1973 Honda CB350) and will have it road ready soon. However, he took the turn signals off many, many years ago so that all it has is a headlight and tail light. Is it legal to ride the bike in this manner just using hand signals? I've heard of many people getting ticketed for missing/burnt out headlights but not for missing the turn signals.

Answer 1

turn signals are NOT REQUIRED in nc belive it or not. here's the proof. http://home.ama-cycle.org/amaccess/laws/result.asp?state=nc

Answer 2

Many, many moons ago cars and motorcycles (Yes, trucks also.) did not come with turns signals. In fact, some only came with one brake light. The rule of thumb in most states, except for the strange ones like NY and CA that want traffic generated revenue any way they can get it is: If it was not original equipment, it is not required.

Look at some of the antique cars. (Reason I say that is there more of them than antique bikes.) Rear end is almost devoid of lighting. The law can not make you de-value your antique by mounting non-period equipment. Would YOU drive, or enter in a show, a mint Model-T with Mustang tail-lights? (And I mean a concourse style show.)

I do believe that turn signals were standard on bikes way before '73. The catch here is the missing equipment is a DOT violation UNLESS on the books in your area. DOT is Gov't. The locals can't write you for a law not on the books! But a diesel cop (DOT) can get you. All the locals can cite you for is failure to signal.

You get cited for an equipment violation. Then you mount some temporary turn signals and get inspected. Ticket is tossed. (Not in all places. Just places I have lived. In the 37 years since I've turned 18, I've been a few places.

But, best thing to do is check, on line, your local MVC. It's convoluted, but I'm gonna bet most locals in your area won't know a '73 Honda from any other older bike. Not that this is part of the answer to your question, but I'm the just the opposite. I hang all kinds of stuff off my bike that makes me easy to see.

For the record, I have a non-DOT approved taillight bulb. It's an LED model that rotates when the brake is off, then the rotation stops and it blinks solid red when the brake is applied. It's been in there over a year. And I live in a fairly large city. Ain't been pulled over yet. (Don't do much hiway time, either. Not much chance of running into a DOT'ie.)

If the bobber style is your thing, go for it. If not, go for the safe route and get it brought up to specs. Good luck. Ciao!

Answer 3

In the State of MN you need turn signals, side mirror, tail light and head light. I would assume the same laws apply to NC

Answer 4

a plain and simple answer...yes you can ride in NC without turn signals.just use hand signals

Answer 5

The first thing I did to every stock bike I've owned was to trash those ugly turn signals. Cops have never given me a problem. Just use hand signals.

Answer 6

I'd check with the local DMV, but I believe if the vehicle came with turn signals then it's definitely illegal to ride it without them

Answer 7

Check forktail's link (I can't from this terminal).
Laws vary from state to state.
In NH, the cut-off year is '74.

Answer 8

most likely not. i believe you need D.O.T. approved turn signals to operate it on any public hwy in any state.

those little trendy flush mount turn signals are not street legal and you can get a fix it ticket if you only have those on a bike...~fyi

Answer 9

its ok to drive in mass and nh with them on. BUT.. blue and red are illigal, also can not face front or flash while driving in any color.