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Lesson 15 of 15 · Chapter 6: Sharing the Road

Bicycles, mopeds, trucks and insurance

Pass a moped with at least two feet of room and give motorcycles a full lane. North Carolina requires continuous liability insurance of at least $30,000, $60,000 and $25,000.

Topic
Safe driving
Key points
9
Numbers
10
Manual
Handbook pp. 90 to 101
What you must know

Key points

  1. Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of their lane.

    Source: Handbook p. 92
    “Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of their lane.”
    North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 92

  2. To pass a moped, stay at least two feet to the left.

    Source: Handbook p. 92
    “To pass a moped, you must stay at least two feet to the left;”
    North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 92

  3. A moped's top speed legally cannot exceed 30 mph.

    Source: Handbook p. 93
    “Legally, a moped’s top speed cannot exceed 30 miles per hour.”
    North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 93

  4. Bicycle riders and passengers under 16 must wear an approved helmet.

    Source: Handbook p. 90
    “All bicycle riders and passengers under age 16 must wear an approved protective bicycle helmet”
    North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 90

  5. A truck's rear blind spot can reach up to 200 feet behind it.

    Source: Handbook p. 92
    “and up to 200 feet in the rear (see diagram).”
    North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 92

  6. Minimum liability insurance is $30,000 per person, $60,000 per crash for injuries and $25,000 for property.

    Source: Handbook p. 99
    “$30,000 for injuries to any one person in a crash • $60,000 for all personal injuries in a crash • $25,000 for all property damage in a crash”
    North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 99

  7. You must keep continuous liability insurance as long as the vehicle has a valid plate.

    Source: Handbook p. 99
    “North Carolina law requires the owner of every registered vehicle to maintain continuous liability insurance as long as the vehicle has a valid license plate.”
    North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 99

  8. Your inspection may be done up to 90 days before the registration expires.

    Source: Handbook p. 101
    “Inspections may be performed up to 90 days prior to the vehicle’s registration (license tag) expiration date.”
    North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 101

  9. Littering carries a fine of $250 to $1,000.

    Source: Handbook p. 95
    “If convicted, the minimum fine is $250, and the maximum fine is $1,000.”
    North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 95
Exact figures

Numbers to know

NumberWhat it meansManual
2 feetminimum clearance when passing a mopedHandbook p. 92
30 mphmaximum moped speedHandbook p. 93
16age below which bike helmets are requiredHandbook p. 90
200 feetlength of a truck's rear blind spotHandbook p. 92
$30,000per person injury coverageHandbook p. 99
$60,000per crash injury coverageHandbook p. 99
$25,000property damage coverageHandbook p. 99
90 daysearliest inspection before registration expiresHandbook p. 101
$250minimum littering fineHandbook p. 95
$1,000maximum first littering fineHandbook p. 95
Check yourself

3 questions from the North Carolina practice test

  1. 1. In North Carolina, how much space must a driver allow when passing a moped?

    1. At least six inches to the moped's right
    2. No clearance if the moped is near the shoulder
    3. One full lane to the moped's right without changing position
    4. At least two feet to the moped's left
    Show answer

    At least two feet to the moped's left. A driver passing a moped must stay at least two feet to the moped's left. That lateral space helps protect the rider from the vehicle's body and windstream. Passing close to the shoulder is not enough, and the rule does not disappear because the moped is traveling slowly. Plan the maneuver with a visible gap and wait when traffic or roadway width prevents the required clearance.

  2. 2. What is the legal maximum speed of a moped in North Carolina?

    1. 40 miles per hour
    2. 30 miles per hour
    3. 50 miles per hour
    4. 55 miles per hour
    Show answer

    30 miles per hour. North Carolina defines the moped’s legal top speed as no more than 30 miles per hour. A machine capable of more than that is illegal for use in the state, even if its design resembles a moped. The 40, 50, and 55 mile-per-hour choices confuse the vehicle’s legal ceiling with roadway speed limits or a faster machine’s capability. Check the moped’s size and maximum speed before purchase, because those details affect whether it can be operated legally.

  3. 3. How long must North Carolina vehicle owners maintain liability insurance while a license plate is valid?

    1. Only during the month of registration renewal
    2. For 30 days after buying the vehicle
    3. Continuously
    4. Only when the vehicle is driven outside the state
    Show answer

    Continuously. The owner of every registered vehicle must maintain continuous liability insurance as long as the vehicle has a valid license plate. Coverage cannot be paused between trips or held only for renewal month. A lapse can expose the owner to a fine or penalty and may lead to plate revocation unless continuous coverage is shown. Keep the policy active for the full period that the plate remains valid, including days when the car is parked.

Next step

Practice this topic

Lock it in with safe driving questions from the free North Carolina practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.

Practice this topicAll 15 lessons

Source: the North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 6: Sharing the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.

Reviewed by , CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-09-27