House Bill 516 creates a new motorcycle road guard certification program within the Division of Motor Vehicles and authorizes certified road guards to direct traffic while escorting motorcycle groups on approved routes. The bill is aimed at formalizing the role of motorcycle escorts by setting statewide standards for training, equipment, and certification, rather than leaving the practice entirely to informal local arrangements.
To qualify, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, and complete a DMV-developed certification course. The DMV must also offer a refresher course, establish renewal procedures, and maintain a list of approved courses available in the state. Certificates would expire after two years, and the DMV may charge fees for initial certification and renewal. The bill also requires the DMV to create rules to implement the program, and it takes effect December 1, 2025.
The bill amends G.S. 20-114.1 to create a narrow exception allowing certified motorcycle road guards to direct traffic during escorted rides on approved routes, provided local law enforcement has approved the route and the guard meets DMV safety and equipment standards. It also adds new G.S. 20-114.2 to Chapter 20, placing the certification program under the Division of Motor Vehicles and giving the agency authority over qualifications, training, verification, renewal, fees, and rulemaking. The practical effect is to create a regulated pathway for motorcycle escort traffic control and to define when such individuals may lawfully direct traffic on public roadways.
The available legislative record shows no recorded votes or committee transcript debate, so there is no direct evidence of strong public disagreement or support in the materials provided. The bill’s structure suggests a generally practical, safety-oriented approach: it recognizes a common escort function and seeks to standardize it through training, certification, and local route approval. The committee substitute favorable notation indicates the bill advanced in committee, which is consistent with at least some legislative support.
The main potential points of contention are likely to be the scope of authority given to private motorcycle road guards, the need for local approval from chiefs of police or sheriffs, and whether the DMV should be empowered to charge certification and renewal fees. Another possible issue is whether the bill creates enough oversight to ensure public safety while still allowing motorcycle groups to operate efficiently. Because no committee transcript is provided, these concerns are inferred from the bill’s structure rather than from explicit debate.