AN ACT to Create the ROAD GUARD CERTIFICATION PROGRAM AND to Authorize MOTORCYCLE ROAD GUARD CERTIFICATE HOLDERS TO Direct Traffic on Approved Routes.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 20‑114.1 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

(e)      A person holding a motorcycle road guard certificate issued under G.S. 20‑114.2 may direct traffic while escorting a motorcycle group along public roadways on an approved route if (i) the person meets the safety and equipment standards specified by the motorcycle road guard certification program and (ii) the route has received approval from the chief of police of each municipality through which the motorcycle group is proceeding, and where the route is outside of a city, from the sheriff of each county through which the motorcycle group is proceeding.

SECTION 2.  Article 3 of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 20‑114.2.  Motorcycle road guard certificate.

(a)        The Division shall establish a motorcycle road guard certification program. This program shall do the following:

(1)        Establish qualifications for a person to obtain a motorcycle road guard certificate. These qualifications shall include all of the following:

a.         The person is at least 18 years old.

b.         The person possesses a valid regular drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement issued pursuant to G.S. 20‑7.

c.         The person completes a motorcycle road guard certification course developed by the Division.

(2)        Develop and offer a motorcycle road guard certification course and refresher course.

(3)        Establish safety and equipment standards for a motorcycle road guard while directing traffic pursuant to G.S. 20‑114.1(e).

(4)        Establish procedures for a chief of police or sheriff to verify the validity of a person's motorcycle road guard certification.

(b)        A motorcycle road guard certificate shall expire after two years. The Division shall require a renewal applicant to complete a motorcycle road guard certification refresher course for renewal of the applicant's certificate.

(c)        The Division is authorized to charge a fee for a motorcycle road guard certification and certificate renewal.

(d)       The Division is authorized to certify an applicant for a motorcycle road guard certification with the submission of evidence that the applicant has completed a course, approved by the Commissioner, consistent with the instruction provided through the motorcycle road guard certification program created by the Division. The Division shall maintain a list of courses offered in this State which are approved by the Division.

SECTION 3.  The Division of Motor Vehicles shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this act.

SECTION 4.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2025.