The Bishop Law Firm
The Bishop Law Firm represents car crash injury victims in North Carolina, one of the four (Alabama, Maryland and Virginia) remaining contributory negligence states.
North Carolina
GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of North Carolina. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
North Carolina
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
North Carolina
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
Universal helmet law enacted 1968.
North Carolina
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
8 years
North Carolina
Provisions for Mature Drivers
66 and over: renewal every 5 years 60 and over: parallel parking not required on road test
North Carolina
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
Zero tolerance for some drugs
North Carolina
Marijuana Possession and Use
Decriminalized
North Carolina
Marijuana Impaired Driving
None
North Carolina
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
North Carolina
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
70
North Carolina
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
North Carolina
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
70
North Carolina
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)
70
North Carolina
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)
70
North Carolina
Administrative license suspension on first offense
30 days
North Carolina
Limited driving privileges during suspension
After 10 days
North Carolina
Ignition Interlocks
Mandatory for high BAC (.15 or higher) and repeat convictions
North Carolina
Open container laws
Yes
North Carolina
Repeat Offender Laws
Yes
North Carolina
Increased penalty for high BAC
0.15
North Carolina
Child Restraint Required
7 yrs or under and under 80 lbs
North Carolina
Adult Safety Belt Permissible
8-15 yrs or 40-80 lbs in seats without shoulder belts
North Carolina
Full Privilege Minimum Age
16 years, 6 months
North Carolina
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
15
North Carolina
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)
6
North Carolina
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)
60 (10) during Learner Stage 2 (6) during Intermediate Stage
North Carolina
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16
North Carolina
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction
9 p.m. - 5 a.m.
North Carolina
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)
No more than 1 under 21; if passenger under 21 is family, no other non-family passengers under 21
North Carolina
Type of Law
Primary; Secondary for rear seat occupants
North Carolina
Who is Covered?
16 and over
North Carolina
In What Seat?
All
North Carolina
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers
Yes. Primary law.
North Carolina
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers
Drivers under 18. Primary law.
North Carolina
Text Messaging Ban?
All drivers. Primary law.
North Carolina
Hand-Held Ban?
No
North Carolina
Speed Cameras: State Law
None
North Carolina
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted
n/a
North Carolina
Red Light Cameras: State Law
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
North Carolina
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted
Specified jurisdictions
Highway Safety Director: Here’s What It’ll Take to Make NC Roads Less Deadly
In 2020, traffic fatalities in North Carolina rose 13% above 2019 totals. By the end of 2021, it was clear that the pandemic wasn’t the only public health crisis confronting the state.
States Step Up Efforts to Protect People Walking Amid Surge in Unsafe Driving During Pandemic
As the number of pedestrians killed by drivers continues a decade-long trend in the wrong direction during the pandemic, GHSA & its SHSO members are marking the 2nd annual Nat'l Pedestrian Safety Month by taking steps to address the behavioral safety issues that put people on foot at increased risk.
States Step Up Efforts to Protect People Walking Amid Surge in Unsafe Driving During Pandemic
As the number of pedestrians killed by drivers continues a decade-long trend in the wrong direction during the pandemic, GHSA & its SHSO members are marking the 2nd annual Nat'l Pedestrian Safety Month by taking steps to address the behavioral safety issues that put people on foot at increased risk.
Lyft Grant Results: North Carolina
The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program was one of five State Highway Safety Offices to receive a grant from GHSA and ride-hailing company Lyft to prevent impaired driving during the 2020 holiday season.
States Ramp Up Traffic Safety Initiatives Ahead of Deadly Summer Travel Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2021
CONTACT: Adam Snider, 202-580-7930
202-365-8971 (after hours)
As traffic volumes rise, State Highway Safety Offices increase efforts to protect road users
States Ramp Up Traffic Safety Initiatives Ahead of Deadly Summer Travel Season
With more Americans returning to the road and millions expected to take summer road trips, GHSA is alerting motorists that State Highway Safety Offices and their partners are stepping up programs to make sure the nation’s roads are safe for everyone.
Lyft and GHSA Award Grants to Help States Offer Motorists an Alternative to Driving Impaired During the Holidays
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2020
Contact: Adrian Nicholas, 202-580-7934
After-Hours Contact: Pam Shadel Fischer, 980-619-2786
Lyft and GHSA Award Grants to Help States Offer Motorists an Alternative to Driving Impaired During the Holidays
GHSA and Lyft have awarded Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, North Carolina and Texas nearly $100,000 in grants and Lyft ride credits to help prevent impaired driving this holiday season.
As the Pandemic Opens More Roadways to Pedestrians, States Help Launch October as Pedestrian Safety Month
As pedestrian fatalities have soared to historic levels in the past decade, GHSA joined earlier today with U.S. Department of Transportation officials and walking advocates to designate October National Pedestrian Safety Month.