The following information is updated periodically. However, laws and regulations can change between updates. State statutes and local ordinances are the ultimate authorities for these issues.

Points of Interest

• North Carolina makes extensive use of road blocks for DUI, seatbelt and other traffic enforcement purposes.
• North Carolina is notorious for citing nonresidents who then receive offers from attorneys in the locale of the violation who "guarantee" a "no point" or reduced point violation for a specified amount of money.
• Left turns on red from a one-way street to another one-way street are illegal in North Carolina.
• North Carolina requires that you have your headlights on whenever you are using your windshield wipers.

Speed Limits

Rural Interstates: Cars 70, Trucks 70
Urban Interstates: Cars 70, Trucks 70
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars 70, Trucks 70
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/speedlimit_laws.html)

These speed limits apply unless a different limit is posted.

Speed limits are absolute--exceeding the speed limit is illegal per se (regardless of whether it was safe under the specific conditions).

Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
Pacing: Yes
Radar: Yes
Vascar: Yes
Automated Speed Enforcement: Yes
Aircraft: No
Laser: Yes

Ticket Payment Methods
Consult your ticket or clerk of courts

Trial By Declaration Allowed
No

Jury Trial Allowed
Speeding: Yes
Parking: Yes
Equipment: Yes
DWI: Yes

Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes

Member of Driver License Compact
Yes

When and Where to File Accident Reports
Accidents involving death, personal injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported immediately to the local authorities.

Resident Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required (although some states allow posting a cash bond or such as an alternative)
Minimum Coverage Required:
Injury to one person: $30,000
All injuries: $60,000
Property Damage: $25,000

Phone Restrictions
Novice Drivers: All cell phone use prohibited for ages under 18, using primary enforcement
School Bus Drivers: All cell phone use prohibited, using primary enforcement
All Drivers: Text-messaging prohibited, using primary enforcement
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html)

Other Regulations

• Transporting open beer and unfortified wine is permitted. All other alcoholic beverages in open containers are prohibited in the vehicle. Consumption while operating a vehicle is prohibited.
• The BAC level is .08%.
• North Carolina has an administrative license suspension law and an implied consent law. The breathalyzer refusal penalty is a 1-year driver's license revocation.
• Loaded handguns should be holstered and may be carried openly in the vehicle's passenger compartment; loaded rifles and shotguns in a vehicle should be carried in plain view if in the passenger compartment.
• Tire chains are not required.
• North Carolina has a seat belt law with primary enforcement for all occupants.
• North Carolina has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 13 years of age. Children under age 4 must use approved car safety seats.
• North Carolina has a mandatory motorcycle helmet law.
• Registration and insurance card must be carried in the vehicle.

General Information
Telephone: 919/733-7952 (Highway Patrol HQ) or
http://www.nccrimecontrol.org/Index2.cfm?a=000003,000014,000935,000938 NC
(Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, FAQ, Traffic Tickets)
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: HP (47)