Driver Handbook

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Dear North Carolina Driver:
Earning your North Carolina driver license can help you travel to places of
uncommon beauty and diversity across our state. It also comes with the added
responsibility of following the rules of the road to protect your fellow travelers.
You’ll be joining 7.5 million licensed drivers throughout the state. When you are
behind the wheel, we count on you to drive safely and be mindful of other road users.
We all have a responsibility to drive carefully. By doing so, you can help reduce the
273,000 crashes and more than 1,700 fatalities on our highways each year.
This handbook was written to help prepare you for your driver license examination
and to reinforce safe and defensive driving techniques.
You can find the locations of North Carolina driver license offices and other helpful
information on our website at MyNCDMV.gov.
Remember, always drive safely and obey the rules of the road. With your help, we
can keep North Carolina’s roadways safe.
Sincerely,
Roy Cooper
Governor
J. R. “Joey” Hopkins
Secretary of Transportation
Wayne Goodwin
DMV Commissioner
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DMVdirectAccess
automated information by telephone
DMVdirectAccess is a convenient way to obtain information about driver

licenses and vehicle registration from the North Carolina Department
of Transportation (NCDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Dial 919-715-7000 from a touch-tone telephone, and access information
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DMVdirectAccess gives you the facts about:

• Driver licenses, learner permits, motorcycle license endorsements,
commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and special identification cards;
• Personalized information you should know about points against your driver
license, your driving record and the status of your driver license;
• Medical and vision forms, exam cycles, records and hearings;
• Vehicle registration, duplicate titles, lost or stolen license plates, personalized
and vanity license plates and handicapped placards; and
• Liability insurance and more.
DMVdirectAccess also includes information about driver license and vehicle

registration taxes and fees. By entering your zip code, the system can give you
the location of a driver license or vehicle registration office in your area.
DMV Information 919-715-7000

Other DMV Telephone Listings:
Traffic Records Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919-615-6131
International Registration Plan (IRP) Section. . . . . . . . . . . . 919-615-6700
Tag and Tax Together. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 919-814-1779
Save time, go online! MyNCDMV.gov

Available Online Services:
• Pay Vehicle Property Taxes • Renew Driver License
• Renew Vehicle Registration • Estimate Vehicle Property Taxes
• Order Duplicate Registration Card • Order Driving Records
• Order Personalized Plates • View Your MyDMV Account
• Sign up for Email Notifications • Pay Insurance Lapse Penalties
• Renew Commercial Carrier Registration
4 5
DMV on the Web MyNCDMV.gov Transportation Alternatives

The NCDMV website focuses on providing North Carolina’s motorists with For many North Carolinians, operating a vehicle may be too costly,
timely and accurate information regarding NCDMV services and issues. inconvenient or dangerous. The North Carolina Department of Transportation
The site answers your most frequently asked questions and includes up-to- wants you to know there are many transportation alternatives to driving. In our
date directories of all DMV offices statewide. You will also find news about society, we often overlook our options to walk, ride a bicycle, carpool and use
new legislation and other requirements affecting North Carolina motorists. public transportation.
Publications and forms are also available online.
Public transportation could be your best alternative to driving. Some form
Duplicate Driver License/Duplicate of public transportation is available in most areas of the state. In the larger
metropolitan areas, there are bus systems that operate on regular routes. Smaller
Identification Card on the Web rural areas may provide coordinated van services for citizens. In either case,
A duplicate driver license/duplicate identification card may be requested online public transportation is available and equipped to accommodate persons
at MyNCDMV.gov, provided that DMV has your last image on file and a valid with disabilities.
social security number or a document issued by the United States government
indicating legal presence. A duplicate driver license/identification card may be To learn more about public transportation options in your area, call:
requested for the following reasons: N.C. Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division
919-707-4670.
• To replace a lost or stolen license/identification card;
• To change a residence and/or mailing address; or
• To replace a license/identification card that is defaced or damaged.
A fee of $14 is charged and may be paid with any credit or debit card. A
duplicate license/identification card with the most recent photo available in our
computer system will be mailed to the customer.
Online Renewal
The online driver license process is available to drivers every other time they
renew their license, which is allowed up to six months before its expiration
date. It is a process that should take just a few minutes. Simply go to
MyNCDMV.gov and click the Renewal link under Driver Licenses.
Drivers must verify their identity, confirm they live at the address on the license,
and have no vision problems that would hinder their driving skills, and that all
the statements being given are truthful. They also must have their current driver
license number to complete the online form and a major credit card or debit
card to pay for the renewal. The new license will be mailed in 7-14 business
days, and will be valid for 5 or 8 years, depending on the driver’s age.
Customers cannot use the online system to obtain first time licenses or ID
cards. This also applies to first time REAL ID issuances. Online service is also
not available if a driver has a restriction other than corrective lenses on their
license, is in the medical review program, is trying to renew a commercial driver
license or a state ID card, or has an expired suspended or revoked license. Those
customers must still complete those processes at a DMV license office.
6 Table of Contents Table of Contents 7
Chapter 1 — Your License 8 General Driving............................................................................................................44

The Driver and Pedestrian, Protecting Motorcyclists from Unsafe Movements,
Office Hours.....................................................................................................................8
School Buses, Emergency and Law Enforcement Vehicles, What Motorists Should Do
Learner Permit.................................................................................................................8 When Stopped By Law Enforcement, Safe Driving Around Farm Equipment,
Motorcycle Learner Permit........................................................................................8 Funeral Processions
Test Requirements for an Original Driver License..........................................9 Basic Driving Skills and Rules.............................................................................50
Vision, Traffic Signs, Knowledge Test, Driving Skills, Health Requirements, Driving on Your Side of the Road, Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions,
Skills observed and graded during the on-the-road driving test, Three-Point Rounding a Curve, Turning, Following, Changing Lanes, Passing, Backing,
Turnabout Parking, Special Driving Situations, Single Point Interchange, Traffic Circles and
Types of Licenses, Permits and Restrictions..................................................10 Roundabouts,Vehicle Equipment
Regular Licenses, Commercial Licenses, Endorsements, Graduated Licensing— Defensive Driving........................................................................................................66
Licensing for Drivers 15–18, The Provisional Licensee, Scanning, Communicating, Hand Signals
Thinking of Dropping Out?, Lose Control/Lose Your License, Restrictions Hazardous Driving......................................................................................................68
Required Documents..................................................................................................15 Work Zones, Night Driving, Sun Glare, Rain, Hydroplaning, Driving in Flood
Applicants under Age 18 Applying for a Driver License or Learner Permit, Conditions, Fog, Snow and Ice
Proof of Identity and Age, Social Security Number Requirement, Proof of Residency Emergencies.................................................................................................................. 72
in North Carolina, Proof of Legal Presence in the U.S., Deferred Action for Brake Failure, Wet Brakes, Gas Pedal Sticks, Blowouts, Breakdowns, Unusual
Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Proof of Insurance, No Fee ID Cards Emergencies, Skids
Liability Insurance Requirement...........................................................................21 Crashes............................................................................................................................ 74
North Carolina's REAL ID........................................................................................ 22
Chapter 5 — Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings 76
Moving to North Carolina....................................................................................... 23
North Carolina's Driver License and Identification Card......................... 23 Traffic Signals.............................................................................................................. 76
Renewal and Duplicate Licenses......................................................................... 24 Flashing Signals, Left-Turn Traffic Signal Heads, Ramp Meter Traffic Signals,
Renewal, Renewal By Mail (Temporary License), Military, Veterans, Duration and Hybrid Beacons
Renewal of License, Duplicate, Address Changes, Name Changes Traffic Signs.................................................................................................................. 79
Identification Cards................................................................................................... 27 Regulatory, Warning, Guide/Informational
Schedule of Fees........................................................................................................ 27 Pavement Markings....................................................................................................84
Other Services............................................................................................................. 28 Traffic Officers.............................................................................................................84
Voter Registration Application, Organ Donor Program, Selective Service System Chapter 6 — Sharing the Road 85
Registration, Requirements for Sex Offender Registration Program
Bicycles........................................................................................................................... 85
Chapter 2 — Alcohol and the Law 29 Pass with Care, Go with the Flow, Be Visible
Driving While Impaired............................................................................................. 29 You as a Pedestrian................................................................................................... 87
DWI Laws, Blood Alcohol Concentration Restrictions Trucks and Other Vehicles..................................................................................... 87
Alcohol and the Young Driver .............................................................................30 No-Zones
Recreational Vehicles and Trailers.....................................................................88
Chapter 3 — Your Driving Privilege 32
Motorcycles and Mopeds........................................................................................88
Points............................................................................................................................... 32 Keeping the Road Litter-Free.................................................................................91
Driver License Points, Insurance Points Adopt-A-Highway Program
Suspensions..................................................................................................................34
Out-of-State Conviction, Failure to Appear and/or to Pay a Fine, Chapter 7 — How DMV Serves You 92
Provisional Licensee (under age 18) Driver Records.............................................................................................................. 92
Driver License Restoration..................................................................................... 37 Fees
Chapter 4 — Your Driving 38 Vehicle Registration...................................................................................................93
Insurance and Financial Responsibility, Vehicle Registration Renewal,
Driver Safety.................................................................................................................38 Transfer of a Motor Vehicle, Transfer of License Plates, Replacement of Lost Title
Driver Condition, Drowsy Driving, Distracted Driving, or Registration Card
Protecting Yourself and Your Passengers........................................................41 Tag & Tax Together.....................................................................................................96
Seat Belts, Child Safety, Child Seats, Booster Seats and Seat Belts for Children, How do I pay?
Children and Air Bags, Child Safety Points, Adult Safety Points, North Carolina Vehicle Emissions & Safety Inspection............................................................ 97
Motorcycle Safety Helmet Law, Law on Transporting Children in the Back of a Exemptions, Window Tinting
Pick-up Truck, Weather Risk
8 Chapter 1 — Your License Chapter 1 — Your License 9
Chapter 1 • The motorcycle learner permit is valid for 12 months and may be
renewed for one additional six-month period.
Your License • Required testing includes vision, traffic signs, and the
motorcycle knowledge test.
Driving is a legal privilege and responsibility. It is against the law to drive a Each driver license test must be passed separately. Applicants for a CDL Class
motor vehicle on streets and highways without a valid driver license. It is also A, B or C license should study the required chapters of the CDL Handbook.
illegal to sit in the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle while the engine is running or Applicants for a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle learner permit should
to steer a motor vehicle while it is being pushed or towed by another vehicle if study the Motorcycle Handbook. The CDL Handbook is available from the Federal
you do not have a valid driver license. Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You may also obtain the CDL, Regular and
Motorcycle handbooks on the DMV website and at the local driver license offices.
Office Hours Visit the DMV website at MyNCDMV.gov.
Driver license examiners throughout the state are trained to test fairly and to
give prompt and courteous service. Most offices offer services from 8:00 a.m. Test Requirements
to 5:00 p.m. In larger cities and towns, the offices are open Monday through
Friday, and some are open Saturday mornings. Offices in smaller towns may
for an Original Driver License
only be open for certain days each week. Appointments for driver license Vision
examinations can be made online at skiptheline.ncdot.gov. For an up to date Whether you are applying for a learner permit, an original license or a renewal
list of office hours and locations, please visit MyNCDMV.gov. license in person, your vision must be checked to see that you meet certain
standards. If you need corrective lenses to bring your vision up to the required
For an original driver license of any type, you standards, you must wear the lenses at all times while driving and your license will
may be tested on: indicate a restriction that you must wear corrective lenses. The penalty for driving
• Vision; • Traffic signs; and without the proper corrective lenses is the same as driving without a license.
• Knowledge of motor vehicle laws; • Driving skill (on-road test).
Traffic Signs
Learner Permit All the information on the traffic signs test is in this handbook. To pass the
signs test, you must identify the traffic signs by color and shape and explain
• Learner permits are available to persons age 18 and older. what each means.
• A learner permit authorizes the permit holder to drive a specified type or
class of motor vehicle while in possession of the permit. Knowledge Test
• The permit holder must, while operating a motor vehicle over the highways, The knowledge test is about traffic laws and safe driving practices. Audio tests
be accompanied by a person who is licensed to operate the motor vehicle are available, upon request, for those who have difficulty reading.
being driven and is seated beside the permit holder.
• Required testing includes vision, traffic signs, and knowledge of Driving Skills
motor vehicle laws. The driving test is an on-the-road demonstration of your driving ability. You must
perform this test after you have passed all the other tests. The first time you apply
Motorcycle Learner Permit for a license, you must take the driving test. You might also have to take it to renew
your license. It is not required for a learner permit.
• If an applicant is at least 16 years old but less than 18 years old, the applicant
must possess a full provisional license issued by the division. Parent or During the on-the-road test, you will be given an opportunity to perform basic
guardian’s signature is required. driving patterns and to show your ability to drive safely with traffic.
• If an applicant is 18 years old or older, the applicant must possess a license
issued by the division. Health Requirements
• The motorcycle learner permit authorizes a person to operate a motorcycle Individuals may not be licensed if they suffer from a mental or physical
without passengers. condition that might keep them from driving safely. A person with a disability
may be issued a restricted license provided the condition does not keep them
• If an applicant is less than 18 years old, the applicant must successfully from driving safely.
complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course or the North
Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program Basic Rider Course.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS  TABLE OF CONTENTS
Skills observed and graded during the Commercial Driver License (CDL)
on-the-road driving test: TIP A CDL is required for drivers, paid or volunteer, who drive the following types
• Approaches to intersections, stop signs and traffic signals; Three-Point of vehicles that are designed or used to transport passengers or property:
Turnabout
• Quick stops — stopping as quickly and safely as possible (1) Start from Class A Motor Vehicle: A vehicle that has a combined GVWR of at least
when told to do so; the extreme right 26,001 pounds and includes as part of the combination a towed unit that has a
side of the road. GVWR of at least 10,001 pounds.
• Backing; Look for other
• Stopping, starting and parking; traffic and if clear, Class B Motor Vehicle:
give a left signal
• Use of the clutch (in vehicles with standard transmissions); and proceed • A single motor vehicle that has a GVWR of at least 26,001 pounds.
forward slowly • A combination of motor vehicles that includes as part of the combination a
• Turn signals and use of the horn; while turning the
• Turning; steering wheel towing unit that has a GVWR of at least 26,001 pounds and a towed unit
to the left. Stop that has a GVWR of less than 10,001 pounds.
• Use of lanes; within several
• Following another vehicle;
inches of the left Class C Motor Vehicle: A single or combination of motor vehicles not
curb or edge of the included in Class A or B but meets any of the following descriptions:
• Passing and being passed; street.
• Yielding the right of way to pedestrians and other vehicles; (2) Then proceed • Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; and
backward slowly
• Driving posture; and while turning the • Is transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded.
steering wheel to You do not need a CDL to drive recreational vehicles, military equipment,
• Three-point turnabout. the right. Stop
within several fire and/or emergency equipment or certain farm vehicles. However, a regular
Applicants for an original driver license must take the on-the- inches of the right license of the appropriate class is required at all times.
road driving test; however, there are some cases when the curb or edge of the
on-the-road test may not be required. street. A volunteer member of a fire department, rescue or emergency service (EMS) in
(3) Proceed the performance of duty may operate a Class A, B or C fire-fighting, rescue or
forward slowly
Types of Licenses, Permits while turning the
steering wheel
EMS vehicle, or combination of these vehicles while holding either a “Regular”
A, B or C License.
and Restrictions to the left. This
should complete A special CDL endorsement is required to haul hazardous materials, transport
North Carolina has a regular driver license and a your turnabout. passengers, drive school buses and school activity buses, pull double trailers or
commercial driver license (CDL). The type of vehicle you drive tank vehicles. Additional information is in the CDL Handbook.
will operate determines the class of driver license you must have and the type
vehicle in which you must take the driving skills test. The driving skills test Endorsements
must be performed in a vehicle representative of the class license desired.
Motorcycle
Regular Licenses A person must have a regular or commercial license with a motorcycle
endorsement or a motorcycle learner permit before being entitled to operate a
Class A: Required to operate a combination of vehicles that is exempt from motorcycle on public roads.
CDL requirements when the towed unit has a gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more. School Bus/School Activity Bus
Class B: Required to operate any single vehicle that is exempt from CDL The driver of a school bus must be at least 18 years of age, have at least six
requirements with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and any such vehicle months driving experience and hold either a Class B or Class C CDL with
towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds. an “S” (school bus) and a “P” (passenger) endorsement along with a School
Bus Driver’s Certificate. To obtain a School Bus Driver’s Certificate, a person
Class C: Required to operate any noncommercial single vehicle with a must be specially trained and pass an examination administered by a Driver
GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds; and a vehicle towing a vehicle which has Education Program Specialist which demonstrates the fitness and competency
a combined GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds operated by a driver 18 years required to operate the bus. The requirements for a driver of a public school
old or older. Most drivers need only a Regular Class C license to operate activity bus are the same. The requirements for the driver of a school activity
personal automobiles and small trucks. bus are the same except a School Bus Driver’s Certificate is not required.
NOTE: Pursuant to G.S. 20-37.14A, the Division shall not issue or renew a
commercial driver license reflecting a “P” or “S” endorsement to anyone required to
register under sex offender and public protection registration programs.
Graduated Licensing—Licensing for Drivers 15–18 Level Two Limited Provisional License
Limited Learner Permit • Drivers must be at least 16 years old, but less than 18.
If you are at least 15 years of age and have completed an approved driver • You may drive without supervision from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. and at any
education course that meets North Carolina requirements and can present a time when driving directly to or from work or any volunteer fire, rescue or
Driving Eligibility Certificate (issued by the public school system), or a high emergency medical service, if you are a member.
school diploma or its equivalent, you may apply for a Level One Limited • You must hold this license at least six months prior to applying for a Full
Learner Permit to operate vehicles requiring a Class C License. Provisional License.
• You must be at least 15 years old but less than 18 years old and reside in • You will be given a Driving Log to be completed detailing a minimum of
North Carolina. 12 hours of operation. At least six hours must occur during nighttime hours.
• You must present a certificate showing you have passed an approved driver Daytime or daylight driving can be performed from sunrise to sunset and
education course consisting of at least 30 hours classroom instruction and six as long as daylight exists. Nighttime or night driving can be performed after
hours behind-the wheel instruction that meets North Carolina requirements sunset and within the hours that sunlight or daylight does not exist. The log
before you can take the test for a learner permit. must be signed by the supervising driver and submitted to the Division at the
time of application for the Full Provisional License.
• You must pass written, sign and vision tests.
• All passengers must be restrained by seat belt or child safety seat.
• During the first six months, a level one permit authorizes you to drive
between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., while accompanied by your • Supervising driver must be seated beside the driver.
supervising driver. • When driving unsupervised, there may be one passenger that is under 21 that
• Six months from level one issuance, you are eligible to drive anytime with a is not a member of the same household as the driver if they are being driven
supervising driver. directly to or from school. Additionally, there may be one passenger under 21
in the vehicle that is a member of the same household as the driver.
• You must hold this permit for nine months prior to applying for a Limited
Provisional License. • You are not permitted to use a cell phone or other additional technology
associated with a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on a public street
• You will be given a Driving Log to be completed detailing a minimum of or highway or public vehicular area. Exception: You can use it to call the
60 hours of operation. Daytime or daylight driving can be performed from following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency response operator;
sunrise to sunset and as long as daylight exists. Nighttime or night driving a hospital, physician’s office, or a health clinic; a public or privately owned
can be performed after sunset and within the hours that sunlight or daylight ambulance company or service; a fire department; a law enforcement agency;
does not exist. your parent, legal guardian or spouse.
• All passengers must be restrained by seat belt or child safety seat. NOTE: Before graduating to level three, you must have no convictions of motor
• No one except the driver and the supervising driver are allowed in the front seat. vehicle moving violations, seat belt or cell phone infractions within the preceding
• You are not permitted to use a cell phone or other additional technology six months.
associated with a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on a public street SUPERVISING DRIVER: A supervising driver must be a parent, grandparent or
or highway or public vehicular area. Exception: You can use it to call the guardian of the permit/license holder, or a responsible person approved by the parent
following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency response operator; or guardian. A supervising driver must hold a valid driver license and must have
a hospital, physician’s office or a health clinic; a public or privately owned been licensed for at least five years.
ambulance company or service; a fire department; a law enforcement agency;
your parent, legal guardian or spouse. Level Three Full Provisional License
• The restrictions on level one and level two concerning time of
NOTE: Before graduating to level two, you must have no convictions of motor driving, supervision and passenger limitations do not apply to a
vehicle moving violations, seat belt or cell phone infractions within the preceding Full Provisional License.
six months.
• If you are under the age of 18, you are not permitted to use a cell phone or
SUPERVISING DRIVER: A supervising driver must be a parent, grandparent other additional technology associated with a cell phone while operating a
or guardian of the permit/license holder, or a responsible person approved by the motor vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area. Exception:
parent or guardian. A supervising driver must hold a valid driver license and must You can use it to call the following regarding an emergency situation: an
have been licensed for at least five years. emergency response operator; a hospital, physician’s office, or a health clinic; a
public or privately owned ambulance company or service; a fire department; or
a law enforcement agency; your parent, legal guardian or spouse.

New Residents Between the Ages of 15 and 18 Years Lose Control/Lose Your License
If you are a new resident moving into North Carolina and are 15 but less than 18 A loss of license will occur if a student receives a suspension for more than 10
years old and have a learner permit, a restricted license or an unrestricted license, consecutive days or receives an assignment to an alternative educational setting
you should contact your local driver license office to determine which type of due to disciplinary action for more than 10 consecutive days. This suspension
license or learner permit you are eligible to apply for. remains in effect for 12 months or until a Driving Eligibility Certificate
is obtained.
The Provisional Licensee
Drivers under age 18 are provisional licensees. Because these drivers have a much
Restrictions
higher crash rate, special laws apply to them. If you are a driver under age 18: For safety reasons, a driver license may be limited or restricted. Examples:
• You must present a certificate showing you have passed an approved driver • A driver may only be permitted to operate a motor vehicle while wearing
education course consisting of at least 30 hours classroom instruction and six corrective lenses.
hours behind-the-wheel instruction that meets North Carolina requirements • A driver who passes the license examination may be issued a driver license
before you can take the test for a learner permit or license. restricted to using equipment necessary to safely operate the motor vehicle.
• The DMV reviews your driving record more closely and may contact you if If your license is restricted, you must only drive within the limits of the
you have certain types of traffic convictions or crashes. restriction; otherwise you are considered to be driving without a license.
• It is unlawful for a provisional licensee to drive a motor vehicle after or while
consuming any amount of alcohol or drugs — a conviction of such a violation
will result in a one-year license revocation.
Required Documents
• A parent or legal guardian must sign for a minor. The Division of Motor Vehicles may copy the documents presented or hold
the documents for a brief period of time to verify authenticity. Any document
• You are not permitted to use a cellphone.
reflecting alteration will not be accepted.
• You are not permitted to operate a vehicle while manually entering multiple
letters or text as a means of communicating or read any electronic mail or Requirements are based on North Carolina General Statutes 20-7 and 20-11
text message. and 6 CFR Part 37 of the Federal Register.
• Every person occupying a vehicle in motion must have a safety belt properly If you are applying for a driver license, a learner’s permit or an ID card for the
fastened when the vehicle is in motion. first time in North Carolina, you will need to provide proof of your full name
and date of birth, your NC residence address, proof of your Social Security
Thinking Of Dropping Out? number (SSN) or documentation indicating your legal presence in the U.S.
Driver license applicants less than 18 years old must have a Driving Eligibility You will need to provide proof of vehicle liability insurance when applying for a
Certificate, high school diploma or its equivalent to be eligible for a North driver license.
Carolina driving permit or license. The Driving Eligibility Certificate must be A North Carolina driver license, learner permit or ID card that includes the
signed by the applicant’s school administrator who certifies that the applicant is notation “Not for Federal Identification” is a valid state-issued driver license,
currently enrolled in school and making progress toward a high school diploma; learner’s permit, or ID card.
or that substantial hardship would be placed on the applicant or the applicant’s Beginning May 7, 2025, a driver license, learner permit or ID Card with
family if they do not receive a driver license. The steps in graduated licensing “Not for Federal Identification” means you will need to provide additional
must still be followed even if the Driving Eligibility Certificate is issued due to documentation to fly on a commercial airline and enter any federal facility,
hardship conditions. North Carolina does not issue a hardship driving permit military base and nuclear power plant that requires identification. You
or license. must contact the facility that you are visiting to determine what additional
DMV must revoke the driver license of any person under age 18 when it receives identification is required.
notice from the proper school authority that the person is no longer eligible
for a Driving Eligibility Certificate. This revocation remains in effect until Applicants under Age 18 Applying for a Driver License
the person’s 18th birthday unless a Driving Eligibility Certificate, high school or Learner Permit:
diploma or GED Certificate is obtained. If you are under age 18, you must provide either a Driving Eligibility
Certificate, proof of graduation from high school, or submit a GED. You must
also provide proof of completion of a driver education course which consists of
30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours behind wheel instruction.

Table (1) – PROOF OF IDENTITY AND DATE OF BIRTH DOCUMENT DETAILS

REQUIREMENTS: You must provide proof of your identity 12. NC school transcript/registration • Card received will be noted “Not for
and date of birth from the list of documents below. signed by a school official, or Federal Identification”
DOCUMENT DETAILS diploma or GED from an NC • Driver Education Certificates, Driver
1. Valid, unexpired United States school, community college or Eligibility Certificates and report
passport NC university cards are not accepted as proof of
identification.
2. Certified copy of a birth certificate • Certified copy
filed with a State Office of Vital • No photocopies unless 13. Valid unexpired US military ID, • Card received will be noted “Not for
Statistics or equivalent agency in certified by Issuing agency including DD-2, DD-214, OR Federal Identification”
the individual’s state of birth US military Dependents Card, US • Other than DD-214, documents
• No laminated copies or plastic replicas Veteran Universal Access Card submitted as a form of identification
3. Consular Report of Birth Abroad • Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545 • must be valid and unexpired
(CRBA) issued by the United
States Department of State 14. Certified document from a • Card received will be noted “Not for
Register of Deeds or government Federal Identification”
4. Valid, unexpired Permanent • Form I-551 agency in the US, Puerto Rico, • Marriage certificate, divorce decree,
Resident Card issued by DHS US territories or Canada court documents of name change
or USCIS
15. Limited Driving Privilege issued • Card received will be noted “Not for
5. Unexpired employment • Form I-766 or Form I-668B by a NC court Federal Identification”
authorization document (EAD)
issued by DHS • Cannot be expired for more than 1
year
6. Unexpired foreign passport with a
valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed 16. Valid, unexpired documents issued • Card received will be noted “Not for
accompanied by the approved by DHS/USCIS Federal Identification”
I-94 form documenting the • Unexpired immigration document
applicant’s most recent admittance may be valid if accompanied by a
into the United States. letter from USCIS extending the
expiration date (e.g. I-797)
7. Certificate of Naturalization issued • Form N-550 or Form N-570
by DHS 17. Court documents from US • Card received will be noted “Not for
jurisdiction, Puerto Rico, US Federal Identification”
8. Certificate of Citizenship issued • Form N-560 or Form N-561 territories or Canada
by DHS • Divorce Decree
• Court order for name or gender
9. REAL ID driver license or change
identification card showing
full name • Adoption Papers
10. Driver License or State-issued • Card received will be noted “Not for Table (2) – SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUIREMENT: To obtain
Identification Card from North Federal Identification” a driver license, learner’s permit, or ID card, you must provide a Social Security
Carolina or another State, Puerto • A driver license, learner’s permit or ID Number (SSN). If you are not eligible for a SSN, you must provide document(s)
Rico, United States territory, or a indicating your legal presence in the United States.
card must be valid or expired less than
Canadian Province 2 years DOCUMENT DETAILS
11. Motor Vehicle Driver Record • Card received will be noted “Not for 1. Social Security Card No photocopies and no laminated cards.
Federal Identification” 2. W-2 form
• Certified NC Motor Vehicle Record
3. SSA-1099 form
• Non-Certified NC Motor Vehicle
Record 4. Non-SSA- 1099 form
• Certified Out-of-State Motor Vehicle 5. Pay stub with the applicant’s
Record name and SSN
DOCUMENT DETAILS DOCUMENT DETAILS

6. DD-214 with full Social Card received will be noted 12. Monthly or quarterly financial
Security number “Not for Federal Identification” statement
7. Social Security document Card received will be noted 13. NC Vehicle Registration Card or
reflecting full Social Security “Not for Federal Identification” title
number 14. NC Voter Precinct Card
8. Military Record relecting the SSN Card received will be noted 15. NC School Records
with full Social Security number. “Not for Federal Identification”
9. Medicaid or Medicare Card Card received will be noted Table (4) – PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS – FOR MINOR
reflecting the SSN with full Social “Not for Federal Identification” UNDER AGE OF 18: Minor customers must show two
Security number documents reflecting their permanent North Carolina address.
DOCUMENT DETAILS
Table (3) – PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS – FOR ADULTS
18 OR OVER: Customers must show two documents reflecting their permanent 1. Correspondence from
North Carolina address. organizations (boy scout/girl
scout, recreational teams, etc.)
DOCUMENT DETAILS
2. N.C. School records • Must present a letter from physician
1. Document issued by an agency
of the United States or by the 3. Magazine subscriptions • No additional documentation needed
government of another nation 4. Lease or housing contract showing
2. Document issued by another state minor as occupant
3. Document issued by the State 5. Tax records/returns reflecting
of North Carolina, or a political minor as a dependent
subdivision of this State. 6. Medical/hospitalization records
This includes an agency or
instrumentality of this state. 7. Hunting/fishing license
4. Preprinted bank or other 8. Social Security Card stub
corporate statement showing address
5. Preprinted business letterhead 9. Preprinted bank statement or
financial records
6. Pay stub with payee’s address
10. Preprinted business letter
7. Utility bill showing the address of
the applicant 11. Letter from homeless shelter • Must present letter from the shelter in
which you reside
8. Contract for an apartment, house,
modular unit, or manufactured
home with a North Carolina Table (5) – PROOF OF LEGAL PRESENCE REQUIREMENTS: To obtain a
address signed by the applicant driver license, learner permit or an identification card, you will need to show proof
of legal presence in the United States. Based on your legal presence status, you may
9. Receipt for personal property be required to present multiple documents.
taxes paid
DOCUMENT DETAILS
10. Receipt for real property taxes
paid to a North Carolina locality 1. Permanent Resident Card
(Form I-551)
11. Current automobile insurance
policy issued to the applicant and 2. Machine-Readable Immigrant
showing the applicant’s address Visa (MRIV) with Temp I-551
Language)

DOCUMENT DETAILS Table (7) – PROOF OF INSURANCE FOR DRIVER LICENSE: If you are
3. Temporary I-551 Stamp on obtaining a driver license, you will need to provide proof of liability insurance
Passport or I-94 coverage from a North Carolina-licensed insurance carrier. The proof of insurance
must reflect your name.
4. Employment Authorization Card
(Form I-766) DOCUMENT DETAILS
5. I-20 (F1, F2, M1, M2) 1. Form DL-123 from your
Certification with I-94 Arrival/ insurance agent
Departure Document or 2. Vehicle insurance policy reflecting
Unexpired Foreign Passport with your name and expiration dates
CBP Admission Stamp 3. An insurance binder
6. DS2019 (J1, J2) Certification 4. An insurance card with your
with I-94 Arrival/Departure name, the policy number and
Document or Unexpired Foreign issue and expiration dates
Passport with CBP Admission
Stamp Table (8) – NO FEE IDs: To obtain an identification card at no charge,
you must also include one of the following items with your documents
7. I-94 Arrival/Departure Records- from tables 1-5.
Electronic I-94
DOCUMENT DETAILS
8. Waiver Traveler/Waiver Business
(WT/WB) Admission Stamp 1. Homeless Must present letter from the shelter in
which you reside
9. U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport
Card 2. Legally Blind Must present a letter from physician
10. Other Documents (Non-Student) Card received will be noted “Not for 3. 70 years of age or older No additional documentation needed
w/Alien Number Federal Identification” 4. At least 17 years old Refer to Chapter 1
11. I-220 B Order of Supervision w/I- Card received will be noted “Not for Required Documents
766 card Federal Identification” 5. Medically Cancelled Your NC Driving Record must reflect
12. I-512L Authorization for Parole Card received will be noted “Not for that your driving status is medically
of an Alien into the U.S. w/ Federal Identification” cancelled
supporting immigration 6. Developmental Disability Must present a letter from primary care
documents (I-551, I-766 or I-94) provider
13. Unexpired Foreign Passport w/ Card received will be noted “Not for
CBP Admission Stamp Federal Identification” Liability Insurance Requirement
Table (6) – DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS The N.C. General Assembly has enacted legislation to require some (but not
(DACA): To obtain a driver license, learner permit or an identification card, you all) driver license applicants in North Carolina to provide printed proof of
will need to show proof of legal presence in the United States. Based on your legal automobile liability insurance coverage in order to obtain a driver license
presence status, you may be required to present multiple documents. (images on a mobile device will not be accepted).
DOCUMENT DETAILS Proof of liability insurance coverage applies to those:
1. Employment Authorization • Applying for an original license, including transfers from out of state;
Document reflecting Category • Whose licenses are being restored after revocation or suspension; or
C33
• Awarded a Limited Driving Privilege by the court.
2. 1-797 Notice of Action (Case type Card received will be noted “Not for Form DL-123, binders and certificates are valid only for 30 days from the
I-821) Approval Notice with valid Federal Identification” date of issuance. This does not apply to applicants who do not own currently
“to and from” dates registered motor vehicles and who do not operate non-fleet private passenger
motor vehicles that are owned by other persons. In such cases it is required that

a certification of exemption (DL-123A) be signed at the driver license office. Moving to North Carolina
If you must show proof of financial responsibility, and to avoid A new resident has 60 days after establishing residence to obtain a North
inconveniences at the driver license office, obtain Form DL-123 from Carolina license or learner permit. If you hold a commercial driver license from
your insurance agent in advance of your visit. another jurisdiction and wish to maintain a commercial license, you must
The exemption restricts the driver to the operation of “Fleet Vehicles Only”. To apply for and receive a North Carolina commercial license within 30 days after
remove the restriction, the driver must pay a $14 duplicate fee and present proof becoming a resident.
of financial responsibility. DMV shall not issue a driver license or identification card to an applicant who
has resided in this state for less than 12 months until the division has completed
North Carolina's REAL ID a search of the National Sex Offender Public Registry (North Carolina General
Statute 20-9(i)).
The REAL ID Act of 2005, requires increased security standards for state-issued
driver licenses and identification cards. In cooperation with the Department of A new resident applying for a Class C License may be required
Homeland Security, the North Carolina REAL ID is a single form of identification to be tested on the following:
with increased security measures that meet the federal identification requirements • Knowledge test;
for the Transportation Security Administration and federal facilities. A REAL ID
• Vision test;
is a driver license, learner permit or identification card with a gold star.
• Traffic signs recognition test; and
The REAL ID Act will directly impact travelers on domestic commercial airlines
• Driving skills test (if the examiner deems necessary).
including unaccompanied minors (under the age of 18), visitors to federal facilities
where identification is required including military installations, correctional A nonresident is, “Any person whose legal residence is in a state, territory, or
facilities and nuclear power plants. jurisdiction other than North Carolina or in a foreign country.”
Residents that do not have a REAL ID can still access these federal facilities, but Examples of nonresidents:
will be required to present additional documentation before access is granted. It is
recommended that customers contact the federal agency (TSA and others) prior • People whose homes are in other states who travel
through North Carolina;
to visiting to inquire about the additional documentation needed for access. As
required by federal law, non-REAL ID licenses and identification cards will display • Out-of-state college students who intend to return to their home
“NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION” on the face of the card. states upon completion of their education in North Carolina;
The NCDMV began issuing REAL ID and “Not for Federal Identification” driver • Members of the armed forces stationed in North Carolina who intend
licenses, learner permits and identification cards in May 2017. All current fees for to return to their home states; and
new issuances, renewals and duplicates are the same. There is no additional cost • Spouses of nonresident members of the armed forces stationed
for a North Carolina REAL ID. Those wishing to obtain a REAL ID must visit a in North Carolina.
local NCDMV Driver License Office. Residents can call 919-715-7000 to schedule
an appointment.
Residents must first meet all necessary requirements for a driver license, permit, or North Carolina's Driver License and
identification card before being eligible to obtain a REAL ID issuance. Identification Card
Please visit NCREALID.gov to get a complete list of the required documents. Digital imaging is used to obtain and store customer photos and signatures. The
IMPORTANT: All REAL IDs have a gold star. All non-REAL IDs will display driver license/identification card is equipped with a bar code system that houses
“NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION” as required by federal law. customer data.
North Carolina issues driver licenses, learner permits and ID cards from a
central location. Customers who take required tests and have their photos made
at the local driver license office will receive a temporary driving certificate valid
for 60 days. Customers may keep their current license or ID card to use as a
photo ID until their new license is delivered by mail within 60 days.
Driver licenses may be renewed up to six months before a customer’s birthday.
Customers are encouraged to renew their license as early as possible to make sure
their new license arrives on time. Visit MyNCDMV.gov for more information.

DMV issues a vertical license/ID card to applicants under the age of 21. As • Driver license renewal may be made for more than one year prior to expiration
added protection, applicants under age 18 receive license/ID cards with two color date when accompanied by military papers showing active duty status
bars, red and yellow, next to their photo indicating their 18th and 21st birthdays. • Must have a North Carolina Class C driver license that has not expired by
Applicants under age 21 receive one red color bar indicating the date they reach more than two years
the age of 21. • Must have a photo on file with DMV that was issued within the last eight years
• NCDMV must have a record of your Social Security number or a document
Renewal and Duplicate Licenses issued by the United States government indicating legal presence
Renewal • A vision statement form is required and must be provided. A vision waiver
can be submitted for active duty military currently in a war zone
The DMV will mail you a reminder card about six months before expiration of (documentation required)
your license listing the number of years it will be valid. You may be eligible for
online renewal (see page 4). If you must visit a Driver License office for your • A signed and dated National Sex Offender Affidavit is required and will
renewal, the vision and traffic sign tests are required. It is not necessary to have be provided
the reminder card in order to renew your driver license. A driver license may be • Customer must not be older than 72 on the date of request to renew by mail
renewed anytime within 180 days prior to expiration. If you do not have your • A driver license with a military designation may be renewed no more than two
current or expired license at renewal, you will be required to show the examiner times during the license holder’s lifetime.
two documents of identification as outlined. • Military spouse and dependents may also renew by mail.
• A dependent holding a full provisional driver license can upgrade to a Class
Renewal By Mail (Temporary License) C driver license if their license has not been expired for more than one year
A resident of North Carolina who has been residing outside the state for at least and they are 18 years of age. The customer will need to meet the issuance
30 continuous days may also renew their license by mail. This is a temporary requirements and complete the application.
license which expires 60 days after the person returns to North Carolina or on A military customer does not need to go to a driver license office when they
the expiration date shown on the face of the license, whichever comes first. The return to North Carolina. They will not need to go in until time to renew their
following requirements must be met: license. Example: If the military customer returns to North Carolina in 2010 and
• Must have a permanent North Carolina verifiable residence address. his license does not expire until 2014, the customer will not need to go into an
• Must have a North Carolina Class C driver license that has not expired for office for renewal until 2014.
more than two years
• Must have a photo on file with DMV that was issued within the last five years Veterans
• NCDMV must have a record of your Social Security number or a document Qualified North Carolina military veterans are able to carry the designation
issued by the United States government indicating legal presence. “VETERAN” on their driver licenses and identification cards.
• A vision statement form signed by a licensed physician must be provided. Military veterans requested the designation to assist them in obtaining
• A signed and dated National Sex Offender Affidavit is required and will military discounts from a wide variety of retailers and service providers without
be provided. having to show their military discharge form. Putting the designation on the
driver license or ID card will enable the state’s veterans to show their photo
• Customer must not be older than 72 on the date of request to renew by mail ID and their veteran status at the same time. Many states are making such
• The customer may renew by mail every other renewal cycle. designations available.
A commercial or a full provisional license cannot be renewed by mail. Veterans who are interested in applying for the designation should take their
DD-214 discharge form to their local driver license office to show they have been
Military honorably discharged. They can request the designation be added to their license
A resident of North Carolina who is active duty Military residing outside at their next renewal at no additional charge.
the state may also request a driver license renewal by mail. The following
The Division accepts the following documents as proof of a veteran’s Honorable
requirements must be met:
Discharge status:
• Must have a permanent North Carolina verifiable residence address or, if you
• US Military ID – Valid unexpired U.S. military ID, including DD-2, DD-214,
do not have a permanent North Carolina verifiable residence address, you may
or U.S Military Dependents Card, U.S. Veteran Universal Access Card.
provide the address of a verifiable North Carolina host family
• DD-214 – Certificate of Release or Discharge
• Must provide military orders and a copy of military identification card, both
front and back • DD-215 – Certificate of Release or Discharge
• WD AGO 53/55 – Report of Separation Identification Cards

• NAVMC 78-PD – Notice of Separation Any resident of North Carolina can be issued a state identification card. You
• NAVPERS – Separation of Service will need the same documents as required for a driver license: proof of identity
If a veteran would like to add the designation at any other time, they may present and residency, as well as the Social Security requirements. There is no fee for
the discharge form and request a duplicate license for the usual fee at any driver a state ID card for residents who are any one of the following: at least 17 years
license office. old, legally blind, or homeless. The fee for a state ID card for someone under 17
years old is $14.
Duration and Renewal of License
Your license will expire on your birthday depending upon your age at time of Schedule of Fees (subject to change)
issuance as shown below: Statute Fee
Age at Time of Issuance Duration 20-7. Issuance and Renewal of Driver Licenses
18–65 8 years • Class A....................................................................................................$5.50/year
• Class B....................................................................................................$5.50/year
66 and older 5 years
• Class C....................................................................................................$5.50/year
• Motorcycle Endorsement............................................................................... $2.55
Duplicate • Restoration Fee (non-alcohol)..................................................................... $70.00
• Restoration Fee (alcohol)
If your license is not expired, suspended or cancelled, visit the nearest driver license ($25 portion to statewide Chemical Testing Fund)................................... $140.25
office and provide your driver license to apply for a duplicate. To replace a lost • Learner Permit.............................................................................................. $21.50
or stolen license, you may show the examiner two documents of identification
approved by the DMV. This type of transaction may also be completed online, but 20-11. Issuance of Learner Permit and Provisional Licenses
only if you know your driver license or identification number. (See page 4.) • Level 1 - Driving with a limited learner permit............................................ $21.50
• Level 2 - Driving with a limited provisional license..................................... $21.50
Address Changes • Level 3 - Driving with a full provisional license.....................................$5.50/year
20-14. Duplicate Licenses
If your address changes from the address on your driver license, you must notify
• Duplicate....................................................................................................... $14.00
the division of the change within 60 days and obtain a duplicate license. If you
do not move, but your address changes due to a governmental action, you are not 20-16. Authority to Suspend Licenses
in violation of this law. This type of transaction may also be completed online. (See • Driver Improvement Clinic............................................................................ $70.00
page 4.) 20-26. Records: Copies Furnished Charge
• Limited extract copy of license record for period up to three years..........$10.75
Name Changes • Complete extract copy of license record.....................................................$10.75
• Certified true copy of complete license record.......................................... $15.00
A person whose name changes from the name stated on a driver license must
notify the division of the change within 60 days after the change occurs and 20-37.15. Application for Commercial Driver License
obtain a duplicate driver license stating the new name. The Division of Motor • Application for Commercial Driver License................................................ $43.25
Vehicles confirms your name with the Social Security Online Verification 20-37.16. Content of license; Classifications/Endorsement Fees
System; please visit your local Social Security Administration Office at least • Class A CDL................................................................................................. $21.50
24 hours before changing your name with DMV. Name changes can be • Class B CDL................................................................................................. $21.50
completed with: • Class C CDL................................................................................................. $21.50
• Endorsement H.......................................................................................$4.25/year
• A certified marriage certificate issued by a governmental agency;
• Endorsement M......................................................................................$2.55/year
• Documented proof from the courts or the Register of Deeds establishing • Endorsement N.......................................................................................$4.25/year
that the name change was officially accomplished; or • Endorsement P.......................................................................................$4.25/year
• Execution of a notarized DL-101 (obtain this document from a DMV office) • Endorsement S.......................................................................................$4.25/year
All documentation must be provided by the appropriate government agency • Endorsement T.......................................................................................$4.25/year
of the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories or Canada. • Endorsement X.......................................................................................$4.25/year
20-42(b). Authority to Administer Oaths & Certify Copies of Records
• Fee for any document.................................................................................. $14.00
• Accident report............................................................................................... $5.50
28 Chapter 1 — Your License Chapter 2 — Alcohol and the Law 29
Other Services Chapter 2

Voter Registration Application Alcohol and the Law
You may complete a voter registration application or make changes to your Everyone’s driving is impaired at a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, of 0.08
current voter registration when applying for a North Carolina driver license, percent, but many people are affected at much lower levels. Research shows
learner permit or an identification card. that the risk of being involved in a crash increases when the alcohol level is 0.05
percent, and at 0.08 percent, the risk of causing a fatal crash is even greater.
Organ Donor Program
If you wish to be an organ donor, you may indicate your decision when you Driving While Impaired
apply for or renew your North Carolina driver license or ID card. Donors’
driver licenses and ID cards carry a heart symbol on the front of their In 1983, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted the Safe Roads Act. This
cards, representing their consent to be an organ and eye donor. It is highly act repealed all previous laws on drunk driving in North Carolina and replaced
recommended that you discuss your wishes with your family and make them with a single offense of “Driving While Impaired–DWI.”
sure they are aware of your decision. For more information, visit If an officer charges you with driving while impaired, you will be asked to take
www.DonateLifeNC.org. a chemical test of your breath or blood. Refusal to perform any required test
will result in the immediate revocation of your driver license for at least 30 days
Selective Service System Registration and an additional, minimum 12-month revocation by the DMV. In certain
DMV is required to notify any male U.S. citizen or immigrant between the instances, after six months of the willful refusal revocation has elapsed, the judge
ages of 18 and 25 who is applying for a driver license, commercial driver license may issue a limited driving privilege.
or ID card that his application for the license or ID card serves as his consent to If your blood alcohol concentration test shows a BAC of 0.08 percent or more
be registered with the Selective Service System (in compliance with the Military (0.04 or more, if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle), your driving
Selective Service Act, 50 U.S.C. 3801 et seq. privilege will be revoked immediately for a minimum of 30 days. Additionally,
the results of your chemical test or the fact that you refused to take the test will
Requirements for Sex Offender Registration Program be admissible as evidence in court.
DMV must provide notice to each person applying for a driver license, learner
permit or identification card that, if the person is a sex offender, the person is Driving while impaired can be proven in one of two ways:
required by law to register with the sheriff’s office in their county of residence. • By proving the driver's physical or mental fitness are appreciably
DMV obtains reports from the National Sex Offender Public Registry. (North impaired by alcohol, drugs or a combination of both; or
Carolina General Statutes 20-9(i) and 20-37.7)
• By proving the driver's blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or
• If the person is a current registered sex offender in another state, DMV more, or 0.04 or more, if you are driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle.
will not issue a license, permit or ID card until the person submits proof of
registration with the sheriff’s office.
DWI Laws:
• If the person is not registered in another state, DMV must require the person
to sign an affidavit and may issue the card applied for. • Allow enforcement agencies to set up road blocks to check for impaired drivers;
• If the national sex offender database is unavailable, DMV must require the • Prohibit drivers from consuming any alcoholic beverage, including beer,
person to sign an affidavit and may issue the card applied for. while driving;
• If the Division accesses the National Sex Offender Public Registry and verifies • Prohibit the transport of an open container of any alcoholic beverage,
that the person is currently registered as a sex offender in North Carolina or including in the passenger area of the car;
any other state, the Division shall not issue a Commercial Driver License with • Prohibit the possession of alcoholic beverages (open or closed) in the passenger
a Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement. area of a commercial motor vehicle while upon any highway, street or public
vehicular area;
• Provide for different levels of severity of punishment based on the severity
of the offense;
• Require persons who are convicted of DWI for the second time to serve a
jail sentence;

30 Chapter 2 — Alcohol and the Law Chapter 2 — Alcohol and the Law 31
• Attempt to punish DWI offenders, but also try to help them deal with • Any underage person who aids or abets another who attempts to purchase or
problems they may have with alcohol; purchases an alcoholic beverage;
• Require that repeat DWI offenders or persons with high BACs be checked to • Any underage person who obtains or attempts to obtain alcoholic beverages
see if they have an alcohol problem; by using or attempting to use a fraudulent driver license or other ID or
• Require persons with lower BACs to attend alcohol safety schools; and another person’s driver license or ID; or
• Require anyone convicted of DWI to obtain a substance abuse assessment • Any person who permits their driver license or any other ID to be
prior to the reinstatement of driving privileges. used by an underage person to purchase or attempt to purchase an
alcoholic beverage.
If you are convicted of DWI while your license is revoked for an earlier • Any person who gives an alcoholic beverage to any underage person.
DWI conviction, the court may order your vehicle seized and sold.
If a driver who is less than 21 years old is convicted for an offense
of driving with any amount of alcohol or drugs in their body,
If you are convicted of DWI: their license will be revoked for one year.
First conviction: Mandatory revocation of your driver license for a period of
one year. DWI laws are subject to change pending legislation. For updates on laws that may
Second conviction: Mandatory driver license revocation for a period of four impact this section, visit www.ncleg.net.
years when convicted of a prior offense which occurred within three years of the
current offense for which the license is being revoked.
Third conviction: Mandatory, permanent driver license revocation if at least
one of the prior convictions occurred within the past five years.
Fourth conviction: Mandatory permanent driver license revocation. The
fourth conviction is considered a felony if the three prior DWI convictions
occurred within the past seven years.
Blood Alcohol Concentration Restrictions
A blood alcohol concentration restriction will be required when a license is
restored following a suspension for DWI or when a Limited Driving Privilege is
issued following a DWI conviction.
On the first restoration, the alcohol concentration restriction will be 0.04. On
a second or subsequent restoration, the alcohol concentration restriction will be
0.00. Additionally, if you are convicted of DWI in a commercial motor vehicle,
driving after consuming alcohol or drugs while under the age of 21 or felony
death by vehicle, the alcohol concentration restriction will be 0.00.
Furthermore, a conviction of Driving While Impaired with a BAC of 0.15 or
more, or another conviction within the past seven years, will require an ignition
interlock device to be installed on the vehicle.
Alcohol and the Young Driver

The legal age to purchase any alcoholic beverage in North Carolina is 21. It is
against the law for any person who is younger than 21 years of age to purchase
or to attempt to purchase alcohol.
The law requires a one-year driver license revocation upon
conviction for:
• Any underage person who attempts to purchase or purchases an
alcoholic beverage;
32 Chapter 3 — Your Driving Privilege Chapter 3 — Your Driving Privilege 33
Chapter 3 No liability insurance 3

Failure to report accident where such report is required 3
Your Driving Privilege Speeding in a school zone in excess of the posted school
zone speed limit 3
Points Failure to properly restrain a child in a restraint or seat belt 2
Driver License Points All other moving violations 2
If you are convicted of certain motor vehicle violations in North Carolina, Littering pursuant to G.S. 14-399 when the littering involves
driver license points are placed against your driving record. If you accumulate the use of a motor vehicle 1
seven points, you may be assigned to a driver improvement clinic. The clinic Schedule of point values for conviction of violations while
fee is $70. Upon satisfactory completion of the clinic, three points are deducted operating a commercial motor vehicle:
from your driving record. If you accumulate as many as 12 points within a
three-year period, your license may be suspended. The accumulation of eight Conviction Point Value
points within three years following the reinstatement of your license can result Passing stopped school bus 8
in a second suspension. Rail-highway crossing violation 6
If your driver license is suspended by the point system, Careless and reckless driving in violation of G.S.20-140(f ) 6
it may be taken for: Speeding in violation of G.S. 20-141(j3) 6
• 60 days for the first suspension; Aggressive driving 6
• 6 months for the second; and
Reckless driving 5
• 12 months for the third.
Hit and run, property damage only 5
When your driving privilege is reinstated, all previous driver license points are
canceled. This does not pertain to insurance points. Following too closely 5
Driving on wrong side of road 5
Points are given for the following offenses:
Conviction Point Value Illegal passing 5
Passing a stopped school bus 5 Failure to yield right of way to pedestrian pursuant
to G.S. 20-158 (b) (2) b. 5
Aggressive driving 5
Failure to yield right of way to bicycle, motor scooter or motorcycle 5
Reckless driving 4
Running through stop sign 4
Hit and run, property damage only 4
Speeding in excess of 55 miles per hour 4
Following too closely 4
Failure to yield right of way 4
Driving on wrong side of road 4
Running through red light 4
Illegal passing 4
No driver license or license expired more than one year 4
Failure to yield right of way to pedestrian pursuant
to G.S. 20-158 (b) (2) b. 4 Failure to stop for siren 4
Failure to yield right of way to bicycle, motor scooter or motorcycle 4 Driving through safety zone 4
Running through stop sign 3 No liability insurance 4
Speeding in excess of 55 mph 3 Failure to report accident where such report is required 4
Failure to yield right of way 3 Speeding in a school zone in excess of the posted school zone
speed limit 4
Running through red light 3
Possessing alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a commercial
No driver license or license expired more than one year 3 motor vehicle 4
Failure to stop for siren 3 All other moving violations 3
Driving through safety zone 3

Littering pursuant to G.S. 14-399 when the littering involves • A suspended court sentence or part of a sentence ordering that you must not
the use of a motor vehicle 1 operate a motor vehicle for a specified period of time; and/or
No points shall be assessed for convictions of the following offenses: • A conviction for speeding over 75 mph, in certain cases
• Overload; In cases like the above, the DMV may suspend your driving privilege as soon
• Overlength; as it receives the conviction report from the court. If your driving privilege is
revoked, you may have the right to a hearing in the judicial district where you
• Overwidth;
reside. To request a hearing, call at 919-715-7000 or click on Contact Us at
• Overheight; MyNCDMV.gov. You will be notified by mail of the time and place for the
• Illegal parking; hearing. At the hearing you may state any facts that you think should entitle
• Carrying concealed weapon; you to driving privileges or to a reduction of the suspension period.
• Improper plates; If you believe your driving privilege should not have been revoked and the
• Improper registration; hearing gives you no help, you may appeal the DMV’s decision within 30 days
• Improper muffler; to the Superior Court of the county where you live. The court will review your
case to see if there were proper grounds for revoking your driving privilege.
• Improper display of license plates or dealer’s tags;
• Unlawful display of emblems and insignia; and Offense Suspension Time
• Failure to display a current inspection certificate. Manslaughter 1 year
Any person who commits an offense for which points may be assessed for Death by vehicle 1 year
violations while operating a commercial motor vehicle may be assessed Manslaughter while under the influence of an
double the amount of any fine or penalty authorized by statute. impairing substance Permanent
Insurance Points Assault with a motor vehicle 1 year
Insurance companies use a different point system to determine insurance Failure to stop and give aid when involved in an accident 1 year
rates. If you have any questions concerning insurance points, contact your Speeding in excess of 55 mph and at least 15 mph over the legal
insurance agent. limit while attempting to avoid arrest 1 year
Prearranged racing with another motor vehicle on the highway *3 years
Suspensions Watching, betting on or loaning a car for prearranged racing *3 years
In addition to criminal penalties that the court might order, conviction of
certain traffic offenses will result in the loss of your driving privilege. Willful refusal to submit to a blood or breath alcohol test 1 year
Two charges of reckless driving committed within 12 months 1 year
Your driving privilege will be revoked for at least
30 days if you are convicted of: Attempting to obtain a license or learner permit under false pretense 1 year
• Driving any vehicle more than 15 miles per hour over the speed limit, if Failure to yield right of way when entering an intersection,
you are driving at a speed higher than 55 mph. turning at a stop or yield sign, entering a roadway, upon
the approach of an emergency vehicle or at a highway
It will be taken for 60 days if you are convicted of: construction or maintenance area when the offense
• A second charge of speeding over 55 mph and more than 15 mph results in serious bodily injury 90 days and $500
above the speed limit within one year; or
• Speeding plus reckless driving on the same occasion. *When an officer finds that someone has loaned or is operating a motor
vehicle willfully in prearranged racing, he/she will seize the vehicle. If the
The DMV can also suspend your license for the following: person is convicted, the court may order the vehicle sold at public auction.
NOTE: If the court makes a finding that a longer period of revocation is
• Two convictions of speeding over 55 mph within a period of 12 months; appropriate, the division must revoke for two years.
• One conviction of speeding over 55 mph and one conviction of reckless
driving within a year;
• A conviction of willful racing with another motor vehicle, whether it is
prearranged or unplanned;
Out-of-State Conviction Provisional Licensee (under age 18)

Convictions occurring outside North Carolina may result in your license There are other rules that apply to persons under 18 years of age. If you are a
being suspended or revoked just as if the violations occurred in this state. If provisional licensee, your license may be suspended for:
a suspension occurs, the Division must notify you by correspondence of the • 30 days, upon conviction of a second moving violation occurring within a
effective date of the suspension. 12-month period;
Failure to Appear and/or to Pay a Fine • 90 days, upon conviction of a third moving violation occurring within
a 12-month period; and
When the Division receives notification that you failed to appear in court or
pay court fines for a citation received in North Carolina or in another state, you • Six months, upon conviction of a fourth moving violation occurring within a
will be notified of the effective date of the revocation if the fines are not paid or 12-month period.
waived prior to the date indicated on the correspondence. The revocation will
remain in effect until the division is notified by the court that the citation or Some examples of moving violations:
fine has been paid or waived, and may result in you having to pay appropriate
• Passing a stopped school bus;
fees to the DMV to obtain a duplicate license. Complying with the citation
does not relieve you of the consequences for the actual offense if convicted. • Reckless driving;
• Hit-and-run;
You can prevent the suspension for Failure to Pay by
• Following too closely;
choosing Option A or B:
• Driving on the wrong side of the road;
Option A: I CAN’T Afford to Pay Now. • Illegal passing;
When people have a hard time paying off tickets, they follow the steps below to • Running through a stop sign or red light;
ask the court to reduce or waive the amount owed. • Failure to yield right of way;
Step 1: Fill out the Motion for Relief. AOC-CR-415. You can download the • Failure to stop for an emergency siren; and
motion at https://www.nccourts.gov/assets/documents/forms/cr415_2.pdf. For • Speeding.
help filling out the motion, go to www.resolvetrafficdebtnc.org.
Step 2: Go to the clerk’s office at the court of the county in which you received
your motor vehicle offense and give the clerk the motion. Ask the clerk for a Driver License Restoration
hearing ASAP. North Carolina law requires that a restoration fee of $70 be paid to the DMV
Step 3: Attend the hearing (you do not need a lawyer but may use one) and tell before a suspension or revocation can be cleared. (This fee is not required if the
the judge why you cannot afford to pay. The judge might reduce the amount license was taken for medical or health reasons following a medical evaluation.)
you owe, give you a payment plan you can afford, or waive what you owe. A $140.25 restoration fee is required when the revocation results from a DWI
conviction. Also, a service fee of $50 is required upon restoration of a revoked
Final step: The court will notify DMV once you have either obtained a waiver or suspended driver license unless the license was surrendered to the court or
of the amount owed or fully paid off your new payment amount, and DMV mailed to the DMV before the effective date of the suspension or revocation.
will stop your suspension. For the reinstatement of your driving privilege:
Option B: I CAN Afford to Fully Pay Now. 1. Visit any driver license office;
2. Provide proof of identity, i.e., driver license or two (2) other acceptable
When people can pay off their ticket, they follow the steps below to stop the forms of i.d.;
suspension of their license. 3. Pay a restoration and/or service fee;
Step 1: Call the clerk’s office in the court of the county in which you received 4. Reapply for a driver license;
your motor vehicle offense to ask how to pay. 5. Take required tests, if applicable;
Step 2: Pay the court the full amount owed. Online you can pay by credit 6. Provide proof of insurance if required, and
card at https://www3.nccourts.org/onlinepayments/menu.sp. In person you can 7. Pay for new license issuance.
usually pay by cash, debit card, credit card, money order, certified check, or
cashier’s check but confirm with the court.
Final Step: The court will notify DMV after you pay the amount in full, and
DMV will stop your suspension.
38 Chapter 4 — Your Driving Chapter 4 — Your Driving 39
Chapter 4 • Try to set a limit of 300-400 miles of driving per day.

• Avoid taking medications that cause drowsiness.
Your Driving • If you are tired and in danger of falling asleep, you cannot predict when a
“mini” sleep may occur. A driver cannot react to road dangers when tired.
Good driving skills should be developed and practiced at all times. You should Getting enough sleep will not only help you feel better, it can save your life.
also know your physical and mental limitations and not drive a vehicle when
you are too tired or sleepy. When traveling long distances, plan ahead, know Distracted Driving
your route and be alert to the driving conditions. Your ability to safely operate a
motor vehicle may save your life as well as the lives of others. Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away
from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger and
bystander safety. These types of distractions include:
Driver Safety • Texting
• Using a cell phone
Driver Condition
• Eating and drinking
Your driving is affected by your physical and mental health. To obtain a driver
license, you must be in good health. If you have health problems that are • Talking to passengers
serious and long term in nature, they will likely come to the attention of the • Grooming
DMV. More often, health problems are short term, like suffering from colds, • Reading, including maps
headaches or flu. You should remember that any time you are not feeling well, • Using a navigation system
your driving is likely to be different. You may be less alert and less responsive • Watching a video
than normal.
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
Drowsy Driving Distractions
According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), your number one No matter what the distraction, inattentive drivers exhibit similar behavior.
responsibility is to get yourself and your passengers to your destination safely. Distractions cause drivers to react more slowly to traffic conditions or
When behind the wheel, you always need to be alert and focused on the job events, such as a car stopping to make a turn or pulling out from a side road.
of driving. At 55 mph, a vehicle travels the length of a football field in 3.7 Inattentive drivers fail more often to recognize potential hazards such as
seconds. This is no time for a “mini” snooze. On the roads more traveled, pedestrians or debris in the road. Also, distractions make it more difficult to
being an attentive driver and looking out for the one who isn’t, is increasingly conduct preventive or evasive moves to avoid a crash because many distractions
important. Drive focused. Stay safe. force a driver to take at least one hand off the steering wheel.
Drowsy driving causes thousands of crashes, injuries and deaths each year. Cell Phones
Sadly, these numbers represent only the tip of the iceberg since drowsy driving Cell phones can be a lifesaver in an emergency; however, they also can be
is seriously under-reported, according to the NSF. distracting. Below are North Carolina laws and reminders to help you avoid
The NSF reports that crashes caused by drowsy driving are often serious and letting the cell phone become a deadly distraction:
occur most often on high-speed rural highways when the driver is alone. • It is unlawful to use a cell phone for email or text messages while operating a
vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area;
Drowsy driving could happen to anyone. Some warning signs include:
• Drivers less than 18 years of age are not permitted to use a cell phone or any
• You cannot remember the last few miles driven. additional technology associated with a cell phone while operating a motor
• You hit a rumble strip or drift from your lane. vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area while the vehicle
• You yawn repeatedly. is in motion. Exceptions: calling 911 in an emergency;
• You have difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open. • No person shall operate a school bus on a public street or highway or public
Tips to Prevent Drowsy Driving: vehicular area while using a cell phone or any other technology associated with
a mobile device;
• Get a full night of rest before driving. If you become tired while driving, stop.
A short nap (15 to 45 minutes) and consuming caffeine can help temporarily. • Use your cell phone only if it is absolutely necessary and for the sole purpose
of communicating regarding emergency situations or contacting parent, legal
• Stop regularly when driving long distances. Get out of the car at least every 2 guardian or spouse;
hours to stretch and walk briskly.
• If you must use your phone, do so at a safe time and place;

• Ask a passenger in the car to place the call for you and, if possible, speak in
your place;
Protecting Yourself and Your Passengers
• Do not feel like you must answer the phone when it rings. Let someone leave a No one can be completely protected from being in a crash. You cannot predict
message and you can return the call when you are stopped at a safe location; what other drivers will do.
• Secure your phone in the car so that it does not become a projectile in a crash.
During an average lifetime of driving, we face about a one-in-three
Medications chance of being seriously injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can affect your driving. Before
you take any medication, find out how it will affect you. Try to do as little Seat Belts
driving as possible while taking any type of medication. If you must drive, be The driver and all passengers in a motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts
especially careful. You may not be as alert as usual. shall have a seat belt properly fastened about their body at all times when the
Alcohol vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this state. Children under
Alcohol reduces your ability to drive safely. No one drives as well after age 16 should be in an age and weight appropriate restraint. Under the seat belt
drinking alcohol, even though some people may look and act as though they law, all occupants MUST wear seat belts even if the vehicle is equipped with air
are unaffected. bags. If the vehicle is equipped with automatic shoulder harnesses, the lap belt
MUST also be worn.
About 38 percent of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol.
Alcohol affects most areas of your brain, so the effects are wide-ranging and Exemptions to the seat belt law:
impossible to compensate. Alcohol is a depressant. This means alcohol: • A driver or occupant of a noncommercial motor vehicle with a medical or
physical condition that prevents appropriate restraint by a seat belt or
• Slows brain functions so that you cannot respond to situations, make decisions or with a professionally certified mental phobia against the wearing of
react quickly. vehicle restraints;
• Reduces your ability to judge how fast you are moving or your distance from • A motor vehicle operated by a rural letter carrier of the United States Postal
other cars, people or objects. Service while performing duties as a rural letter carrier, and a motor vehicle
• Gives you false confidence — you may take greater risks because you think your operated by a newspaper delivery person while actually engaged in delivery
of newspapers along the person's specified route;
driving is better than it really is.
• A driver or passenger frequently stopping and leaving the vehicle or delivering
• Makes it harder to do more than one thing – while you concentrate on steering, property from the vehicle if the speed of the vehicle between stops does not
you could miss seeing traffic lights, cars entering from side streets or pedestrians. exceed 20 miles per hour;
• Affects your sense of balance - very important if you ride a motorcycle. • Any vehicle registered and licensed as a property-carrying vehicle while being
• Makes you sleepy. used for agricultural purposes in intrastate commerce.
The only thing that sobers up a drinker is time. Coffee, a big meal or cold • A motor vehicle not required to be equipped with seat belts by law; and
showers will not work. • Any occupant of a motor home other than the driver and front seat
passengers, provided the motor home has at least four of the following
Do not drink and drive.
facilities: cooking, refrigeration or icebox, self-contained toilet, heating or air-
• Plan ahead and arrange alternative transport. conditioning, portable water supply system with a faucet and sink, separate
• Share a taxi with friends. 110-115-volt electrical power supply or an LP gas supply.
• Use public transportation. • Situations where all seating positions equipped with child passenger restraint
systems or seat belts are occupied;
• Stay overnight at a friend’s place.
• Ride with a driver who has not been drinking.
• Arrange for a friend or relative to give you a ride. Child Safety
(Source: National Sleep Foundation & National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Each year hundreds of North Carolina children are seriously injured or killed
in automobile crashes. In fact, the number one threat to the lives of young
children is the automobile accident. Only crash-tested child safety seats can
reduce these tragedies. Since small children cannot make safety choices for
themselves, adults must make sure children are protected every time they

ride in cars. Infants and small children must be placed in safety seats that the dashboard at up to 200 miles per hour — faster than the blink of an eye.
are specially designed for them and have been crash-tested. Properly used The force of an air bag can hurt those who are too close to it. Drivers can help
safety seats could save seven out of every 10 children who are killed while prevent air bag-related injuries to adults and children by following critical
unrestrained. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using safety points.
the safety seat. The best seat for your child is a safety seat that is used every
time the child rides in a car. It must fit in your car(s) and have a harness or Child Safety Points:
shield system that is comfortable for the child. The seat should be one you are • Children age 12 and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat; and
able and willing to use every time an infant or small child rides in your car. • Infants in rear-facing child safety seats should NEVER ride in the front seat
Safety seats are often available through low-cost rental programs operated by of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag. Small children should ride in a rear
local service groups, hospitals and health departments. seat in child safety seats approved for their age and size.
Child Seats Adult Safety Points:
Every driver transporting one or more passengers younger than 16 years of • Everyone should buckle-up with both lap and shoulder belts on every trip. Air
age must make sure that each passenger under age 16 is properly secured in a bags are supplemental protection devices;
child passenger restraint system or a seat belt which meets the federal safety • The lap belt should be worn under the abdomen and low across the hips. The
standards that were in effect at the time it was manufactured. A child under shoulder portion should come over the collarbone away from the neck and
age 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds must be properly secured in a weight cross over the breastbone. The shoulder belt in most new cars can be adjusted
appropriate child passenger restraint system. If the vehicle is equipped with an on the side pillar to improve fit; and
active passenger-side front air bag and the vehicle has a rear seat, then a child • Driver and front passenger seats should be moved as far back as practical,
under age 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds must be properly secured in the particularly for shorter-statured people.
rear seat unless the child restraint system is designed for use with a front air bag
system. If there are no available seating positions in the vehicle equipped with North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Helmet Law
a lap and shoulder belt to properly secure the weight appropriate child restraint All operators and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds must wear a
system, a child under age 8 and between 40 and 80 pounds can be restrained motorcycle safety helmet of a type that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle
by a properly fitted lap belt only. Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.
For information about child safety seats, contact: What to look for in a legal helmet:
University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center • A thick inner liner which includes a firm inner liner of polystyrene
Bolin Creek Center Phone: 1-800-672-4527 (in NC only) foam that is about one inch thick. In some helmets this may be covered
730 Martin Luther King Blvd. or 919- 962-2202 by a comfort liner, but you can feel the thickness. (Non-compliant helmets
Chapel Hill, NC 27514-5738 normally contain no liner or a thin soft foam padding.)
• A DOT sticker which will show the symbol “DOT” permanently
Booster Seats and Seat Belts for Children installed by the manufacturer on the back of the helmet. (Some “novelty
Booster seats that meet federal motor vehicle safety standards should be used type” helmets are supplied with a separate “DOT” sticker or one can be
for children who have outgrown their standard safety seats until they are big purchased separately and placed on the helmet by the motorcyclist. This does
enough for seat belts. Adult seat belts should not be used for children until they not make this a compliant helmet.)
are big enough for the seat belt to fit correctly. The lap seat belt must fit snugly • A manufacturer’s label which is permanently attached in the interior of
across the child’s hips, not across the stomach. The shoulder portion of a lap/ the helmet by the manufacturer that includes the manufacturer’s name or
shoulder belt must fall across the shoulder and chest, not across the face or identification, precise model, size, month and year of manufacture, type of
throat. For shoulder belts that do not fit, belt-positioning booster seats designed shell and liner construction materials and an instruction label for cleaning
to raise a child up for a proper fit of the lap and shoulder belts are readily and care of the helmet.
available.
Law on Transporting Children in the
Children and Air Bags Back of a Pick-up Truck
Air bags save lives. They work best when everyone is buckled and children are
North Carolina law prohibits children less than age 16 from riding in the open
properly restrained in the back seat. Children riding in the front seat can be
bed of a pick-up truck. (NCGS §20-135.2B) An open bed or open cargo area
seriously injured or killed when an air bag comes out in a crash. An air bag
is a bed or cargo area without permanent overhead restraining construction.
is not a soft, billowy pillow. To do its important job, an air bag comes out of

The operator of the vehicle having an open bed or open cargo is responsible for At some intersections, special signals instruct pedestrians either to “Walk” or
compliance with this law. The statute does, however, contain some exemptions. “Don’t Walk”. When these signals are operating, pedestrians must obey them
The provisions for proper securement of children do not apply: rather than regular traffic signals.
• If an adult is present in the bed or cargo area of the vehicle and is supervising • Pedestrians crossing with special pedestrian signals have the right of way just as
the child; they do while crossing with a green light.
• If the child is secured or restrained by a seat belt manufactured in compliance • If you are moving through an intersection with a green signal and a
with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, installed to support pedestrian starts to cross in your path against the red signal, give a warning
a load strength of not less than 5,000 pounds for each belt, and of a type with your horn.
approved by the Commissioner; The law requires drivers to use the horn whenever a pedestrian may be affected
• If an emergency situation exists; by a turn, stop or start from a parked position. If the pedestrian does not stop,
• If the vehicle is being operated in a parade; or the driver must. Saving a pedestrian’s life is always worth the driver’s lost right of
• If the vehicle is being operated in an agricultural enterprise including way. The safe driver yields right of way to a pedestrian whether the pedestrian is
providing transportation to and from the principal place of the enterprise. entitled to it or not.
Violators are issued tickets and are subject to a fine of $25. Violations of this Protecting Motorcyclists From Unsafe Movements
law are defined as “infractions” and do not incur court costs, driver license If a vehicle driver does not properly signal vehicle movements to a motorcycle
points or insurance surcharges. operator and causes the motorcycle to change lanes or leave the roadway, the
Weather Risk vehicle driver will be charged and fined as the law provides. If these actions
result in a crash causing property damage or personal injury, the driver will be
It is dangerous and deadly to leave children and/or animals in a vehicle. During charged and fined as the law provides.
the spring and summer months, after sitting in the sun, with even a slightly
opened window, the temperature can rise rapidly inside a parked vehicle. The School Buses
temperature inside a vehicle can rise approximately 40-50 degrees higher than The maximum speed limit for a school bus is 45 mph. School bus drivers travel
the outside temperature. Dehydration, heat stroke and death can result from more than half a million miles and transport almost three quarters of a million
overexposure to the heat. During winter months, snow can block a car’s exhaust children each school day. During the hours that school
pipe, and warming up a car can cause carbon monoxide to back up into the buses are operating (generally 7 – 9 a.m. and 2 – 4
car. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas that has no smell, taste or color but is p.m.), drivers should be especially careful. When
poisonous, even deadly. a school bus displays its mechanical stop signal or
flashing red lights to receive or discharge passengers,
General Driving the driver of any other vehicle approaching the school
bus must stop and not attempt to pass the school
The Driver and Pedestrian bus until the mechanical stop signal is withdrawn,
When you are driving, always yield right of way to pedestrians: the flashing red lights are turned off and the bus has
• At intersections without traffic signals, pedestrians have the right of way if they started to move.
are in marked crosswalks or in unmarked crosswalks formed by imaginary
Children waiting for the bus or leaving the bus might dart out into traffic.
lines extending from the sidewalks across the streets;
Even when the school bus is not in sight, children at a bus stop sometimes will
• At intersections controlled by ordinary traffic signals, pedestrians must obey run into the street unexpectedly. Always be careful around school buses and
the same signals as drivers traveling in the same direction. Pedestrians should school bus stops.
not start to cross during a red or yellow signal;
• When crossing with a green signal, pedestrians have the right of way over all Below are specific rules for a variety of situations involving stopped school buses:
vehicles, including those turning across the paths of the pedestrians; and
• If a traffic signal changes to yellow or red while any pedestrian remains in the
street, drivers must allow the pedestrian to complete the crossing safely. Two-lane roadway: When school bus stops
for passengers, all traffic from both directions
• The law gives a blind pedestrian special consideration at an intersection where
must stop.
there are no traffic signals when the pedestrian extends a white cane, or a white
cane with a red tip or has a guide dog.

When approaching any authorized emergency vehicle (police, fire department,
ambulance, rescue squad or public service vehicle that is being used to assist
Two-lane roadway with a center turning motorists or law enforcement officers with wrecked or disabled vehicles) that
lane: When school bus stops for passengers, all is parked or standing within 12 feet of the roadway with the emergency or
traffic from both directions must stop. warning lights activated, a driver is required to do the following:
• On a highway with at
least two lanes of traffic in
the same direction you are
Four-lane roadway without a median traveling, you must move
separation: When school bus stops for
passengers, all traffic from both directions MOVE OVER
FOR STOPPED EMERGENCY & SERVICE VEHICLES
your vehicle into a lane
that is not the lane nearest
must stop. the parked or standing
emergency vehicle and
continue traveling in that
lane until safely clear of the
Divided highway of four lanes or more emergency vehicle.
with a median separation: When school bus
stops for passengers, only traffic following the • On a highway with only one lane of traffic in the same direction you are
bus must stop. traveling, you must slow your speed and drive at a reduced, safe speed until
completely past the emergency vehicle.
What Motorists Should Do When Stopped By
Law Enforcement:
Roadway of four lanes or more with a Law enforcement officers conduct traffic stops because they observe a traffic
center turning lane: When school bus stops violation or are conducting a police investigation. Being stopped by a law
for passengers, only traffic following the bus enforcement officer can be a stressful experience but knowing what to do
must stop. during the stop will help ensure your safety and the safety of others, including
the officer.
Emergency and Law Enforcement Vehicles The Driver
Police cars, ambulances, fire engines and rescue vehicles with flashing lights • When you see emergency lights and/or hear a siren behind you, stay calm,
and sirens always have the right of way. activate your turn signal, pull the vehicle always to the right, and off the
Follow these guidelines when approaching or being approached by an travel portion of the highway at the nearest point where it is safe to do so.
emergency vehicle: • If there is not an obvious safe place to immediately stop the vehicle, turn on
your emergency 4 way flashers and reduce your speed (by about 10 mph) to
• As the emergency vehicle approaches (from ahead or behind), drive to the
signal to the officer that you are aware of their presence. Continue driving
right-hand curb or edge of the road and stop completely;
and obey all traffic laws until you reach the nearest safe area to stop your
• Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed, or until directed to vehicle.
move by a traffic officer;
• If an unmarked car is stopping you and you have a legitimate question
• Do not park within 100 feet of an emergency vehicle that has stopped to or concern as to whether or not you are being stopped by an actual law
investigate an accident or to give assistance; enforcement officer, you may call 9-1-1 before pulling over. Report your
name and location in order to verify that an actual law enforcement officer is
All vehicles, regardless of direction of travel, must yield right of way
to an approaching emergency vehicle. This does not apply to vehicles
conducting the traffic stop.
traveling in the opposite direction of the emergency vehicle(s) when • After the vehicle stops, you should place the vehicle in “Park,” roll down the
traveling on a four-lane limited-access highway with a center median. window, turn off the engine, and silence any electronic devices and/or radio
so that you can easily communicate with the officer. You and all passengers
• Do not drive or park closer than one block from fire trucks responding to a should remain seated in the vehicle. An officer may approach your vehicle
fire alarm; on the driver or passenger side for safety reasons. Do not remove your seatbelt
• Never drive a motor vehicle over a fire hose. unless asked to do so by the officer.
• You should place both hands on the steering wheel and instruct any • If you believe the officer acted inappropriately, document the officer’s
passengers to keep their hands in a position that is clearly visible to the behavior and report it to the officer’s agency in a timely manner. The name of
officer at all times. Passengers in the back seat should place their hands on the the officer and law enforcement agency will be on the ticket and you may ask
back of the front seat. Keep your hands in plain view. the officer to provide this information.
• If it is nighttime, the officer may direct a spotlight at your vehicle once The Law Enforcement Officer
stopped. To assist with visibility, turn on your interior lights as soon as you • The officer will initiate a traffic stop by turning on the blue lights and/or
stop to help the officer see inside your vehicle. siren. The officer is also gathering information from your vehicle’s license tag
• The officer will usually explain why they stopped you and may ask you and checking the area for a safe place to conduct the traffic stop.
questions. Under State law, you are required to identify yourself and provide • The officer will approach your vehicle and will identify themselves, their
your drivers license and registration for the vehicle. After establishing agency and the reason for the traffic stop. Many times the officer will ask if
identification, you may choose whether or not to verbally respond to you have any reason for committing the traffic violation.
additional questions. •The officer will ask for your drivers license and the vehicle registration. If the
• If the officer is not in uniform they will show you their law enforcement information from your drivers license and the vehicle information does not
credentials or you may ask to see them. match, you may be asked a series of questions.
• If there is a firearm or other weapon in the vehicle, do not attempt to reach • It is the goal of law enforcement to protect the public and conduct traffic
for the weapon. Under state law, any weapon should be in plain view or stops in a manner that protects the safety of everyone involved. Your
securely locked away, unless you or your passenger(s) have the proper permit. cooperation with law enforcement is the best way to ensure that your safety,
If you or your passenger(s) have a concealed weapon permit and a weapon is and that of others, is not compromised during the stop.
in the vehicle, you or your passenger(s) must inform the officer of that fact.
• Do not exit the vehicle or allow any passengers to exit the vehicle unless Safe Driving Around Farm Equipment
instructed to do so by the officer. The agricultural industry is one of the largest employers in North Carolina.
• If your driver license and/or vehicle registration is not readily accessible, Slow-moving agricultural equipment can be found in all parts of the state,
do not reach under the seats and do not open the glove box or other including suburban areas. Caution should be taken when sharing the road with
compartments and begin searching for your license or registration unless you farm equipment.
are asked to do so by the officer. Remain calm and refrain from engaging in Most of the crashes that involve farm equipment occur on a clear day, during
sudden or unnecessary movements during the traffic stop. daylight hours, and/or on a dry surface that is paved. Typical crashes with farm
• Do not talk on a cell phone while interacting with the officer during the equipment include sideswipes and angle crashes.
stop. The officer has to be able to give you and your passengers detailed These types of crashes typically occur while farm equipment is turning left and
instructions so you will understand what is expected of you. If you receive a another vehicle attempts to pass. In some cases, a machinery operator uses a
telephone call during the traffic stop, the officer will tell you whether or not left-hand signal, and drivers may mistake this as a sign for them to pass. When
you may answer the telephone call. the farm machinery slows to make the turn, the vehicle following attempts to
• Listen carefully to the officer and follow their instructions. Give the officer pass and crashes with the equipment.
your full attention. If you do not understand an instruction, calmly inform When sharing the road with farm equipment, you must obey the rules of the
the officer that you do not understand the instruction and ask them to repeat road. It is illegal and very dangerous to pass farm equipment in a no passing
or explain their instruction. zone. Farm equipment may be wider than what is visible from behind and may
• When the officer completes their interaction with you they may issue a require ample space in both lanes. Furthermore, it may also be difficult to see
warning or a traffic ticket which may include a fine. The officer will typically traffic approaching in the opposite direction.
explain whatever action is being taken. If you have questions, respectfully ask
the officer to clarify. If you disagree with the officer’s decision to issue a traffic The key to safety when sharing the road with farm equipment is to be patient.
ticket, do not prolong the contact by arguing with the officer. If you wish to If farm equipment is causing a delay in traffic, the operator should move off the
contest the ticket, you will have the opportunity to explain your point of view road at the nearest practical location and allow the traffic to pass. This is the
of what happened in court. Your acceptance and signature on a traffic ticket only advisable time to pass farm equipment on public roads.
is not an admission of guilt. During the harvesting and planting seasons, farmers work longer hours and are
• Some traffic stops may result in an arrest. Even if you disagree with the often on the road in the early morning and evening hours. Farm equipment is
officer, do not argue with the officer. You will have your chance to present required to have one front white light as well as a rear red light that is visible for
your case in court. Resisting, delaying or obstructing a law enforcement up to 500 feet. Two red reflectors that are at least four inches in diameter can
officer during a traffic stop is a class 2 misdemeanor. N.C.G.S. §14-223. replace the rear red light.
Remember, when approaching farm equipment the closure time is much Even with ideal conditions, if you are traveling 55 miles per hour your vehicle
quicker because of the slow speed of the equipment. Always approach farm requires approximately 211 feet to stop completely.
equipment with care. Driving at a high speed is dangerous because each additional mile traveled
Farm equipment is legally entitled to travel on most roads in North Carolina, per hour reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. Speed also increases
except interstates. the likelihood that a crash will result in serious injury or death. On the other
hand, driving below the posted speed limit can also be dangerous. If you must
Funeral Processions drive slower, you should still observe the posted minimum speed limit. At
• Every vehicle in a funeral procession must have its headlights on, and the places where it is unsafe to pass, the slow driver forces other drivers to creep
hazard warning signals must also be on, if so equipped. along behind or take unnecessary risks while trying to pass. Very slow driving
• The operator of the lead vehicle must comply with all traffic-control signals. is especially dangerous just after you have passed the crest of a hill or rounded
But when the lead vehicle has crossed the intersection in accordance with the a curve. Faster-moving vehicles can crash into the slower vehicle before they
traffic-control sign or signal, or when directed to do so by a law enforcement can slow down. For this reason, watch for slow-moving vehicles such as heavy
officer or funeral director, or when being led by a law enforcement vehicle, trucks or farm vehicles. If traffic is collecting behind you, it is wise to pull over
all vehicles in the funeral procession may proceed through the intersection to the side of the road, stop and allow the vehicles to pass.
without stopping, while using extra care towards other vehicles or pedestrians.
The most important rules about speed are:
• All vehicles in a funeral procession must be driven on the right side of the
road and shall follow the vehicle ahead as closely as reasonable and prudent. Studies show that the vehicle moving at a speed considerably
• The driver of a vehicle going in the opposite direction as a funeral procession below the posted limit is much more likely to cause or be involved
in a crash than the vehicle moving at a normal speed.
may yield to the procession. If the driver chooses to yield, the driver must
do so by reducing speed, or by stopping completely off the roadway so that • Never drive faster than the posted speed limit or at a speed that is
drivers of other vehicles proceeding in the opposite direction of the procession unreasonable or unwise given the existing conditions.
can continue to travel without leaving their lane of traffic.
• Allow a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you (the “two-
• The driver of a vehicle traveling in the same direction as the funeral second rule”).
procession shall not pass or attempt to pass the funeral procession, except
• The faster you are moving, the farther ahead you must be able to see to allow
that the operator of such a vehicle may pass a funeral procession when the
enough distance for stopping.
highway has been marked for two or more lanes of moving traffic in the same
direction of the funeral procession. Conditions often change as you drive. You will drive through different areas
such as open country, residential communities and school zones. Watch for
• The driver of a vehicle shall not knowingly drive between vehicles in a funeral
changing conditions and adjust your speed accordingly.
procession. When a funeral procession is proceeding through a red light, the
driver of a vehicle that is not in the procession shall not enter the intersection Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 35 mph in cities and towns. Special
even if facing a green light, unless it can be done safely and without crossing speed limits may be posted for special areas. To be a safe driver, you must often
the path of the procession. drive slower than the posted limit, but you should not drive faster.
Maximum Speed Limits
Basic Driving Skills and Rules In cities and towns 35
Driving on Your Side of the Road For school buses 45
The law requires you to drive on the right side of the road. Driving on the left For school activity buses 55
side is legal only in some cases, such as on one-way streets and while passing. Outside cities and towns 55
When you are moving slower than the posted speed limit on a multi-lane For interstates 70
highway, drive in the extreme right lane unless you are passing, turning left or
avoiding an obstruction. Rounding a Curve
Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions The best way to handle a curve:
The speed at which you drive determines the distance required to stop your 1. Slow down before you enter the curve so that you will not need to brake
vehicle. Stopping distance also depends on your reaction time. Stopping while you are in the curve;
distances are longer at higher speeds because a vehicle travels farther during the 2. Gradually increase your speed to maintain the traction necessary for good
driver’s reaction time, and it takes more braking distance to come to a full stop. control of the vehicle as you round the curve;

3. If you must brake in the curve, apply the brakes gradually until you are sure Passing
it is safe to keep continuous pressure on the brake pedal; 1. Look ahead and behind to determine when it is safe to pass.
4. Begin to turn the vehicle just prior to the point where the road begins to 2. If it is safe to pass, signal to alert the drivers ahead and behind you of your
turn; and intention so they can plan their moves accordingly.
5. Stay on your side of the road and drive as far to the right as you can. 3. Blow the horn to signal the driver ahead.
If you encounter a curve while traveling downhill: The horn signal places the driver of the vehicle you are passing under a legal
1. Consider the pull of gravity; obligation to help you pass. While passing, be sure you have plenty of room and
2. Shift to a lower gear before moving downhill; and keep a steady speed. You cannot pass safely unless you can see far enough ahead
3. Begin to brake earlier and approach the curve more slowly than you would to ensure that you can get back to the original lane of travel before you meet
on a level roadway. oncoming traffic. The law requires the passing driver to pass at least two feet to
the left of the vehicle being passed. You have not passed safely if the vehicle you
Turning have passed must slow down to allow you back into your correct lane.
For right turns, stay close to the right Places where passing is always unsafe and usually illegal:
edge of the road, so that another
• At intersections in cities and towns or at railroad crossings;
vehicle cannot move between your
vehicle and the curb. Reduce the • At marked intersections in rural areas;
vehicle’s speed before making the • On any curve or hill where the driver cannot see at least 500 feet ahead;
turn and then accelerate slightly. • Wherever there is a solid yellow line in the driver’s lane;
Motorcycles and bicycles are • Wherever there is a double-solid yellow line;
especially hard to see during a turn. • At intersections or crosswalks where a vehicle has stopped to allow people to
Always give the proper signal and cross the street; and
look before turning to make sure • Wherever the driver cannot see that the road is clear of traffic far enough
that you can turn safely. ahead to pass safely.
Following Passing on the right
Following too closely is a leading cause of traffic crashes. Maintain plenty of Passing on the right is against the law except in areas where it is specifically
space between your vehicle and the one ahead. If the vehicle ahead stops permitted. Passing on the right places your vehicle on the blind side of the
suddenly, you will need time to react. On the open road, keep enough distance vehicle you are passing. The vehicle you are passing could unexpectedly make a
between you and the vehicle ahead so that a passing vehicle can safely move right turn or pull over to the right side of the road.
into and occupy the space. Remember to follow the “two-second rule.”
Exceptions where passing on the right is allowed:
The Two-Second Rule • On highways having at least two lanes traveling in each direction;
The “two-second rule” says that you should allow two seconds • On one-way streets where all lanes of traffic move in the same direction;
between the time the vehicle ahead of you passes a given point • When passing a vehicle that is in the left-turn lane; and/or
and the time your vehicle reaches the same point.
• When driving in a lane set aside for right turns.
Changing Lanes On three-lane highways, you must not pass except in the center lane, and then
On a highway with multiple lanes of traffic, check the lane you are changing to, only where the center lane is marked for passing in your direction. Exception:
as well as the lane beyond, to be certain that another vehicle is not planning to When the vehicle in the center lane is making a left turn.
move into the same space. When your vehicle is being passed
When you are being passed, you are required to help the other driver to pass. If
Important rules about changing lanes: the driver of the passing vehicle blows the horn, move to the right edge of the
• Check the side and rear-view mirrors; road. Never increase your speed.
• Check over your shoulder to be certain the blind spot is clear;
If you increase speed and fail to give way to a passing vehicle, you will be
• Signal your intended movement in advance; and charged with a misdemeanor if a crash occurs resulting in bodily injury or
• Proceed with changing lanes. property damage.

Backing Crashes occur most frequently at intersections, and they are
Rules to follow when backing your vehicle:

considered the most dangerous places on a street or highway.
More than one-third of fatal traffic crashes involving motor TIP
vehicles occur at intersections. Single-Point
1. Before entering your vehicle, check behind it for small objects or children Interchange
— once you are in the driver's seat, it is hard to see them; On four-lane highways separated by a median of more than A single-point
2. To maintain a full view of what is behind the vehicle, steer with your left 30 feet, each crossing constitutes a separate intersection. interchange
hand and look over your right shoulder through the back window — do not compresses two
The law requires that you slow down when you come to an intersections into a
depend on mirrors alone or looking through the side window; intersection, even if you have the right of way. single intersection
3. Back very slowly, not more than 10 mph — your vehicle is harder to control over or under a
and to stop when it is backing. In intersections without traffic signs or signals, the right- free-flowing road.
Through traffic
of-way rules state: and traffic turning
Parking • The vehicle already in the intersection has the right of way left onto or off
the interchange,
Always park on the right side of the road, except on one-way streets. ahead of any vehicle that has not yet entered; is controlled by
• When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the a single set of
Before pulling out from a parallel parking space, check for approaching same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way;
traffic signals.
traffic and give a left-turn signal, unless you are parked on the left side of a The traffic signals
• A vehicle with the right-of-way may move straight ahead or, are located at the
one-way street. center or top of
if legal and after signaling, turn right or left; and the interchange
If you are driving and notice that a vehicle ahead of you is pulling out from a • Even with the right-of-way, be careful to avoid hitting other and allow vehicles
parallel parking space, slow down and be prepared to stop. to clear the
vehicles and pedestrians. intersection more
Places where you should not park: quickly. These
interchanges
• At an intersection or in front of a driveway; help move large
volumes of traffic
• Within 25 feet of the curb line of an intersecting street or within 15 feet of through limited
the intersecting right of way lines if there is no curb; amounts of
space safely and
• On a crosswalk, sidewalk or bridge; efficiently.
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or entrance to a fire station;
• On the paved or primary-travel portion of any highway — parking on the
shoulder is also against the law unless the parked vehicle can be seen by When two facing vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, the right-
approaching drivers from both directions for a distance of at least 200 feet; of-way rules are not much help. Both drivers can move straight ahead or turn
• On the roadway side of another vehicle (double parking); right. If one driver is going straight while the other wants to turn left, the driver
• Where there are “no-parking” signs; who wants to turn must wait. The driver who wants to turn left must give the
• Within one block of a fire or fire truck in city limits or within 400 feet of a proper signal and wait until the turn can be made safely. Therefore, in this case,
fire or fire truck outside the city; the driver who is traveling straight ahead has the right of way. Never change
• Anywhere within the right of way of an interstate highway, except in lanes while you are moving straight ahead through an intersection.
designated parking areas or in cases of emergencies; and Right-of-Way at Intersections
• Parking spaces designated for handicap/disabled use unless your vehicle When you approach an intersection with a stop sign, you must come to a
is displaying a handicap license plate or a disability parking placard. For complete stop and yield to the traffic on the through-street. Do not move ahead
information about Americans with Disabilities Act, visit www.ada.gov. or turn until you can proceed safely.
Special Driving Situations Drive with caution at intersections with traffic signals and wait until the signal
Interchanges, Intersections, Roads, Streets and Highways permits you to turn or to move straight ahead.
Many intersections may have roads crossing each other at different levels. When exiting a private driveway, stop and yield to all other vehicles and
These are interchanges and the method of turning at these specially designed pedestrians. At unmarked intersections where it is hard to see in all directions,
intersections may vary. As you approach an interchange, slow down and give stop and then move forward slowly and cautiously.
careful attention to the signs that direct you about how to make the turn. An
intersection is any place where two or more roads meet or cross each other.

Roundabouts How You Travel Through

A Roundabout
Why A Roundabout? TIP A roundabout is easy to
The N.C. Department of Transportation is constructing Traffic
more roundabouts to improve safety for drivers, travel through once you
Circles and
pedestrians and bicyclists. They also help reduce the understand how it works.
Roundabouts
congestion and backups more typical of traditional A traffic circle or
As you approach it, you’ll
intersections with stop signs and traffic signals. roundabout is a see a yellow roundabout
specially designed ahead sign, indicating you
A driver generally enters the roundabout more quickly intersection. All
vehicles in a traffic should slow down. Drivers
than if waiting at a traffic signal. In addition, the modern circle travel to yield to any vehicles or
roundabout is much smaller than older traffic circles and the right around bicyclists already in the
the circle in a
requires vehicles to travel at lower speeds (15–20 mph), counterclockwise roundabout. Everyone using the roundabout moves in a counterclockwise
making them safer than traffic circles. direction until you direction, and those already in it do not yield to approaching vehicles. Drivers
come to the road
or street where you should use turn signals when exiting and yield to pedestrians using the
want to turn. You crosswalk at the roundabout.
leave the traffic
circle by making a Single-Lane Roundabout
right turn. If there
is more than one Once inside the roundabout, simply exit at the desired street. You go:
lane in the circle,
be sure you are in • A quarter of the way around to turn right at the next street
the outside lane
before you come • Halfway around to continue straight
to the place where • Three-quarters around before exiting to the right, instead of making a
you intend to exit
the circle. Look traditional left turn
and signal before • Full circle to make a U-turn
you turn or change
lanes. Never make Multi-Lane Roundabout
a right turn from
an inside lane. An • As you approach, observe signs and pavement markings to choose the
entire traffic circle
Roundabout Facts is an intersection. appropriate lane before entering the roundabout.
The following shows safety improvements achieved after Vehicles already in • Typically you will be in the right lane to exit right out of the roundabout.
the circle have the
roundabouts replaced traditional intersections across right of way. • You stay in the left lane to go straight through the roundabout or make a left
North Carolina: turn or U-turn.
• Do not change lanes while in the roundabout
Tips & Reminders
TOTAL CRASHES: Remember to give larger trucks and buses extra room as they may need to
straddle the lane. Big trucks should use the concrete island — called the truck
DOWN
apron — to help drivers maneuver around the roundabout.

Never enter a roundabout while an emergency vehicle using flashing lights and
sirens is passing through. If drivers are already in the roundabout, exit first,
FATAL AND FRONTAL IMPACT then pull over to let the emergency vehicle pass.
INJURY CRASHES: (HEAD-ON) CRASHES: Bicyclists should pick the appropriate lane before entering a multi-lane
roundabout and stay in the middle of their chosen lane. Do not ride along
DOWN
DOWN
the shoulder of the roundabout. Drivers should not pass a bicyclist while inside
the roundabout.
Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks along the outside of the roundabout,
and not walk through the middle of it.
Source: NCDOT’s Mobility and Safety Division (2011)

Railroad Crossing Safety A railroad crossing sign indicates you are approaching a railroad crossing and
you must:
§ 20-142.1. Obedience to railroad signal.
(a) Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing • Approach with caution
under any of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver of the vehicle • Prepare to stop and be alert for a train
shall stop within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the • Proceed with caution after a train has passed
railroad and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. These requirements • Never stop on train tracks for any reason
apply when: The X-shaped railroad grade crossing sign, known as a Crossbuck
(1) A clearly visible electrical or mechanical signal device gives warning of the Sign is mounted at the railroad crossing. A smaller sign below the
immediate approach of a railroad train; crossbuck indicates if there is more than one track.
(2) A crossing gate is lowered or when a flagger gives or continues to give a Many crossings have flashing red lights or flashing red lights with
signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train; gates. If the warning signal activates, you must stop before the gates
(3) A railroad train approaching within approximately 1500 feet of the lower across your side of the road. It is unlawful and extremely
highway crossing emits a signal audible from that distance, and the railroad dangerous to move through a railroad crossing when the gates
train is an immediate hazard because of its speed or nearness to the crossing; or are lowered. You will not be able to cross the tracks before the train arrives
and the train cannot turn and will not be able to stop.
(4) An approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous
proximity to the crossing.
As you approach a railroad crossing, you must:
(b) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing
• Slow your speed;
gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being
opened or closed, nor shall any pedestrian pass through, around, over, or under • Look both ways;
any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is • Listen for the train;
closed or is being opened or closed. • Keep alert; and
(c) When stopping as required at a railroad crossing, the driver shall keep as far • Watch for the railroad crossing signal.
to the right of the highway as possible and shall not form two lanes of traffic
unless the roadway is marked for four or more lanes of traffic. Remember these railroad crossing rules:
• Railroads are private property and it is illegal and dangerous to drive on or
(d) Any person who violates any provisions of this section shall be guilty of cross the tracks except at designated railroad crossings;
an infraction and punished in accordance with G.S. 20-176. Violation of this
section shall not constitute negligence per se. • Vehicles must always yield to a train even when the crossing only has a
crossbuck and no lights or gates;
There are over 5,000 miles of railroad tracks • When flashing red lights are used with crossbuck signs at the railroad
and 6,800 railroad crossings in N.C. crossing, you must stop, just as you would stop for any flashing red
A train that is traveling at 55 mph takes traffic signal;
more than a mile to come to a stop • If you are waiting for a train to pass, be patient;
• Do not proceed to move immediately after the train has passed — there
(e) An employer who knowingly allows, requires, permits, or otherwise may be another train moving in the opposite direction from or following the
authorizes a driver of a commercial motor vehicle to violate this section shall be first train;
guilty of an infraction. Such employer will also be subject to a civil penalty under • Always wait until the red lights have stopped flashing before moving ahead;
G.S. 20-37.21. (1991, c. 368, s. 1; 2005-349, s. 12.) • Be prepared to stop for vehicles that must stop at crossings, such as school
A yellow and black “RR” sign indicates that you are approaching a railroad buses, motor vehicles carrying passengers, for-hire vehicles or vehicles
crossing. As you approach the tracks, look both ways and listen transporting explosives or hazardous materials (these vehicles are marked
because you may have to stop. Trains can approach a crossing at any with placards). If you happen to be crossing the tracks and the warning lights
time from any direction. The train always has the right of way. If there begin flashing or gates start to come down, do not stop, do not backup,
is a stop sign, you must come to a full stop before safely crossing. KEEP MOVING. The warning signals will allow enough time for you to
finish driving through the crossing before the train arrives. If the gate on the
Trains have the right-of-way over all highway traffic including far side of the tracks comes down before you get across, DO NOT PANIC.
police, fire and ambulance emergency vehicles.

RAILROAD CROSSING GATES CANNOT TRAP YOU OR YOUR potential exists for a crash between the bicyclist who is moving straight ahead
VEHICLE drive through the gate. It is flexible and will not block you in. If through the intersection and the motorist who is turning right.
you stop and try to back up, your vehicle may stall;
• Crossing gates will not trap you, but stopping traffic might. Be sure the traffic City Driving
ahead of you will not stop and block you in on the tracks; Driving in cities and towns can pose problems for some drivers. Traffic is
Railroad related emergencies: What you need to know. often heavy in urban areas. Watch for approaching traffic at side streets. When
driving in heavy traffic, be alert for drivers who make quick stops. To avoid a
Railroad Emergency Notification System sign, rear-end crash by another vehicle, check your rear-view mirror often and stay
REPORT EMERGENCY also known as the Blue Sign. aware of dangerous situations that might exist behind you. If you intend to
OR PROBLEM Knowing how to use the Blue Sign to directly make a turn and find that you are not in the proper lane, continue to the next
1–800–XXX–XXXX contact the railroad company is the quickest intersection and turn there.
method to stop a train in the event of a railroad
X-ING 999 999 Z Other rules to follow when driving in cities:
related emergency.
• Give yourself plenty of space to make decisions — leave a “margin of safety”
An example (above) of the railroad around your vehicle;
Emergency Notification Sign (Blue Sign) and its location is
depicted in the red circle on the illustration below. • Communicate your intended movements to other drivers;
• Watch the road far enough ahead of you to detect possibly dangerous
• All highway-railroad crossings in North Carolina are required to situations earlier and to take proper defensive actions;
have an Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign posted in
each traffic direction. The ENS sign, known as the “Blue sign,” • Avoid driving side-by-side, especially in another driver’s blind spot — if you
contains the railroad crossing identification number, name of cannot see the inside rear-view mirror of the car ahead, you are probably in
the railroad company and an emergency telephone number the driver’s blind spot;
to report emergencies, • Never “weave” in and out of traffic — stay in one lane if you can and plan
hazardous conditions or issues with railroad crossing lights or lane changes ahead of time;
gates directly to the railroad company. Familiarize yourself with • Give proper signal in advance before changing lanes;
the “Blue Sign “locations at railroad crossings during your travels. • Be prepared to apply the brakes;
• Each railroad company has its own emergency telephone number • Watch for parked vehicles that might be pulling out and pedestrians who
and each railroad crossing has a unique USDOT crossing identification might dart onto the street from between parked vehicles. Parked vehicles can
number. also block your view of intersecting traffic, driveways and alleys; and
• If your vehicle stalls on or near the tracks GET OUT IMMEDIATELY. A • On a one-way street, use the center lane(s) for through-travel and the outside
train, which may weigh several thousand tons traveling at 55 mph may take lanes for turning.
more than a mile to stop. By the time the engineer on the train sees you, it is
too late to stop the train. Open Roads
• Move away from your vehicle and the tracks. Walk quickly along the Rural highways can be narrow two-lane roads or multi-lane highways.
roadway to a safe location away from the railroad tracks. Driving on rural roads is often more dangerous than driving in heavy city
• When safely away from the tracks, find the blue sign at or near the railroad traffic because:
crossing and report the emergency/safety concern using the information on • The road may not be as wide;
the ENS sign. For damaged or missing signs, contact the USDOT Federal • The lighting is often not as good; and/or
Railroad Administration at 1-800-232-0144.
• The travel speeds may be higher.
When a train hits a 4,000-lb. car, it is like your car
running over a soda can. No vehicle is worth a life. • Stay alert for drivers who might be driving slower than the posted speed limit.
With rail traffic increasing throughout North Carolina, it is more important Secondary Roads
than ever to practice safety at railroad crossings. Trains cannot stop quickly, but A paved secondary road is not always designed for heavy traffic or regular
your vehicle can. highway speed. Most secondary roads are built for local transportation, and not
Bicycle Lanes as main highways. On these roads, hills are likely to be steeper and curves are
When a bicycle lane or bike path travels on or adjacent to the roadway, please likely to be sharper than on primary roads. Sight distances are often very short.
pay special attention to bicyclists as you approach and move through an Secondary roads cannot be traveled safely at speeds that would be proper for
intersection. Because bicyclists ride to the right of motor vehicle traffic, the primary highways.
Interstate Highways Traffic moves much faster on the interstate than on an ordinary highway. It is
Interstate highways are safer roads because they have separate traffic lanes for dangerous to drive very far below the posted speed limit. Follow the flow of
vehicles moving in opposite directions and fewer places where traffic can enter traffic if you can do so without speeding. Crashes are more likely to occur when
and exit. Also, interstates do not have railroad crossings, sharp curves, stop signs a vehicle moves significantly slower than the flow of the traffic.
or traffic signals. If you enter an interstate headed in the wrong direction, pull
For information about North Carolina’s toll roads, call the N.C. Quick Pass office over to the right shoulder of the road and stop. When the way is
at 1-877-769-7277 or visit www.myncquickpass.com. clear, turn around and head in the proper direction.
(Avoid this error by watching for DO NOT ENTER signs.)
When driving on an interstate, follow these rules:
• Plan your trip in advance; Entering and Exiting the Interstate
• Be sure to check the vehicle’s water, oil, tires and gas before leaving on your trip; A dangerous error made by drivers on an interstate is to attempt to leave the
• Decide in advance where you must enter and exit the highway; highway after missing an exit. If you miss an exit, do not slow down, back
up or try to turn around. Proceed to the next exit and leave the highway
• When entering the interstate, use the acceleration lane until your vehicle’s speed there instead. You can always find a service or side street to return to your
matches that of the other traffic and then merge safely; intended exit.
• Keep to the right, use the left lane(s) for passing;
• Do not tailgate. Keep a safe following distance for the speed you are traveling —
one of the most frequent types of crashes on an interstate highway is the rear–
end crash — use the “two-second rule”;
• Remember that faster speeds require greater stopping distances and times;
• Stop at indicated rest areas frequently, preferably at least once every 100 miles;
• Never stop in the travel lane;
• If a vehicle breakdown forces you to stop, move far off the road. Tie a
white cloth on the radio aerial or left-door handle and raise the hood. If the
breakdown occurs at night, engage the vehicle’s emergency flashers or parking
lights. If you are a driver who spots a vehicle breakdown, immediately contact
the N.C. State Highway Patrol or local law enforcement; and Vehicle Equipment
• When leaving the highway, signal your turn well in advance, and without
slowing down, enter the deceleration lane. Proceed at the posted exit speed limit. To drive safely, all vehicle equipment should be in good working order.
Remember these tips when you drive: Lights

• As your speed increases, look farther ahead. Make sure all the lights on your vehicle work.
• Give particular attention to hidden intersections and driveways.
• When you engage the high-beam headlights at night, you should be able to
• Watch for warning signs that signal changes in the road. see a person who is 200 feet away. When using the low-beam headlights, you
• Watch for other vehicles, especially oversized and slow-moving ones. should be able to see someone who is 75 feet away.
• Maintain a safe following distance. • When headlights are improperly adjusted, they can shine in the eyes of
• Use the vehicle's headlights when visibility becomes poor. approaching drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Vehicle vibration can cause the
• Be especially alert to oncoming vehicles because they are only a few feet headlights to become out of adjustment.
away on some two-lane, undivided highways.
• It is a good practice to routinely check and adjust the headlights.
• If you see a line of vehicles approaching, watch for drivers who might
be trying to pass.
• Overloading the rear of your vehicle may cause the front of your vehicle to tilt
and produce an uncomfortable and sometimes hazardous headlight glare for
• Always have a possible “escape route” to avoid colliding with
oncoming drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
an oncoming vehicle.
• Keep aware of vehicles in the lanes next to you. • Taillights must be red in color and visible for at least 500 feet.
• The law requires a white light shining on the license plate to make the
numbers visible for at least 50 feet.

• All motor vehicles produced since 1955 must have red or amber lights that The air pressure of tires must be checked at least once each month. For safe
engage when the brakes or turn signals are used — these lights may be driving and fuel economy, tires should have the right amount of air. Follow the
combined with the taillights or may be separated, and they must be visible for manufacturer’s recommendation. The best time to check air pressure is when
at least 100 feet in normal daylight. the tires are cool. If you do not have an air pressure gauge, you can take your
• Because hand signals are difficult to see at night, it is important that a vehicle to a nearby service station or auto center to have it checked.
vehicle’s lights have clean lenses and stay in proper working order. Horns and Sirens
Mirrors Only law enforcement and emergency vehicles may have emergency lights
Check and adjust the mirrors before you begin to drive. The rear-view mirror or sirens.
should show what is directly behind you. Adjust the side mirrors to show the
scene to the left and right rear of the vehicle. The mirrors should barely reflect • Every licensed motor vehicle must be equipped with a horn in good
working order.
the side of the vehicle.
• The horn must be loud enough to be heard for at least 200 feet, and it
Brakes must not make any unreasonably loud or harsh sound.
• Every motor vehicle that operates on a public roadway must be equipped with • If the horn fails, have it repaired immediately.
brakes to adequately control the movement of, stop and hold the vehicle. • The horn must be used as a reasonable warning device. You should not use
• All vehicles should have originally equipped brakes in good working condition the horn unnecessarily or unreasonably.
— having two separate means of applying the brakes.
• The brake pedal should be at least one-third of its original distance from the
Muffler and Exhaust System
floor when fully depressed. If it is not, the brakes must be checked and, if Every motor vehicle must have a muffler that is in good working order. The
necessary, repaired. muffler filters smoke and excessive noise. One function of the exhaust system is
to take harmful fumes from the engine to the rear of the vehicle to be released.
• If the pedal gradually lowers under the pressure of your foot, the hydraulic
Check your exhaust system often to be sure it is not leaking. A leak in the
system must be checked.
exhaust system can allow poisonous carbon monoxide gas to enter the passenger
• Brakes that squeak when you depress the brake pedal can indicate a problem, compartment of the vehicle. Carbon monoxide poisoning often can be fatal,
have them checked. Do not risk a possible loss of the brakes. and even small amounts can cause you to become sleepy or unconscious and
Anti-lock Braking System lose control of the vehicle. For this reason, it is suggested that you keep a
Anti-lock brakes, or ABS, can help improve vehicle stability (avoiding spin- window open about one inch while traveling.
outs), steerability (directing the vehicle where the driver wants it to go) and Suspension System
stopping capability (distance needed to stop the vehicle). If a vehicle sways freely, leans heavily to one side during a turn or seems to
With ABS, it is important to brake hard and keep firm and steady pressure bounce continuously, there may be a problem with the suspension system.
on the brake pedal while stopping. Pumping the brake pedal or releasing the Have a mechanic inspect the suspension system, including shock absorbers, and
steady pressure on the brake pedal will reduce the effectiveness of the ABS. immediately correct any defects. A faulty suspension system can cause you to
Auto Theft Prevention lose control of the vehicle.
To help prevent auto theft, never leave the key in the ignition switch of an Emergency Warning Flashers
unattended vehicle. Vehicles are equipped with an emergency warning device that flashes all four
Tires turn signal lights. These flashers can be used as a warning by any vehicle to
signal other drivers of a possible danger or that a vehicle is stopped or disabled.
Every vehicle operated on the streets and highways of North Carolina must
be equipped with tires that are safe for the operation of the vehicle and do not Drive Green
expose the public to needless hazards. Tires are considered unsafe if they are Driving green means adopting a few simple, inexpensive driving habits to
cut, cracked or worn so as to expose the tire cord, or when they have visible decrease the amount of fuel you use and put more money in your pocket.
tread separation, chunking or less than 1/16-inch-tread depth. • When you carry extra weight, your vehicle must work harder.
Tires are important for stopping your vehicle. Never drive on smooth tires or • Check tire pressure once a month and keep tires properly inflated.
tires that have fabric showing. Tires without enough air wear out more quickly.
• Every five miles over 60 mph can cost you up to an additional 30 cents
Also, tires without enough air increase the likelihood of a blowout. Over-
a gallon.
inflated tires reduce traction and wear heavily on the middle of the tread.

• Abrupt starts and hard stops can increase fuel consumption by 40%. Hand Signals
• Turn off the engine if you’re waiting for more than a couple of minutes.
• At speeds less than 40 mph, roll down windows; more than 40 mph, use AC. Hand signals are given from the driver's window,
• Use the cruise control for more than 10,000 miles a year and save yourself 60 using the left arm and hand:
gallons of fuel. • To signal a left turn, hold the arm and hand straight out and point
the first finger.
• Clogged air filters can cut mileage by 10%.
• To signal a right turn, hold the arm straight out and the forearm and
• Tightening your fuel cap can prevent leakage of up to 30 gallons of gas a year. hand straight up, palm facing forward.
• To signal stopping and slowing down, point the arm and hand down,
Defensive Driving palm facing back.
Driving involves two important types of skills: Flashing Turn Signals

• Skills that enable the driver to drive defensively and to avoid a Flashing light signals for turns are legal substitutes for hand signals, but there are
crash in spite of driving errors by others; and times when they are hard to see. In late afternoon and early morning, the lenses
• Skills for the basic rules about turning, passing, backing and may reflect sunlight, making it difficult to tell whether the signals are flashing.
parking the vehicle. At night a flashing light signal is much easier to see than a hand signal. Use the
type of signal you believe will communicate best. The flashing light signal is
Scanning sufficient at night. Signal at least the last 100 feet before turning or stopping. If
What you see is important for defensive driving. the speed limit is 45 mph or more, signal at least the last 200 feet before turning.
The faster you are driving, the farther ahead you should signal.
• Good drivers try to see 10 to 15 seconds ahead on the roadway (about one city
block). By looking ahead, you might avoid last minute moves such as sudden Keeping a Margin of Safety
stops or quick lane changes. Allow a margin of safety around you by staying clear of other vehicles. Make
• About every 10 seconds check the mirrors to see if any vehicle is following sure there is enough room ahead and behind to pass or stop safely.
too closely. Drive at a steady speed, and signal well in advance whenever you are slowing
• When changing lanes, backing, slowing down or driving down a long hill, it down or stopping to warn other drivers from following too closely. If another
is important to check for traffic from behind the car and in your blind spots. vehicle follows you too closely, move to another lane and signal for the driver
• While checking the mirrors, do not take your eyes off the road for more than to pass you. Stay in the middle of the lane and leave space on both sides of
an instant. The vehicle in front of you could stop suddenly. your vehicle. Allow ample room between your vehicle, parked vehicles and
• Always leave yourself an “out.” oncoming traffic.
Although mirrors are useful, you should remember they do not show the full Adjusting
picture. Mirrors leave “blind” spots in your field of vision. “Blind” spots are
the areas near the left and right rear corners of the vehicle that you cannot see Adjusting to road conditions is the key to
using the mirrors from the driver’s perspective. Therefore, before you make any successful driving.
lane changes or turns, quickly turn your head and look over your shoulder to • You should be able to judge dangerous conditions and adjust
see what is in the blind spot. Additional blind spots can be created by glaring your driving accordingly.
lights, dirty windshields, vehicles parked too closely to an intersection, bushes • Most importantly, you should know when conditions are too
and/or buildings. In these cases, ease your vehicle forward until you can see dangerous to risk driving at all.
clearly. Avoid driving in other drivers’ blind spots where it is more difficult for
them to see you. In situations when you have to deal with two or more unavoidable dangers at the
same time, adjust by giving the most room to the greatest or most likely danger.
Communicating Suppose there are approaching vehicles to your left and a child on a bicycle to
Communicating means letting others know what you plan to do early enough your right. The child is most likely to make a sudden move, so give the child
to avoid a crash. Anytime you plan to slow down, stop, turn, change lanes or more room. This may mean moving closer to the oncoming vehicles. If the
pull away from the curb, you should signal your intention. Be in the habit of dangers are equally hazardous, such as oncoming vehicles and parked vehicles,
signalling your movements even when you do not see others on the road. Before you should stop and allow the oncoming vehicles to pass safely before proceeding.
you signal, you must first see that your movement can be made safely.

Hazardous Driving When driving in a work zone:

• Recognize that when you see black-on-orange signs, you are about to enter a
Work Zones work zone and should STAY ALERT.
A street or highway work zone warns of construction or maintenance activities • Advance work zone signs may require you to take some action like shifting
that are on or adjacent to the road used by vehicles. your vehicle to another lane.
The work zone may or may not actually interfere • When you are required to take action, black-on-orange signs will convey the
with the normal traffic flow, but it will usually message far in advance, so you will have enough time to take the action.
contain activities that may tend to draw the driver’s • Do not wait until the last minute to take action — the signs provide sufficient
attention or otherwise distract a driver from traffic. time for the driver to react without impeding traffic.
It is very important to STAY ALERT in work zones Driving slower than the surrounding traffic is a major cause of rear-end crashes
and to be prepared at all times to react safely to in work zones. In the work zone, driving areas may be confined, and there
unexpected conditions. may be no maneuvering space or escape route for vehicles that unexpectedly
It is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle greater than the speed limit that is set approach a slow-moving vehicle ahead. Traffic control devices such as
and posted while driving in a work zone. A highway work zone is the area barricades, cones, drums, flaggers, etc. are used in work zones to guide and
between the first sign that indicates the beginning of a work zone and the last direct drivers safely through the area.
sign that indicates the end of a work zone. There is a penalty for speeding in
a work zone if a sign is posted at the beginning of the work zone listing the Night Driving
penalty. This penalty is in addition to any other penalties for the speeding The law requires use of headlights from sunset to sunrise and when visibility
conviction. A highway work zone can be easily identified by unique orange is 400 feet or less. When you drive at night in a city, use low-beam headlights.
warning signs immediately preceding the work zone. The orange signs with On the open road, use high-beam headlights unless you are approaching or
messages in black letters are reserved strictly to identify work zones. In addition following another vehicle.
to alerting drivers as they approach and enter work zones, black-on-orange signs Night driving is more dangerous than daytime driving because:
are used within the work zone to convey specific information and directions to
drivers as they travel through the work zone. • You cannot see as well;
• There are more impaired drivers on the road;
Warning signs alert drivers of unusual features or conditions that they are • Drivers tend to be tired and less alert;
about to encounter.
• A driver can be blinded by the headlights of oncoming vehicles; and
Examples of typical work zone signs:
• Dirty windshields and poor lights can cause problems for some drivers.
Tips for nighttime driving:
• When an approaching vehicle does not dim its headlights, you can remind
the driver by blinking your high beams once;
• If the driver still does not dim the lights, keep your lights on low beam;
• Stay on the right side of the road and use the edge of the road as a guide;
The “Flagger” sign warns drivers of construction or maintenance on the road • Reduce speed and watch the road as far ahead as possible, looking slightly
ahead where a flagger wearing an orange vest is stationed at the site to control to the right so you will not be looking directly into the headlights of
traffic. The flagger uses a “STOP/SLOW” paddle to either stop traffic or allow oncoming traffic;
traffic to proceed. When you see the “Flagger” sign, STAY ALERT and be • Never drive at a speed at which you cannot stop within the distance you can
prepared to stop. see on the road ahead; and
• Keep a lookout at all times — bright headlights from another vehicle make it
difficult to see beyond their source.
• When parking on or along a highway, turn on your emergency flashers;
• Never leave your headlights on when you park at night — they can blind the
drivers of oncoming vehicles.

Sun Glare Driving in Flood Conditions

Sunlight, either direct or reflected, poses a dangerous driving situation for drivers. Since 1970, inland flooding has been responsible for 85 percent of deaths
To reduce this problem, adjust your sun visor and wear sunglasses. If these do not associated with tropical weather in North Carolina. Half of these deaths were
help, stop on the roadside until you can drive safely. caused by people driving into known flooded roads.
Rain Never drive through standing water on a roadway. The water level may be much
higher than it appears and it is possible that part of the roadway may be washed
Rain reduces visibility and makes pavement dangerous. You may be able to
away. Take precautions whenever you see water moving across a roadway during
see only a few feet ahead; therefore, you should drive more slowly than usual,
or after heavy rains or during flooding conditions. Your vehicle may stall and be
and you must use your headlights and windshield wipers. Stopping distances
swept off the roadway into deeper waters. There have been reports that six inches
on slippery pavement increases from two to 10 times farther than on dry
of fast moving water can sweep a car off the highway and 12 inches of fast moving
pavement; therefore, slow down and allow yourself at least twice the normal
water can float a car or cause it to turn over.
following distance.
Windshield Wipers/Headlights
Roads are more dangerous just after rain has begun to fall, especially if it has not
rained for a while. For the first 10 to 15 minutes, rain combines with oil from All North Carolina motorists are required to use headlights whenever they are
asphalt and vehicles, and with dirt, dust and rubber to create a slick surface. You using windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
should drive with extreme caution. Drive at least five to 10 miles per hour slower Fog
on wet pavement than you would on dry pavement. You must also be prepared if
your vehicle hydroplanes.
If you must drive during fog:
Hydroplaning • Turn on the low beam headlights;
Hydroplaning occurs when a thin sheet of water gets between the road surface • Reduce your driving speed and be alert for tail lights of the vehicle
and a vehicle’s tires, causing them to lose contact with the road. The vehicle then in front of you; and
begins a skidding movement across the road. Hydroplaning can start at speeds as • Watch for the vehicles behind you.
low as 30 miles per hour and in water little more than 1/8 inch deep. When your
speed increases, so do the chances of hydroplaning. Your ability to stop, or even If you have extreme trouble seeing, you need to:
slow your vehicle, is greatly reduced. Once you begin to hydroplane, any sudden • Pull far off the roadway;
jerking of the steering wheel or even a strong gust of wind can send you into an • Stop, secure the vehicle and turn on its emergency flashers; and
uncontrollable skid that can result in a crash. If you do begin to hydroplane, take
• Leave the vehicle from the passenger side and stay away from the road.
your foot off the gas pedal. Resist your instinct to use the brakes. Keep your
steering wheel straight and let the car’s momentum decrease until the tires grip Snow and Ice
the road again and you regain control. Snow and ice make roads very slippery. Hard-packed snow increases the danger of
Before going out in rainy weather, check your tires. Tires with deep, open treads skidding. As you drive, watch for shady spots, bridges and overpasses since these
allow water to escape and help prevent hydroplaning at moderate speeds. Tires places are often the first to freeze as the temperature drops. If you must drive
with worn tread and those that are under inflated have less grip on the road during a snowstorm, reduce speed, use windshield wipers and turn on the low-
surface, increasing your chance of hydroplaning. To properly handle skids, it beam headlights. It is recommended that you reduce speed by more than half for
is better to have tire pressure on the high side, rather than the low side, of the packed snow and slow to a crawl on ice. Use chains if necessary for better traction,
manufacturer’s specifications.
When you are starting or stopping on snowy or icy roads:
Be alert to warning signs of standing water on the roadway, which can lead
to hydroplaning. These include visible reflections on the surface of the water; • Increase your speed slowly;
“dimples” created by rain drops as they hit the water; a “slushing” sound made by • Get the “feel of the road” by testing your steering control and the
braking friction;
your tires; and a “loose” feeling in your steering wheel. If driving after a rainstorm
has just ended, continue to be cautious. Rain leaves puddles in the road for several • Start to move in second gear or higher and release the clutch slowly
hours, even days after the showers stop, that can cause a car to hydroplane. (for manual shifts);
• Allow at least three times the normal stopping distance to slow down;
Never use cruise control when it is raining or after it has been raining. If your
• (When you stop) keep your foot off the brake and let the engine slow the
vehicle starts to hydroplane, the time that it takes to turn off the cruise control vehicle; and
or tap the brake pedal to release it, could mean the difference in maintaining or
• Maintain extra distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
losing control of your vehicle.
but do not forget that even chains and snow tires can slide on ice and packed snow. • Direct all passengers to leave the vehicle by the passenger side. Never allow
You cannot start, stop or maneuver quickly in these conditions. Watch for other passengers to remain in the vehicle during a tire change. Move passengers off
drivers, especially those who do not have their vehicles under control. the road or shoulder — do not allow them to stand in front or to the rear of
the vehicle.
Emergencies • Turn on the emergency flashers and parking lights.
It is important to know what to do if you have a mechanical problem or if an • Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
unusual situation occurs. Most importantly, do not panic, but react promptly and
appropriately to the emergency. Below are some tips and suggestions for dealing with If a blowout occurs:
emergency situations. • Hold the steering wheel tightly and try to keep the vehicle straight on your
side of the road;
Brake Failure • Reduce speed by lifting your foot from the accelerator;
• Shift into a lower gear, release the clutch pedal (for manual transmissions) and • Do not apply the brakes until the engine has slowed the vehicle enough to
apply the emergency brake. allow you to maintain control of the vehicle; and
• If the vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission, apply the emergency brake • Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.
and move the gear control lever into the low-range position.
Using the emergency brake in this manner could cause damage to it and the Breakdowns
transmission, but under the circumstances of brake failure there is no better choice. Do not attempt to make repairs on a vehicle while it is in an area exposed to
other traffic. Call a tow truck or mechanic for assistance.
Wet Brakes
You can help to dry the brakes by: What you should do if your vehicle breaks down:
• Driving a short distance; and • Exit the main part of the road — move the vehicle completely onto the
shoulder of the road;
• Applying light pressure to the brake pedal.
• Make sure you leave the vehicle by the passenger side, and do not allow
The heat generated by the friction of the brakes will evaporate the water from the passengers to remain in the vehicle;
brake linings. • Stand off the road and away from the vehicle — do not stand in front or to
To prevent excessive wear on brakes when moving down a long hill or steep grade, the rear of the vehicle;
use a lower gear instead of the brake pedal to control speed. It is best to shift to the • If you need help, tie a white cloth to the left door handle or the radio
lower gear at the top of the hill before you descend. aerial and raise the hood of the vehicle; and
• If it's dark, turn on the parking lights or emergency flashers. Always have
Gas Pedal Sticks flashlights or flares in your vehicle for emergencies.
If your gas pedal sticks:
• Tap the gas pedal to try to unstick the throttle linkage or lift the pedal Unusual Emergencies
with your foot; An approaching vehicle that crosses the center line into the path of your
• Shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the vehicle is a danger. You should:
wheels; and/or • Reduce speed immediately;
• Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road. • Sound your horn; and
Blowouts • Keep to the right even if this means running off the road.
If you begin to feel a bumpy ride when there is no obvious reason, stop and check Tips to follow if your vehicle runs off the pavement and onto the shoulder:
your tires. You can tell a blowout by a loud noise and by the way the vehicle begins • Do not immediately apply the brakes or try to turn back; you could skid, lose
to swerve. control or overturn;
Use caution before changing a flat tire. • Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator and steer straight ahead;
• Move the vehicle completely off the road. • Allow the engine to slow the vehicle; and
• Set the parking brake and use emergency flares (if you have them) to warn • When the vehicle is stopped or nearly stopped, check for approaching traffic
other drivers. and if it’s safe, gradually drive back onto the road.

Skids
The law protects persons who stop and render aid
Certain roadway conditions such as wet roads, ice and packed snow are more at the scene of an accident from civil liability except for
likely to cause skids. intentional wrongdoing or unruly conduct.
To avoid skidding when driving with these roadway conditions:
other traffic or the roadway.
• Reduce speed gradually; You are required by law to make an immediate report to the nearest law
• Engage your anti-lock braking system using firm, steady pressure on the brake enforcement officer or agency of any crash when any person is killed or injured
pedal. Do not PUMP anti-lock brakes. If you do not have anti-lock brakes, you or the total damage to vehicles and other property appears to amount to $1,000
should pump the brakes gently to slow the vehicle. or more. Failure to make the report may result in prosecution, and your driver
license could be suspended. You should also report any crash to your insurance
If you find yourself in a skid: company. In certain cases, North Carolina law also requires the driver of a
• Ease your foot off the accelerator; vehicle involved in a reportable crash to provide proof of financial responsibility
• Turn the steering wheel in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding; and (liability insurance) on forms provided by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
• As soon as the vehicle's path begins to straighten, turn the steering wheel These forms must be completed and filed with DMV.
back the other way so you will not over-steer.
Three things you must do if involved in a crash:

Crashes • Provide your name, address, driver license number, vehicle registration
number and the name of your vehicle insurance company;
If a crash seems likely: • Be sure to obtain the same information from others who were involved in
• Sound the horn; the crash; and
• Keep to the right; • If you do not know the occupants of the other vehicle or the owner of
• Turn away from oncoming traffic, even if you must leave the road; and/or damaged property, write down all the information you can gather and give
it to the nearest law enforcement officer.
• Drive off the road, into an open field if possible.
If you are about to be hit from the rear, and there are no vehicles in front
of you:
• Press the accelerator and move away as quickly as possible;
• Be ready to apply your brakes if there is no room to move;
• Brace yourself between the steering wheel and the seat; and
• Press the back of your head firmly against the head rest.
If you are about to be hit:
• Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel; and
• Prepare to turn fast so that you can try to control the vehicle.
• If all else fails, use your arms and hands to protect your face from breaking
glass.
In the event you are involved in a crash:
• You must stop the vehicle immediately. If you do not stop, you have
violated the law;
• Take precautions to prevent further crashes at the scene;
• Do whatever you can to help those who have been injured;
• Try to ensure that someone informs a law enforcement officer immediately; and
• If the crash occurred on a main lane, ramp, shoulder, median or adjacent area of
the highway and there are no injuries or fatalities, each vehicle should be moved
out of the travel lane onto the shoulder of the road provided it can be driven
safely under its own power and without causing further damage to the vehicle,
76 Chapter 5 — Signals and Signs Chapter 5 — Signals and Signs 77
Chapter 5 Some traffic signals have a combination of “protected” turn arrow signals and
“unprotected” circular signals based on traffic demand. At these intersections,
Signals, Signs and both through traffic and turning traffic are controlled by circular signals if no
arrow signal is displayed. When arrow and circular signals are both displayed,
Pavement Markings turning traffic is controlled by the arrow signals and through traffic is controlled
by the circular signals. Below are examples of combination signal displays you
Traffic signals, signs and pavement markings are used for traffic control to provide may see.
a smooth, orderly flow of traffic. It is important to understand their meanings.
Traffic Signals
The traffic signal is used to control traffic and pedestrians
at some intersections and mid-block crosswalks.
• A circular green signal means you are permitted to proceed cautiously straight
through or make a turn. Turning vehicles must yield the right of way to
oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
• A circular yellow signal means “caution” and indicates that the signal is about to
turn red. Stop for a yellow signal unless you are too close to the intersection to When approaching an intersection with a traffic light that has malfunctioned
stop safely — in that case, drive cautiously through the intersection. Never speed due to a power outage or some other problem, you should approach the
up for a yellow signal to “beat” the red signal. intersection and proceed as though the intersection is controlled by a stop sign
• A steady red circular signal means “STOP.” Unless there is a sign indicating “NO on all approaches to the intersection. This does not apply if a law enforcement
TURN ON RED,” a right turn can be made after coming to a complete stop. All officer or another authorized person is directing traffic, or if another type of
vehicles turning right shall yield the right of way to other traffic and pedestrians traffic control device is in operation.
using the intersection and to pedestrians in reasonably close proximity to the
intersection and who are starting to cross in front of the traffic that is required to Flashing Signals
stop at the red light. Failure to yield to a pedestrian under these circumstances The flashing red signal has the same meaning as the stop sign: stop and do
will result in a penalty of not more than $500 and not less than $100. not proceed to move until you can enter the intersection without interfering
with approaching traffic. The flashing yellow signal has the same meaning as a
warning sign. Slow down and proceed with caution.
Flashing Yellow Arrow Traffic Signal Heads
(left and right turns)
This traffic signal head is designed to make it easier for drivers to know what
Arrow signals are also important traffic signals. to do when making a turn. The traffic signal head has a flashing yellow
• A green arrow means that you have a “protected” movement and are permitted arrow section. When the flashing yellow arrow is shown, the indicated turn is
to cautiously enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the permitted but drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
arrow. U-turning traffic should yield to opposing right turning traffic when both Below are some examples of what this style traffic signal head looks like and
movements simultaneously have their respective green arrow. what drivers should do as the light changes:
• A red arrow means turning traffic must stop.
• A yellow arrow indicates that the “protected” green arrow signal is about to turn Solid Red Arrow: Stop. No turns are allowed. *
to a regular circular green signal, circular red signal or red arrow signal. Solid Yellow Arrow: Prepare to stop.
Flashing Yellow Arrow: Turns are allowed, but

first they must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Solid Green Arrow: Turns are allowed, and they should not need
to yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Proceed with caution.
U-turning traffic should yield to opposing right turning traffic when
both have green arrow.
*For right turn signal heads, a steady red circular signal may be provided
rather than a red arrow.

Ramp Meter Traffic Signals: Traffic Signs

A ramp meter signal is used to control traffic entering a freeway from an Shape and color make it possible to recognize the various kinds of highway signs
interchange entrance ramp. at a glance.
When a ramp meter is displaying a circular red display, vehicles facing the red Traffic signs are divided into three types:
light must stop. When a ramp meter is displaying a circular green display, a
vehicle facing the green display may proceed to merge onto the freeway. When 1. Regulatory Signs
the display is dark or not emitting a red or green display, a vehicle may proceed The eight-sided (or octagon) sign is the stop sign. The word
without stopping and enter the freeway by merging or yielding as normal “STOP” is printed in white on a red background. The
conditions allow. octagonal shape is used for stop signs only. The stop sign is
usually posted six to 50 feet from the intersection. When
Steady Red – Stop and wait for green you approach this sign, the law requires you to come to a
FULL stop. Do not proceed to move again until you are
Steady Green – Proceed down ramp and merge onto freeway sure the way is clear.
When a stop sign, traffic light, flashing light or other
Hybrid Beacons traffic-control device requires a vehicle to stop at an
intersection, the driver must stop at the appropriately marked stop line. If there
Hybrid beacons may be used to control traffic at mid-block crosswalks and
is no stop line or marked crosswalk, the driver must stop before entering the
entrances to emergency response facilities. The beacons remain dark until
intersection where he/she has a view of the intersecting street.
activated by pedestrians or emergency response personnel. Once activated, the
beacons will flash yellow for a few seconds, then go steady yellow and steady red The yield sign is triangular shaped with the point at
for a few more seconds to allow moving vehicles to safely stop. Once vehicles the bottom. This sign is red and white with the word
have stopped, the beacons will remain steady red while pedestrians begin “YIELD” in large letters at the top. When you approach
crossing or the emergency response vehicles begin exiting their facility. After the yield sign, you must slow down and yield the right
several seconds, the beacons will begin flashing red, during which time vehicles of way. Your need to stop depends on the traffic on the
are to remain stopped until the pedestrians or emergency response vehicles have intersecting street. To avoid interfering with that traffic,
cleared the intersection. After the pedestrians or emergency response vehicles you must stop and wait for it to pass.
have cleared the intersection, and after first coming to a complete stop, vehicles Rectangular and square-shaped signs, which are normally
may begin moving while the beacons are flashing red. black and white or red and white, are also used to show speed limits and other
regulations. These signs will also have messages such as “NO U-TURN” or
Sequence for a Hybrid Beacon “KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS.” Failure to obey these signs is unsafe as
well as a violation of the traffic laws.
R R R R R R SR SR
Y FY SY Y
1. Dark Until Activated 2. Flashing Yellow 3. Steady Yellow 4A. Steady Red Before
Upon Activation Pedestrian Walk Interval or
Egress of Emergency Vehicle(s)
SR SR FR R R FR R R Legend
SY Steady yellow
Y Y Y Y FY Flashing yellow
SR Steady red
4B. Steady Red During 5. Alternating Flashing Red During 6. Dark Again Until Activated FR Flashing red
Pedestrian Walk Interval or Pedestrian Change Interval or Egress
Egress of Emergency Vehicle(s) of Emergency Vehicle(s) The handicap parking sign indicates
that a space is reserved for persons
who qualify for and are displaying a
handicap license plate or a dashboard
placard.

2. Warning Signs Railroad Emergency Notification System sign

The pennant–shaped yellow warning sign emphasizes, rather than replaces, the An example of the railroad Emergency Notification Sign is
rectangular regulatory “DO NOT PASS” sign. The pennant is located on the depicted in the red circle on the illustration
left side of the road and points to the beginning of the no-passing zone (solid below.
yellow line in your lane). The five-sided (or pentagon) sign warns
Diamond-shaped signs are also caution or warning signs. They of a school zone or a school crossing. You
are normally black on yellow, but when they are should be especially watchful for children
black on orange, they warn of conditions in these areas. In many school zones, the
for construction or maintenance speed limit is reduced during certain school
areas. When you see one of these hours.
signs, drive with extra care. One of 3. Guide/Informational Signs
REPORT EMERGENCY
OR PROBLEM
1–800–XXX–XXXX
the most important caution signs is the X-ING 999 999 Z
“STOP AHEAD” sign. It is placed far ahead of a Guide/informational signs give directions, routes, distances and
stop sign when the driver’s view of the stop sign is blocked indicate services.
by a curve or other objects. Diamond-shaped caution or Interstate, U.S. and N.C. highways are numbered and marked.
warning signs that are orange with black messages warn about • Odd-numbered highways generally run north and south.
construction or maintenance areas. Highway work zones are covered
• Even-numbered highways generally run east and west.
in more detail in Chapter 4 — Your Driving.
• Route markers for U.S. highways are in the shape of a shield.
Samples of caution or warning signs • North Carolina route markers are
diamond shaped.
• N.C. secondary road signs are rectangular
in shape.
• Interstate highways are marked by a red, white
and blue shield.
• Signs indicating a nearby hospital, Highway
Patrol station or telephone are blue and white.
• Guide signs, also rectangular in shape, may be
green, brown or blue. They provide directions
and distances. If you are lost, a mileage and
directional sign can help you.
A circular sign, with a black cross and the black letters “RR” Do not endanger other drivers by stopping in the
on a yellow background, gives advance warning of a railroad middle of the road to read a sign. When safe to do so,
crossing. When you see this sign, slow move to the shoulder of the road and wait until you
down. Stop if necessary to be sure you have figured out where you are and which route you
can safely clear the crossing. should take.
At the railroad crossing itself is the
railroad crossing crossbuck sign. The words
“RAILROAD CROSSING” are printed in black
on the white crosspieces. If there are multiple tracks at the
crossing, they are shown on a sign below the crossbuck. You
must stop at a railroad crossing whenever a flagger, signal
or gate indicates an approaching train. You must remain
stopped until the gate lifts or the signal or flagger indicates
that it is safe to proceed. Take the time to check twice in each
direction before crossing a railroad track.

Regulatory Signs Warning Signs
The DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign reminds the driver

not to stop on the railroad track for any reason.

84 Chapter 5 — Signals and Signs Chapter 6 — Sharing the Road 85
Pavement Markings Chapter 6

Yellow lines separate travel lanes moving in opposite directions. White lines
separate travel lanes moving in the same direction. A yellow skipped or broken Sharing the Road
line is used as the center line on a two-lane, two-way road where passing with Our streets and highways are well traveled. Therefore, it is necessary that
care is permitted in both directions. When continuous, double, solid, yellow you, as a driver or pedestrian, know and practice the rules of the road. You
lines are the center lines, you cannot cross them to pass in either direction. On should always be aware of the traffic around you and be prepared for
a two-lane road, passing with care is permitted if the skipped-yellow line is in emergency situations.
your lane.
Single, solid, white lines are used as right-edge lines along the roadway and Bicycles
for guiding traffic traveling in the same direction. Single, solid, yellow lines
are used as left-edge lines on divided highways. If you see the reverse, you are Bicycle riding is an important means of transportation, particularly for traveling
traveling in the wrong direction. On certain multi-lane highways, a special to and from work and school. Because bicycles are vehicles, bicyclists must obey
the same traffic laws as other drivers, this includes DWI laws.
Bicyclists, like any other vehicle, are entitled to use the full lane.
Like drivers, bicyclists must:

• Ride on the right side of the road;
• Stop for stop signs and red lights; and
• Give hand signals.
center lane is reserved exclusively for two-way left-turn movements in both DRIVER’S MANUAL SIGNAL VARIATIONS
HAND SIGNALS CYCLISTS USE
directions. The two-way left-turn lane must not be used for passing another
vehicle or for the purpose of merging into traffic. The marking for this type of
lane is shown by the diagram below.
White and yellow pavement “markers” are reflective devices used in the
pavement to improve the visibility of marking lines at night when the road is
wet. Red markers indicate wrong-way movements for motorists. In some areas,
blue reflective pavement markers on roadways indicate the location of nearby LEFT LEFT
TURN TURN
fire hydrants or water supplies for fire-fighting units.
Traffic Officers
Under special circumstances, an officer may be directing the flow of traffic.
If so, obey the officer’s hand signals instead of the normal traffic signals or
signs. Most traffic officers signal drivers to stop by holding up one hand with
RIGHT RIGHT
the palm facing the vehicle and giving a long blast on the whistle. The officer TURN TURN
signals drivers to start or to keep moving by motioning with the hand and
giving a series of short blasts on the whistle. At night, the traffic officer may
signal by using a flashlight.
STOP STOP

86 Chapter 6 — Sharing the Road Chapter 6 — Sharing the Road 87
Pass with Care You as a Pedestrian

A bicyclist staying to the right in their lane is accommodating following drivers As drivers, we must watch out for pedestrians on the roadway. In cities, about
by making it easier to see when it is safe to pass, and easier to execute the pass. two of every five persons killed by motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians; in
Drivers wishing to pass a bicyclist may do so only when there is abundant rural areas, the rate is about one of every 10. Most of the pedestrians killed are
clearance and no oncoming traffic is in the opposing lane. The safest way to children, elderly persons or those who have been drinking alcoholic beverages.
pass a bicyclist is to change lanes. To pass a cyclist lawfully, a driver must follow When you are a pedestrian, do all you can to make yourself visible and to help
vehicle passing laws. Please see NCGS Sections 20-149 and 20-150. drivers to prevent crashes.
Go with the Flow
It is especially important for bicyclists to go with the flow of traffic, NOT Pedestrians should always:
against the flow. Ride right, with the traffic, NOT facing traffic. Motorists • Walk on the left side of the road facing traffic;
often do not look in the direction of bicyclists riding the wrong way. • Wear or carry something white — do not assume that drivers can see you;
• Do everything you can to make yourself visible to drivers;
Be Visible • Be ready to move out of the way in case a driver cannot see you; and
Visibility is important during both daylight hours and at night. During the • At night, remember that it is more difficult for drivers to see you — use a
daylight, avoid being obscured by other vehicles. At night, the law requires that flashlight.
a bicycle be equipped with a light on the front visible for a distance of at least
300 feet and a red light or reflector on the rear visible for a distance of at least
200 feet. Trucks and Other Vehicles
Bicyclists can be expected on all roads except where expressly prohibited. It is more difficult to drive a large truck than a passenger car for the
Bicycles are narrow and typically operate at the right of the lane, so they may following reasons:
be obscured and difficult to detect. Avoid the left cross, drive out and right • Heavy trucks cannot gain speed as quickly as cars, especially while traveling
hook types of potential collisions shown below. uphill. However, because of its large size, a tractor-trailer often appears to be
traveling at a slower speed than it is;
• Large trucks require additional turning room because their rear wheels do not
follow the path of their front wheels. When following a tractor-trailer, observe
its turn signals before trying to pass. If it appears to be starting a left turn,
check to see which way the driver is signaling before you attempt to pass; and
• Truck brakes create heat when the truck is traveling downhill. This condition
requires additional stopping distance for the truck.
When driving beside large trucks or any large vehicle, the wind currents created
All bicycle riders and passengers under age 16 must wear an approved protective by the larger vehicle may affect your steering. Give the truck plenty of room.
bicycle helmet and must be seated on a saddle seat. When following large trucks, your vision may be blocked. Use caution while
A passenger weighing less than 40 pounds or less than 40 inches in height must attempting to pass these vehicles.
be seated in a bicycle restraining seat.
No-Zones
For more information about bicycle riding skills write to: Many motorists falsely assume that truckers can see the road better because
NC Department of Transportation they sit twice as high as the driver of a car. However, truckers still have serious
Bicycle & Pedestrian Division blind spots or NO-ZONES into which a car can disappear from view — up to
1552 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1552
or call 919-707-2600
www.ncdot.gov/bikeped

20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the tractor-trailer, particularly About two-thirds of motorcycle crashes in North Carolina involve a car. In
alongside the cab, and up to 200 feet in the rear (see diagram). most of these crashes, the driver of the car is at fault. The driver usually claims
Motorists lingering in the NO-ZONES hamper the trucker’s ability to take they did not see the motorcycle. Because the motorcycle offers little or no
evasive action to avoid a dangerous situation. A general rule for motorists protection to the rider, the motorcyclist often is seriously injured or killed.
sharing the road with a tractor-trailer is, “if you can’t see the truck driver in Moped riders and all passengers are required to wear a helmet with a retention
their side-view mirror, they can’t see you.” strap properly secured. The helmet must be a type that complies with Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 218).
Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Motorcycles
• Most recreational vehicles, including motor homes, campers and travel Many small motorcycles do not accelerate rapidly and may not maintain speed
trailers, are longer, higher and wider than passenger cars. going uphill or against a headwind. Stopping distances for motorcycles are also
• Recreational vehicles and trailers accelerate and stop more slowly than cars different. Most can stop more quickly than cars, but motorcycles stop more
and require more room for turning. slowly when there is a second rider or when traveling on poor road surfaces
• Visibility is a major problem with recreational vehicles. Remember, that the where sudden braking could lead to a fall.
closer you are as you approach a recreational vehicle, the more it will block On the road, a cyclist traveling ahead of you could lose control when materials
your field of vision. such as sand, gravel, wet leaves or water are on the pavement. Be aware of
• Drivers of recreational vehicles can lose sight of you because their blind spots conditions that may cause a motorcyclist to fall. Watch out for motorcycles that
are much larger than those of cars. wobble or jerk while starting to move, or cyclists who hesitate while making
traffic decisions. These are signs of a beginning cyclist, so allow plenty of room.
When you approach a vehicle towing a trailer:
• Watch for any sway or possible hazards, such as crosswinds or Things to remember when you encounter a cyclist:
slippery curves; • Never crowd the motorcycle or moped. Following too closely does not
• Be aware that sudden braking might cause the trailer to jackknife; and allow enough reaction time in the case of an emergency;
• Use extreme caution while passing a trailer and the towing vehicle — it • Allow a greater following distance when road surfaces are slippery. It is
may take you a half mile of clear roadway to safely pass. easier for the motorcycle or moped to become unstable because it has
only two wheels in contact with the road surface;
Towing a trailer or boat requires special skill, as well as consideration on the part • Always allow the cyclist plenty of room to maneuver, especially at railroad
of each driver. crossings or on rough and uneven roadways. If the crossing is rough or at
an angle, the rider might need to slow down to cross; and
Motorcycles and Mopeds • Steel bridge expansion joints, metal grating on bridges and other metal
surfaces are hazardous for cyclists. Leave plenty of space between
Drivers share the road with motorcycles and mopeds, and they must be yourself and the cyclist.
especially careful to look for them and to observe these precautions:
• Give the motorcyclist or moped rider the same right of way consideration as Mopeds
you would for the driver of any other vehicle;
North Carolina law defines a moped as a vehicle with two or three wheels with
• Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of their lane. To pass a motorcycle, a motor of no more than 50 cubic centimeters of piston displacement and no
you must change lanes and pass in the same manner as you would for a larger external shifting device. Legally, a moped’s top speed cannot exceed 30 miles
motor vehicle; per hour. Although some mopeds on the market have top speeds higher than
• A moped should travel using the right side of the lane. To pass a moped, you the 30 mph limit, they are illegal for use in North Carolina. Be sure you know
must stay at least two feet to the left; and a moped’s size and maximum speed before you buy it. Otherwise, you may not
• You must leave any cyclist enough room when you pass so your vehicle’s be able to operate it legally.
windstream cannot cause the rider to lose control. In North Carolina you must be at least 16 years old to operate a moped on a
Be especially watchful for motorcycles and mopeds while turning or changing public roadway or public vehicular area. No driver license is required. However,
lanes at intersections or entering the road from a driveway. Mopeds and driving while impaired laws that apply to drivers of other motor vehicles also
motorcycles are difficult to see, and can be entirely hidden by your blind spots. apply to moped operators. When riding a moped on a public roadway you must
In many left-turn situations it is even more difficult to see a motorcycle or follow all the rules of the road.
moped. Look out for motorcycles and mopeds, as well as other vehicles, before
you turn, change lanes or proceed to move.
In addition, you should follow the rules for riding a moped listed below: Keeping the Road Litter-Free
• Stay out of traffic as much as possible;
In North Carolina, littering is illegal. When litter is thrown from or blown
• Try to find routes that are not traveled heavily; from a vehicle, the driver of the vehicle is held responsible. If convicted,
• Keep your distance. In every situation leave a reasonable amount of space the minimum fine is $250, and the maximum fine is $1,000. Any second
between you and the other vehicle; or subsequent offense within three years after the date of a prior offense is
• Keep to the right of your lane. Give yourself as much space as you can; punishable by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $2,000, if convicted.
• Because you will probably be moving more slowly than the other traffic, other
drivers will want to pass you. Stay out of their way, as much as possible;
Adopt-A-Highway Program
The North Carolina Department of Transportation began its Adopt-A-Highway
• Do not share lanes with other vehicles; Program in April 1988. More than 4,500 volunteer groups have adopted about
• At an intersection, never squeeze between parked cars and moving traffic; 9,000 miles of state-maintained roadsides.
• Make sure other drivers can see you by wearing light or brightly To join the program, a civic, business, social or family group agrees to pick up
colored clothing; litter at least four times a year along a two–mile section of state–maintained
• If possible, install electric turn signals on your moped. Otherwise, be sure to use roadway. The Department of Transportation erects two signs identifying
hand signals when you turn or stop; the adopted stretch of roadside and recognizing the group’s contribution. In
• Look as far ahead as possible; addition, NCDOT provides safety vests and training for each volunteer.
• Anytime you cross the path of traffic, slow down, stop and look carefully before Volunteer groups are asked to recycle as much of the litter they pick up as
you proceed to move; possible. By recycling, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers are making an even greater
• Be sure to look over your shoulder before you move into traffic and always be contribution to their communities’ environments.
careful around parked cars; The tremendous success of the Adopt-A-Highway program shows the
• Protect your body. Wear protective clothing that covers your body and always great pride North Carolinians have in the beauty of their state. Please show
wear shoes. your appreciation for these volunteers by obeying North Carolina’s laws
Registration of Mopeds (Effective July 2015) against littering.
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles requires all moped operators to For more information about the Adopt-A-Highway program, please visit the
register their vehicle with the DMV, and obtain a registration card and license NCDOT Office of Beautification website at: www.ncdot.gov/beautification or
plate, which must be displayed on the rear of the moped at all times. call 919-707-2970.
Moped operators will be required to visit their local license plate agency for the
registration process. The office locations can be found on the DMV website.
The cost of registering each moped is $24 annually. Durham ($15), Orange ($15),
Randolph ($1) and Wake ($5) counties each charge an additional transit tax.
Operators must be 16 years of age or older and must have a valid N.C. driver
license or N.C. ID card along with the moped manufacturer’s certificate of origin
(MCO). If an operator does not have an MCO for their vehicle, the operator can
fill out an Affidavit of Facts for the Registration of a Moped form (MVR-58) to
serve as proof of ownership.

92 Chapter 7 — How DMV Serves You Chapter 7 — How DMV Serves You 93
Chapter 7 Vehicle Registration

How DMV Serves You A North Carolina driver license is required prior to titling/registering a vehicle in
this State. Except for owners of exempt farm vehicles and exempt road construction
The Division of Motor Vehicles is responsible for promoting highway safety equipment, every vehicle owner must register their motor vehicle with the Division
and serving the citizens of North Carolina through driver license, vehicle of Motor Vehicles.
registration and vehicle inspection programs. If you are a new North Carolina resident moving from out-of-state, your valid
out-of-state driver’s, along with your North Carolina Temporary Driving
Driver Records Certificate (TDC) will be required to title and register your vehicle.
You may obtain a copy of your driving record at MyNCDMV.gov or See MyNCDMV.gov for more information on title and registration, available
by visiting: online services, fees, forms and license plate office hours and locations.
Raleigh Central Services
4121 New Bern Ave. To register a vehicle:
Raleigh, NC 27616 • The owner must complete the required application forms; and
(Go to the door that reads Vehicle Registration, NOT Driver License) • Pay the appropriate title and registration fees.
Huntersville License Plate Agency
12101 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road Upon receipt of the application for motor vehicle registration:
Huntersville, NC 28078 • The DMV will issue a registration card, registration plate (license plate) and
validation stickers to the owner;
The Driver Privacy Protection Act Request Form (DL-DPPA-I), available at
DMV Headquarters and on the DMV website, must be completed before your • The registration card must be kept in the vehicle at all times and must always
driving record can be obtained. be available to show a law enforcement officer upon request;
• The license plate will show the unique number that has been assigned to the
The form can be obtained at MyNCDMV.gov. vehicle, the expiration date of the registration and that the vehicle is registered
Fees (subject to change): in North Carolina;
• $14 for certified copy of record (available online) • The license plate must be displayed as required by law,
• $10 for non-certified full history (available online) • Plastic license plate covers are prohibited. GS 20-63g.
• $10 for non-certified record of three year history (not available online) How to change the address on your vehicle registration online:
• $10 for non-certified record of seven year history (not available online) To change the physical address on your vehicle registration, you can use our
• $13 for a copy of address history (not available online) online duplicate vehicle registration card application at MyNCDMV.gov
Three and seven year driver license record checks normally are used for You will need the following information:
insurance and employment purposes. A certified driver license record check
• Vehicle license plate number
usually is required for court appearances.
• Last five (5) characters of the vehicle title number
Make checks payable to NCDMV.
Mail form DL-DPPA-I along with a check for the appropriate amount to: • Valid email address, so we can email your receipt
NC Division of Motor Vehicles There is no charge to change your address online.
Driver License DR Unit If your vehicle’s registration is expired, you will need to renew your registration
3133 Mail Service Center and change the address at the same time. The cost will be your regular
Raleigh, NC 27697-3113 renewal fee.

Insurance and Financial Responsibility

Change of Name: In addition to proof of ownership, North Carolina law requires that before a
If you change your name, you must notify the DMV within 60 days to obtain a motor vehicle can be licensed, the owner must certify that the vehicle is covered
duplicate card with the new name. by liability insurance. This can be in the form of a liability insurance policy
The process must be completed at a driver license office, More information issued from a company licensed to do business in the State of North Carolina,
is on the DMV website at https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/help/moving/Pages/ cash or bond deposited with the State Treasurer or a certificate of self-insurance
name-changes.aspx. for fleets of 25 or more vehicles. This law is enacted to ensure that the costs of a
Change of Address: crash are paid by those who are responsible.
Within 60 days of moving within North Carolina, a license or ID holder must
update their physical address with the DMV and get a duplicate license or ID. The minimum amount of liability insurance required is:
If you also own a vehicle, a duplicate registration card needs to be • $30,000 for injuries to any one person in a crash
ordered. Most people can handle those steps online or at a local driver • $60,000 for all personal injuries in a crash
license or license plate agency office (for the registration card).
• $25,000 for all property damage in a crash
More information can be found on the DMV website at https://www.ncdot.
• $750,000 for a commercial motor vehicle
gov/dmv/help/moving/Pages/moving-within-nc.aspx.
If the DMV is notified that a vehicle owner is operating a motor vehicle without
proper liability insurance, the vehicle’s license plate could be revoked for 30 days
Remember these things when registering a vehicle: unless proof of continuous insurance coverage is provided. If a lapse did occur,
• Before a vehicle can be registered in North Carolina, the DMV requires the registered owner could be subject to a fine or penalty.
proper proof of ownership;
• For new vehicles, the manufacturer's certificate of origin is the official North Carolina law requires the owner of every registered vehicle to maintain
transfer document; continuous liability insurance as long as the vehicle has a valid license plate.
• If you purchase a used vehicle which has already been registered, Liability insurance policies are effective at 12:01 a.m. on the date of issuance,
you must present the certificate of title properly assigned by the remain in effect for a period of six months and expire at 12:01 a.m., six months
former owner; later. This information is also indicated on the declaration page of the policy
• To register a used vehicle for the first time in North Carolina, you issued by the insurance company. North Carolina does not honor a grace
must present the title from the state where the vehicle was formerly period. A grace period is an agreement between the Insured and the insurance
registered; and company only.
• If the used vehicle is from a non-title state, you must present the current Additional information regarding liability insurance requirements or options
vehicle registration card with a properly notarized transfer of ownership on available for registered owners who may have had a lapse, may be found on our
the back or a notarized bill of sale from the former owner and the former website or by calling 919-715-7000.
owner's proof of purchase.
• You must present a North Carolina Driver License or a North Carolina Vehicle Registration Renewal
Identification Card. Valid driver licenses or identification cards issued by Within 90 days prior to the registration expiration, all self-propelled vehicles
other states may be accepted for vehicle registrations with documentation are required to receive a safety or safety and emission inspection to renew
of the following:
their registration.
• Military active duty stationed in North Carolina;
• School enrollment in North Carolina;
Upon expiration of vehicle registration, the vehicle’s owner must renew the
registration by submitting a renewal application and paying the appropriate
• Vehicle garaged in North Carolina for minimum of six months;
registration fee. Upon payment of the appropriate fee, DMV will issue license
• Court ordered sale of vehicle; plate stickers to indicate the new period of valid registration and vehicle
• Vehicle is co-owned (one owner must have a North Carolina Driver inspection. DMV uses a staggered vehicle registration system. This method of
License or ID); registration staggers registration renewals over 12 months of the year.
• Registration for motor home; or
• Documented medical condition for an owner who would otherwise be
eligible for a driver license or identification card. To avoid a fine or penalty, surrender a vehicle's valid license plate
prior to the termination or cancellation of liability insurance.
• Vehicle inspection must be valid

Transfer of a Motor Vehicle How do I pay?

When a motor vehicle owner wishes to transfer their interest in the vehicle to Paying your vehicle’s Tag & Tax together has never been easier! We offer three
someone else, reassignment of ownership should be made by using section “A” convenient ways:
on side two of the certificate of title. In order for the transfer to be valid, the Pay online.
reassignment must be made in the presence of a Notary Public and the actual
delivery of the vehicle to the new owner must be made. A current inspection is Visit MyNCDMV.gov.
required within the last 12 months prior to the sale if a registration plate will Visit your local License Plate Agency.
be requested. Most offices provide services from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Transfer of License Plates To find your local office, visit MyNCDMV.gov and click on the Offices and
License plates can be transferred from one vehicle to another of the same Services link.
category provided ownership is in the same name and insurance coverage has The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles offers an expedited titling service –
been continuous. referred to as an instant title – in which titles are processed and issued the
same day or next business day. To see which offices provide this service, visit
Replacement of Lost Title or Registration Card MyNCDMV.gov, click the Title and Registration link and select New Titles.
If a certificate of title is lost or stolen, a duplicate title may be obtained by
completing an application for duplicate title and paying the appropriate fee. A Pay by mail.
duplicate title cannot be issued until 15 days after the application and fee are P.O. Box 29620
received by the DMV. Application forms are available at any local DMV vehicle Raleigh, NC 27626
registration office or on the DMV website at MyNCDMV.gov.
A duplicate registration card can be obtained with payment of the appropriate Vehicle Emissions & Safety Inspection
fee. Application forms are available at any local DMV vehicle registration All motor vehicles registered in North Carolina must be inspected annually.
office or on the DMV website at MyNCDMV.gov. DMV License & Theft Bureau oversees the vehicle inspection process. The
objective of vehicle inspections is to ensure vehicles registered in North Carolina
Tag & Tax Together are maintained properly.
North Carolina law now requires vehicle owners to pay for registration renewal In North Carolina a vehicle must pass the required safety-only inspection
of license tags and vehicle property taxes at the same time. Drivers used to pay or safety and emissions inspection before it can be registered and the license
for tags and taxes separately. The “Tag & Tax Together” program requires one tag renewed.
payment for both bills. Both tag renewals and tax payments must be paid in The vehicle inspection can be performed at any licensed inspection station
full to renew a vehicle’s annual registration. located throughout the state. For an up to date list of inspection station
Yearly combined notices are mailed to current vehicle owners and contain locations, please visit MyNCDMV.gov.
registration and inspection information about the vehicle as well as tax Inspections may be performed up to 90 days prior to the vehicle’s registration
information from counties and other taxing jurisdictions. (license tag) expiration date. A vehicle that fails inspection is entitled to
DMV is not involved in establishing the value of a vehicle for property tax be re-inspected at the same station within 60 days without paying another
purposes. The local county assessment office determines the tax based on the inspection fee.
make and model of the registered vehicle.
Exemptions
This law covers all motor vehicles except: If your vehicle is light-duty, gasoline powered, three years old or less, and
• Vehicles exempt from registration by North Carolina law; registered in one of the 19 emissions counties, it may be exempt from an
emissions inspection under General Statute 20-183.2
• Manufactured homes;
Vehicles with less than 70,000 miles and within the “three most recent model
• Mobile classrooms and offices; years” will receive a safety only inspection.
• Semi-trailers registered on a multi-year basis; and You can find the model year for your vehicle on your registration card under
• Motor vehicles owned or leased by public service companies. the column labeled “YEAR”.
• Park Model Trailers;
• Mopeds
98 Chapter 7 — How DMV Serves You Notes 99
The law exempts emission testing for vehicles that are registered in or sold in ___________________________________________________________________
North Carolina if they are within the three most recent model years and have
less than 70,000 miles on the odometer. ___________________________________________________________________
The law only exempts the emission portion of the annual inspection for ___________________________________________________________________
vehicles in the counties where emissions inspections are required on 1996
and newer vehicles. ___________________________________________________________________
Window Tinting
___________________________________________________________________
Vehicles with after-factory window tinting will be charged an additional fee
of $10 as part of the vehicle inspection. The allowable light transmittance for ___________________________________________________________________
tinted windows is no less than 35%. If you have any questions about window
tinting, please contact your local law enforcement agency. ___________________________________________________________________
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100 Notes Notes 101
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102
STAY ENGAGED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Motor vehicle laws and fees are subject to change by the North Carolina
General Assembly. Revised February 2024. Fees effective July 2020.
The North Carolina Driver Handbook is available online at

MyNCDMV.gov by searching Driver Handbook.
DMV Headquarters
(No driver license/ID or title/registration services provided at this location)
1515 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
MyNCDMV.gov
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Driver Handbook

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Dear North Carolina Driver:

DMVdirectAccess is a convenient way to obtain information about driver

DMVdirectAccess gives you the facts about:

DMVdirectAccess also includes information about driver license and vehicle

DMV Information 919-715-7000

Save time, go online! MyNCDMV.gov

DMV on the Web MyNCDMV.gov Transportation Alternatives

Chapter 1 — Your License 8 General Driving............................................................................................................44

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Table (1) – PROOF OF IDENTITY AND DATE OF BIRTH DOCUMENT DETAILS

DOCUMENT DETAILS DOCUMENT DETAILS

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• WD AGO 53/55 – Report of Separation Identification Cards

Other Services Chapter 2

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Alcohol and the Young Driver

Chapter 3 No liability insurance 3

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Out-of-State Conviction Provisional Licensee (under age 18)

Chapter 4 • Try to set a limit of 300-400 miles of driving per day.

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Backing Crashes occur most frequently at intersections, and they are

Rules to follow when backing your vehicle:

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Roundabouts How You Travel Through

apron — to help drivers maneuver around the roundabout.

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Remember these tips when you drive: Lights

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Driving involves two important types of skills: Flashing Turn Signals

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Hazardous Driving When driving in a work zone:

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Sun Glare Driving in Flood Conditions

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Three things you must do if involved in a crash:

Flashing Yellow Arrow: Turns are allowed, but

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Ramp Meter Traffic Signals: Traffic Signs

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2. Warning Signs Railroad Emergency Notification System sign

the most important caution signs is the X-ING 999 999 Z

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Regulatory Signs Warning Signs

The DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign reminds the driver

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Pavement Markings Chapter 6

Like drivers, bicyclists must:

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