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Search by legal issue and/or location
Enter information in one or both fields. (Required)
By
Natalie Moritz
| Legally reviewed by
Melissa Bender, Esq.
| Last reviewed
November 29, 2023
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our
contributing authors
. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please
contact an attorney in your area
.
Residents and out-of-state drivers must follow North Carolina driving laws and local ordinances.Â
Driving
 in busy metropolitan areas like Raleigh and Charlotte may require extra care.
Being a safe driver is more than just following the posted speed limit and yielding to the right of way. You may have to make quick decisions to stay safe behind the wheel. Use the laws and resources in this article to keep yourself and others on North Carolina roads safe and avoidÂ
costly citations
.
Brush up on the North Carolina rules of the road with theÂ
North Carolina Driver’s Handbooks
.
Chapter 20 Motor Vehicles
 of North Carolina General Statutes outlines the specifics of the state’s traffic laws.
The manuals and motor vehicle code above go in-depth on several topics, including:
Basic driving laws, like who has the right-of-way, left turns, and coming to a complete stop at a stop sign
Following too closely, also called North Carolina’s “two-second rule"
Speed limits for varying roadways, including highways, private roads, and residential areas
Special rules for construction areas, school zones, and railroad crossings
Crossing paths with an authorized emergency vehicle or school bus
Restrictions on cell phone usage and text messaging while driving
Serious traffic offenses, like driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), hit and run, and reckless driving
Offense classification for traffic violations, like infraction, misdemeanor, or felony
The state’s driver’s license points system and how traffic violations affect your driving record
Other Resources for North Carolina Drivers
TheÂ
North Carolina Department of Transportation
 issues vehicle registration and license plates. TheÂ
Traffic and Travel section
 on the website offers real-time traffic conditions, severe weather updates, and roadside assistance information.
Motorists can call the state’sÂ
511 Information Line
 for the latest road conditions, crashes, closures, and construction updates.
TheÂ
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
 (DMV) offers several online services. Some of these include:
Driver licensing
Liability insurance information
Vehicle property tax estimation
Permanent disability placard renewal
Table of North Carolina Traffic Laws
Find the specific statutes for common traffic offenses and guidelines in the table below.
Reck
Drinking & Driving Violations
Impaired driving
 (NCGS section 20-138.1)
Driving Without a License / With a Suspended License
Issuance and renewal of drivers licenses
 (NCGS section 20-7)
Driving Without Insurance / With Insufficient Insurance
Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act
 (NCGS Ch. 20, Article 9A)
Driving Without Registration / With Expired Registration
Owner to secure registration and certificate of title
 (NCGS section 20-50)
Illegal U-Turn
Turning at intersections
 (NCGS section 20-153)
Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit & Run
Duty to stop in event of accident or collision
 (NCGS section 20-166)
Mechanical Violations
Motor Vehicle Act: Equipment
 (NCGS Ch. 20, Article 3Â
scroll toÂ
sections 20-122 to 20-137)
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving
 (NCGS section 20-140)
Running a Red Light / Stop Sign
Vehicle control signs and signals
 (NCGS section 20-158)
Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations
Seat belt use mandatoryÂ
(NCGS section 20-135.2A)Â
Child restraint systems required
 (NCGS section 20-137.1)
Speeding
Speed restrictions
 (NCGS section 20-141)
Unlawful Vehicle Modifications
Motor Vehicle Act: Equipment
 (NCGS Ch. 20, Article 3Â
scroll toÂ
sections 20-122 to 20-137)
Ticketed for Moving Violation or Other Traffic Offense? Get Legal Help
Consequences of a traffic citation can include costly fines, driver’s license points, and increased rates from your insurance company. Depending on the offense and your driving record, you could also face restrictions on your driving privileges, including suspension and revocation.
If a North Carolina law enforcement officer has cited you for a traffic violation, you can talk to a localÂ
traffic law attorney
. An experienced attorney can review the specifics of yourÂ
traffic ticket
 and help review your defense options.
Was this helpful? |
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4. [North Carolina Law](https://www.findlaw.com/state/north-carolina-law.html) /
5. North Carolina Traffic Laws
# North Carolina Traffic Laws
By [Natalie Moritz](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team/natalie-moritz/) \| Legally reviewed by [Melissa Bender, Esq.](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team/melissa-bender-esq/) \| Last reviewed
November 29, 2023
## Legally Reviewed
*This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by [FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team.html) and in accordance with [our editorial standards](https://www.findlaw.com/company/company-history/editorial-policy.html).*
## Fact-Checked
*The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our [contributing authors](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team/contributing-authors.html). We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please [contact an attorney in your area](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/?fli=bylinelink).*
Residents and out-of-state drivers must follow North Carolina driving laws and local ordinances. [Driving](https://www.findlaw.com/traffic.html) in busy metropolitan areas like Raleigh and Charlotte may require extra care.
Being a safe driver is more than just following the posted speed limit and yielding to the right of way. You may have to make quick decisions to stay safe behind the wheel. Use the laws and resources in this article to keep yourself and others on North Carolina roads safe and avoid [costly citations](https://www.findlaw.com/traffic/traffic-tickets/traffic-fines-punishment.html).
Brush up on the North Carolina rules of the road with the [North Carolina Driver’s Handbooks](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/handbooks.aspx).
[Chapter 20 Motor Vehicles](https://codes.findlaw.com/nc/chapter-20-motor-vehicles/) of North Carolina General Statutes outlines the specifics of the state’s traffic laws.
The manuals and motor vehicle code above go in-depth on several topics, including:
- Basic driving laws, like who has the right-of-way, left turns, and coming to a complete stop at a stop sign
- Following too closely, also called North Carolina’s “two-second rule"
- Speed limits for varying roadways, including highways, private roads, and residential areas
- Special rules for construction areas, school zones, and railroad crossings
- Crossing paths with an authorized emergency vehicle or school bus
- Restrictions on cell phone usage and text messaging while driving
- Serious traffic offenses, like driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), hit and run, and reckless driving
- Offense classification for traffic violations, like infraction, misdemeanor, or felony
- The state’s driver’s license points system and how traffic violations affect your driving record
## Other Resources for North Carolina Drivers
The [North Carolina Department of Transportation](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/online/Pages/my-ncdmv-registration-renewal.aspx) issues vehicle registration and license plates. The [Traffic and Travel section](https://www.ncdot.gov/travel-maps/traffic-travel/Pages/default.aspx) on the website offers real-time traffic conditions, severe weather updates, and roadside assistance information.
Motorists can call the state’s [511 Information Line](https://www.ncdot.gov/travel-maps/traffic-travel/511-information/Pages/default.aspx) for the latest road conditions, crashes, closures, and construction updates.
The [North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/online/Pages/default.aspx) (DMV) offers several online services. Some of these include:
- Driver licensing
- Liability insurance information
- Vehicle property tax estimation
- Permanent disability placard renewal
## Table of North Carolina Traffic Laws
Find the specific statutes for common traffic offenses and guidelines in the table below.
Reck
| | |
|---|---|
| Drinking & Driving Violations | [Impaired driving](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-138.1.html) (NCGS section 20-138.1) |
| Driving Without a License / With a Suspended License | [Issuance and renewal of drivers licenses](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-7.html) (NCGS section 20-7) |
| Driving Without Insurance / With Insufficient Insurance | [Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_20/Article_9A.html) (NCGS Ch. 20, Article 9A) |
| Driving Without Registration / With Expired Registration | [Owner to secure registration and certificate of title](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-50.html) (NCGS section 20-50) |
| Illegal U-Turn | [Turning at intersections](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-153.html) (NCGS section 20-153) |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit & Run | [Duty to stop in event of accident or collision](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-166.html) (NCGS section 20-166) |
| Mechanical Violations | [Motor Vehicle Act: Equipment](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_20/Article_3.html) (NCGS Ch. 20, Article 3 *scroll to* sections 20-122 to 20-137) |
| Reckless Driving | [Reckless driving](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-140.html) (NCGS section 20-140) |
| Running a Red Light / Stop Sign | [Vehicle control signs and signals](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-158.html) (NCGS section 20-158) |
| Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations | [Seat belt use mandatory](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-135.2A.html) (NCGS section 20-135.2A) [Child restraint systems required](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-137.1.html) (NCGS section 20-137.1) |
| Speeding | [Speed restrictions](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-141.html) (NCGS section 20-141) |
| Unlawful Vehicle Modifications | [Motor Vehicle Act: Equipment](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_20/Article_3.html) (NCGS Ch. 20, Article 3 *scroll to* sections 20-122 to 20-137) |
## Ticketed for Moving Violation or Other Traffic Offense? Get Legal Help
Consequences of a traffic citation can include costly fines, driver’s license points, and increased rates from your insurance company. Depending on the offense and your driving record, you could also face restrictions on your driving privileges, including suspension and revocation.
If a North Carolina law enforcement officer has cited you for a traffic violation, you can talk to a local [traffic law attorney](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/traffic-violations/?fli=dcta). An experienced attorney can review the specifics of your [traffic ticket](https://www.findlaw.com/traffic/traffic-tickets/traffic-ticket-basics.html) and help review your defense options.
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Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer free consultations.
[If you need an attorney, find one right now.](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/traffic-violations/hauts-de-france/roubaix/?fli=esum "Traffic Ticket Lawyer Directory")
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By [Natalie Moritz](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team/natalie-moritz/) \| Legally reviewed by [Melissa Bender, Esq.](https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team/melissa-bender-esq/) \| Last reviewed November 29, 2023
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Residents and out-of-state drivers must follow North Carolina driving laws and local ordinances. [Driving](https://www.findlaw.com/traffic.html) in busy metropolitan areas like Raleigh and Charlotte may require extra care.
Being a safe driver is more than just following the posted speed limit and yielding to the right of way. You may have to make quick decisions to stay safe behind the wheel. Use the laws and resources in this article to keep yourself and others on North Carolina roads safe and avoid [costly citations](https://www.findlaw.com/traffic/traffic-tickets/traffic-fines-punishment.html).
Brush up on the North Carolina rules of the road with the [North Carolina Driver’s Handbooks](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/handbooks.aspx).
[Chapter 20 Motor Vehicles](https://codes.findlaw.com/nc/chapter-20-motor-vehicles/) of North Carolina General Statutes outlines the specifics of the state’s traffic laws.
The manuals and motor vehicle code above go in-depth on several topics, including:
- Basic driving laws, like who has the right-of-way, left turns, and coming to a complete stop at a stop sign
- Following too closely, also called North Carolina’s “two-second rule"
- Speed limits for varying roadways, including highways, private roads, and residential areas
- Special rules for construction areas, school zones, and railroad crossings
- Crossing paths with an authorized emergency vehicle or school bus
- Restrictions on cell phone usage and text messaging while driving
- Serious traffic offenses, like driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), hit and run, and reckless driving
- Offense classification for traffic violations, like infraction, misdemeanor, or felony
- The state’s driver’s license points system and how traffic violations affect your driving record
## Other Resources for North Carolina Drivers
The [North Carolina Department of Transportation](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/online/Pages/my-ncdmv-registration-renewal.aspx) issues vehicle registration and license plates. The [Traffic and Travel section](https://www.ncdot.gov/travel-maps/traffic-travel/Pages/default.aspx) on the website offers real-time traffic conditions, severe weather updates, and roadside assistance information.
Motorists can call the state’s [511 Information Line](https://www.ncdot.gov/travel-maps/traffic-travel/511-information/Pages/default.aspx) for the latest road conditions, crashes, closures, and construction updates.
The [North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/online/Pages/default.aspx) (DMV) offers several online services. Some of these include:
- Driver licensing
- Liability insurance information
- Vehicle property tax estimation
- Permanent disability placard renewal
## Table of North Carolina Traffic Laws
Find the specific statutes for common traffic offenses and guidelines in the table below.
Reck
| | |
|---|---|
| Drinking & Driving Violations | [Impaired driving](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-138.1.html) (NCGS section 20-138.1) |
| Driving Without a License / With a Suspended License | [Issuance and renewal of drivers licenses](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-7.html) (NCGS section 20-7) |
| Driving Without Insurance / With Insufficient Insurance | [Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_20/Article_9A.html) (NCGS Ch. 20, Article 9A) |
| Driving Without Registration / With Expired Registration | [Owner to secure registration and certificate of title](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-50.html) (NCGS section 20-50) |
| Illegal U-Turn | [Turning at intersections](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-153.html) (NCGS section 20-153) |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit & Run | [Duty to stop in event of accident or collision](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-166.html) (NCGS section 20-166) |
| Mechanical Violations | [Motor Vehicle Act: Equipment](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_20/Article_3.html) (NCGS Ch. 20, Article 3 *scroll to* sections 20-122 to 20-137) |
| Reckless Driving | [Reckless driving](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-140.html) (NCGS section 20-140) |
| Running a Red Light / Stop Sign | [Vehicle control signs and signals](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-158.html) (NCGS section 20-158) |
| Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations | [Seat belt use mandatory](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-135.2A.html) (NCGS section 20-135.2A) [Child restraint systems required](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-137.1.html) (NCGS section 20-137.1) |
| Speeding | [Speed restrictions](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-141.html) (NCGS section 20-141) |
| Unlawful Vehicle Modifications | [Motor Vehicle Act: Equipment](http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_20/Article_3.html) (NCGS Ch. 20, Article 3 *scroll to* sections 20-122 to 20-137) |
## Ticketed for Moving Violation or Other Traffic Offense? Get Legal Help
Consequences of a traffic citation can include costly fines, driver’s license points, and increased rates from your insurance company. Depending on the offense and your driving record, you could also face restrictions on your driving privileges, including suspension and revocation.
If a North Carolina law enforcement officer has cited you for a traffic violation, you can talk to a local [traffic law attorney](https://lawyers.findlaw.com/traffic-violations/?fli=dcta). An experienced attorney can review the specifics of your [traffic ticket](https://www.findlaw.com/traffic/traffic-tickets/traffic-ticket-basics.html) and help review your defense options.
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