PocketLaw | North Carolina General Statutes | Motor Vehicle Act of

Motor Vehicle Act of 1937.

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Section
20-38.100

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Administering and enforcing laws; rules and regulations; agents, etc.; seal; fees.

Section
20-39.1

Publicly owned vehicles to be marked; private license plates on publicly owned vehicles.

Offices of Division.

Commissioner to provide forms required.

Authority to administer oaths and certify copies of records.

Records of Division.

Section
20-43.1

Disclosure of personal information in motor vehicle records.

Section
20-43.2

Internet access to organ donation records by organ procurement organizations.

Section
20-43.3

Authorization for the collection of data to enforce the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) program.

Section
20-43.4

Current list of licensed drivers to be provided to jury commissions.

Authority to grant or refuse applications.

Seizure of documents and plates.

Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 99.

Division may summon witnesses and take testimony.

Giving of notice.

Police authority of Division.

Section
20-49.1

Supplemental police authority of Division officers.

Section
20-49.2

Supplemental authority of State Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement officers.

Section
20-49.3

Bureau of License and Theft; custody of seized vehicles.

Owner to secure registration and certificate of title; temporary registration markers.

Sections
20-50.1

Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 574, s. 5.

Sections
20-50.2

Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 624, s. 4.

Sections
20-50.3

Repealed by Session Laws 2005-294, s. 10, effective July 1, 2013, and applicable to combined tax and registration notices issued on or after that date. See Editor's note.

Section
20-50.4

Division to refuse to register vehicles on which county and municipal taxes and fees are not paid and when there is a failure to meet court-ordered child support obligations.

Exempt from registration.

Application for registration and certificate of title.

Section
20-52.1

Manufacturer's certificate of transfer of new motor vehicle.

Section
20-52.2

Unregisterable certificate of title.

Application for specially constructed, reconstructed, or foreign vehicle.

Section
20-53.1

Specially constructed vehicle certificate of title and registration.

Section
20-53.2

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-53.3

Appeal of specially constructed vehicle classification determination to Vehicle Classification Review Committee.

Section
20-53.4

Registration of mopeds; certificate of title.

Section
20-53.5

Titling and registration of HMMWV.

Authority for refusing registration or certificate of title.

Section
20-54.1

Forfeiture of right of registration.

Examination of registration records and index of seized, stolen, and recovered vehicles.

Registration indexes.

Division to issue certificate of title and registration card.

Perfection by indication of security interest on certificate of title.

Section
20-58.1

Duty of the Division upon receipt of application for notation of security interest.

Section
20-58.2

Date of perfection.

Section
20-58.3

Notation of assignment of security interest on certificate of title.

Section
20-58.3A

Automatic expiration of security interest in manufactured home; renewal of security interests in manufactured homes.

Section
20-58.4

Release of security interest.

Section
20-58.4A

Electronic lien system.

Section
20-58.5

Duration of security interest in favor of corporations which dissolve or become inactive.

Section
20-58.6

Duty of secured party to disclose information.

Section
20-58.7

Cancellation of certificate.

Section
20-58.8

Applicability of §§ 20-58 to 20-58.8; use of term "lien".

Sections
20-58.9

Repealed by Session Laws 1969, c. 838, s. 3.

Section
20-58.10

Effective date of §§ 20-58 to 20-58.9.

Unlawful for lienor who holds certificate of title not to surrender same when lien satisfied.

Owner after transfer not liable for negligent operation.

Owner dismantling or wrecking vehicle to return evidence of registration.

Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c. 533, s. 9.

Section
20-62.1

Purchase of vehicles for purposes of scrap or parts only.

Registration plates furnished by Division; requirements; replacement of regular plates with First in Flight plates, First in Freedom plates, or National/State Mottos plates; surrender and reissuance; displaying; preservation and cleaning; alteration or concealment of numbers; commission contracts for issuance.

Section
20-63.01

Bonds required for commission contractors.

Section
20-63.02

Advisory committee of commission contractors.

Section
20-63.1

Division shall cause plates to be reflectorized.

Transfer of registration plates to another vehicle.

Sections
20-64.1

Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 756, s. 6.

Sections
20-64.2

Repealed by Session Laws 2010-132, s. 4, effective December 1, 2010.

Repealed by Session Laws 1979, 2nd Session, c. 1280, s. 1.

Renewal of vehicle registration.

Sections
20-66.1

Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1389, s. 2.

Notice of change of address or name.

Replacement of lost or damaged certificates, cards and plates.

Division authorized to assign new engine number.

Division to be notified when another engine is installed or body changed.

Altering or forging certificate of title, registration card or application, a felony; reproducing or possessing blank certificate of title.

Section
20-71.1

Registration evidence of ownership; ownership evidence of defendant's responsibility for conduct of operation.

Section
20-71.2

Declaration of purpose.

Section
20-71.3

Salvage and other vehicles titles and registration cards to be branded.

Section
20-71.4

Failure to disclose damage to a vehicle shall be a misdemeanor.

Transfer by owner.

Section
20-72.1

Transfer by owner when a certificate of title is unavailable; consumer remedies.

New owner must get new certificate of title.

Penalty for making false statement about transfer of vehicle.

When transferee is a charitable organization, dealer, or insurance company.

Section
20-75.1

Conditional delivery of motor vehicles.

Title lost or unlawfully detained; bond as condition to issuance of new certificate.

Transfer by operation of law; sale under mechanic's or storage lien; unclaimed vehicles.

When Division to transfer registration and issue new certificate; recordation.

Section
20-78.1

Terminal rental adjustment clauses; vehicle leases that are not sales or security interests.

Dealer license plates.

Section
20-79.01

Special sports event temporary license plates.

Section
20-79.02

Loaner/Dealer "LD" license plate for franchised dealer loaner vehicles.

Section
20-79.1

Use of temporary registration plates or markers by purchasers of motor vehicles in lieu of dealers' plates.

Section
20-79.1A

Limited registration plates.

Section
20-79.2

Transporter plates.

Sections
20-79.3

Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c. 440, s. 5.

Section
20-79.3A

Requirements to establish a special registration plate.

Section
20-79.4

Special registration plates.

Section
20-79.5

Special registration plates for elected and appointed State government officials.

Section
20-79.6

Special registration plates for members of the judiciary.

Section
20-79.7

Fees for special registration plates and distribution of the fees.

Section
20-79.8

Expiration of special registration plate authorization.

Sections
20-80 through 20-81.2 - through 20

81.2: Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 672, s. 1, as amended by Session Laws 1991, c. 726, s. 23.

Section
20-81.3

Recodified as § 20-79.7 by Session Laws 1991, c. 672, s. 3, as amended by Session Laws 1991, c. 726, s. 23.

Sections
20-81.4 through 20-81.11 - through 20

81.11: Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 672, s. 1, as amended by Session Laws 1991, c. 726, s. 23.

Section
20-81.12

Collegiate insignia plates and certain other special plates.

Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 163, s. 3.

Registration by nonresidents.

Permanent registration plates; State Highway Patrol.

Sections
20-84.1

Repealed by Session Laws 1999-220, s. 4.

Section
20-84.2

Definition; reciprocity; Commissioner's powers.

Schedule of fees.

Section
20-85.1

Registration by mail; one-day title service; fees.

Penalty for engaging in a "for-hire" business without proper license plates.

Section
20-86.1

International Registration Plan.

Passenger vehicle registration fees.

Section
20-87.1

Interchange of passenger buses with nonresident common carriers of passengers.

Property-hauling vehicles.

Section
20-88.01

Revocation of registration for failure to register for or comply with road tax or pay civil penalty for buying or selling non-tax-paid fuel.

Section
20-88.02

Registration of logging vehicles.

Section
20-88.03

Late fee; motor vehicle registration.

Section
20-88.1

Driver education.

Repealed by Sessions Laws 1981, c. 976, s. 7.

Repealed by Session Laws 1981, c. 976, s. 8.

Audit of vehicle registrations under the International Registration Plan.

Sections
20-91.1

Repealed by Session Laws 2007-491, s. 2, effective January 1, 2008.

Section
20-91.2

Repealed by Session Laws 2007-491, s. 2, effective January 1, 2008.

Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 756, s. 10.

Repealed by Session Laws 1981, c. 976, s. 10.

Partial payments.

Prorated fee for license plate issued for other than a year.

Detaining property-hauling vehicles or vehicles regulated by the Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Unit until fines or penalties and taxes are collected.

Taxes credited to Highway Fund; municipal vehicle taxes.

Repealed by Session Laws 2007-491, s. 2, effective January 1, 2008.

Repealed by Session Laws 2007-491, s. 2, effective January 1, 2008.

Vehicles junked or destroyed by fire or collision.

Certain business vehicles to be marked.

Section
20-101.1

Conspicuous disclosure of dealer administrative fees.

Section
20-101.2

Conspicuous disclosure of dealer finance yield charges.

Section
20-101.3

Conspicuous disclosure of dealer shop and other service-related fees.

Report of stolen and recovered motor vehicles.

Section
20-102.1

False report of theft or conversion a misdemeanor.

Section
20-102.2

Report of failure to return hired motor vehicles.

Reports by owners of stolen and recovered vehicles.

Action by Division on report of stolen or embezzled vehicles.

Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 39.

Recodified as G.S. 14-71.2 by Session Laws 2019-186, s. 1(c), effective December 1, 2019, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

Section
20-106.1

Fraud in connection with rental of motor vehicles.

Section
20-106.2

Sublease and loan assumption arranging regulated.

Injuring or tampering with vehicle.

Vehicles or component parts of vehicles without manufacturer's numbers.

Altering or changing engine or other numbers.

Section
20-109.1

Surrender of titles to salvage vehicles.

Section
20-109.1A

Application for unregisterable certificate of title.

Section
20-109.2

Surrender of title to manufactured home.

Section
20-109.3

Disposition of vehicles abandoned by charitable organizations.

When registration shall be rescinded.

Violation of registration provisions.

Making false affidavit perjury.

Sections
20-113

Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 756, s. 13.

Duty of officers; manner of enforcement.

Section
20-114.1

Willful failure to obey law-enforcement or traffic-control officer; firemen as traffic-control officers; appointment, etc., of traffic-control officers.

Sections
20-114.3

Repealed by Session Laws 2007-433, s. 3(a), (b), effective October 1, 2007.

Scope and effect of regulations in this Part.

Section
20-115.1

Limitations on tandem trailers and semitrailers on certain North Carolina highways.

Size of vehicles and loads.

Flag or light at end of load.

Section
20-117.1

Requirements for mirrors and fuel container.

Weight of vehicles and load.

Section
20-118.1

Officers may weigh vehicles and require overloads to be removed.

Section
20-118.2

Authority to fix higher weight limitations at reduced speeds for certain vehicles.

Section
20-118.3

Vehicle or combination of vehicles operated without registration plate subject to civil penalty.

Section
20-118.4

Firefighting equipment exempt from size and weight restrictions while transporting or moving heavy equipment for emergency response and preparedness and fire prevention; permits.

Special permits for vehicles of excessive size or weight; fees.

Section
20-119.1

Use of excess overweight and oversize fees.

Operation of flat trucks on State highways regulated; trucks hauling leaf tobacco in barrels or hogsheads.

When authorities may restrict right to use highways.

Section
20-121.1

Operation of a low-speed vehicle, mini-truck, or modified utility vehicle on certain roadways.

Restrictions as to tire equipment.

Section
20-122.1

Motor vehicles to be equipped with safe tires.

Trailers and towed vehicles.

Section
20-123.1

Steering mechanism.

Section
20-123.2

Speedometer.

Brakes.

Horns and warning devices.

Section
20-125.1

Directional signals.

Mirrors.

Windows and windshield wipers.

Exhaust system and emissions control devices.

Section
20-128.1

Control of visible emissions.

Section
20-128.2

Motor vehicle emission standards.

Required lighting equipment of vehicles.

Section
20-129.1

Additional lighting equipment required on certain vehicles.

Section
20-129.2

Lighting equipment for mobile homes.

Additional permissible light on vehicle.

Section
20-130.1

Use of red or blue lights on vehicles prohibited; exceptions.

Section
20-130.2

Use of amber lights on certain vehicles; limited use.

Section
20-130.3

Use of white or clear lights on rear of vehicles prohibited; exceptions.

Requirements as to headlamps and auxiliary driving lamps.

Acetylene lights.

Enforcement of provisions.

Lights on parked vehicles.

Safety glass.

Sections
20-135.1

Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 756, s. 30.

Section
20-135.2

Safety belts and anchorages.

Section
20-135.2A

(See Editor's note) Seat belt use mandatory.

Section
20-135.2B

Transporting children under 16 years of age in open bed or open cargo area of a vehicle prohibited; exceptions.

Section
20-135.3

Seat belt anchorages for rear seats of motor vehicles.

Section
20-135.4

Certain automobile safety standards.

Smoke screens.

Section
20-136.1

Location of television, computer, or video players, monitors, and screens.

Section
20-136.2

Counterfeit supplemental restraint system components and nonfunctional airbags.

Sections
20-137

Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 379, s. 18.2.

Section
20-137.1

Child restraint systems required.

Section
20-137.2

Operation of vehicles resembling law-enforcement vehicles unlawful; punishment.

Section
20-137.3

Unlawful use of a mobile phone by persons under 18 years of age.

Section
20-137.4

Unlawful use of a mobile phone.

Section
20-137.4A

Unlawful use of mobile telephone for text messaging or electronic mail.

Section
20-137.5

Child passenger safety technician; limitation of liability.

Section
20-137.6

Declaration of purpose.

Section
20-137.7

Definitions of words and phrases.

Section
20-137.8

Secretary may adopt rules and regulations.

Section
20-137.9

Removal from private property.

Section
20-137.10

Abandoned and derelict vehicles to be tagged; determination of value.

Section
20-137.11

Title to vest in State.

Section
20-137.12

Secretary may contract for disposal.

Section
20-137.13

No liability for removal.

Section
20-137.14

Enclosed, antique, registered and certain other vehicles exempt.

Sections
20-138

Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 435, s. 23.

Section
20-138.1

Impaired driving.

Section
20-138.2

Impaired driving in commercial vehicle.

Section
20-138.2A

Operating a commercial vehicle after consuming alcohol.

Section
20-138.2B

Operating a school bus, school activity bus, child care vehicle, ambulance, other EMS vehicle, firefighting vehicle, or law enforcement vehicle after consuming alcohol.

Section
20-138.2C

Possession of alcoholic beverages while operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Section
20-138.3

Driving by person less than 21 years old after consuming alcohol or drugs.

Section
20-138.4

Requirement that prosecutor explain reduction or dismissal of charge in implied-consent case.

Section
20-138.5

Habitual impaired driving.

Section
20-138.6

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-138.7

Transporting an open container of alcoholic beverage.

Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 435, s. 23.

Section
20-139.1

Procedures governing chemical analyses; admissibility; evidentiary provisions; controlled-drinking programs.

Reckless driving.

Section
20-140.1

Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 39.

Section
20-140.2

Overloaded or overcrowded vehicle.

Section
20-140.3

Unlawful use of National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and other controlled-access highways.

Section
20-140.4

Special provisions for motorcycles and mopeds.

Section
20-140.5

Special mobile equipment may tow certain vehicles.

Speed restrictions.

Section
20-141.1

Speed limits in school zones.

Section
20-141.2

Prima facie rule of evidence as to operation of motor vehicle altered so as to increase potential speed.

Section
20-141.3

Unlawful racing on streets and highways.

Section
20-141.4

Felony and misdemeanor death by vehicle; felony serious injury by vehicle; aggravated offenses; repeat felony death by vehicle.

Section
20-141.5

Speeding to elude arrest; seizure and sale of vehicles.

Section
20-141.6

Aggressive Driving.

Sections
20-142

Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 368, s. 2.

Section
20-142.1

Obedience to railroad signal.

Section
20-142.2

Vehicles stop at certain grade crossing.

Section
20-142.3

Certain vehicles must stop at railroad grade crossing.

Section
20-142.4

Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossing.

Section
20-142.5

Stop when traffic obstructed.

Sections
20-143 through 20-143.1 - through 20

143.1: Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 368, s. 2.

Special speed limitation on bridges.

When speed limit not applicable.

Drive on right side of highway; exceptions.

Section
20-146.1

Operation of motorcycles.

Section
20-146.2

Rush hour traffic lanes authorized.

Keep to the right in crossing intersections or railroads.

Section
20-147.1

Passenger vehicle towing other vehicles to keep right.

Meeting of vehicles.

Overtaking a vehicle.

Limitations on privilege of overtaking and passing.

Section
20-150.1

When passing on the right is permitted.

Sections
20-151

Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 283, s. 2.

Following too closely.

Turning at intersections.

Signals on starting, stopping or turning.

Right-of-way.

Exceptions to the right-of-way rule.

Approach of law enforcement, fire department or rescue squad vehicles or ambulances; driving over fire hose or blocking fire fighting equipment; parking, etc., near law enforcement, fire department, or rescue squad vehicle or ambulance.

Section
20-157.1

Funeral processions.

Vehicle control signs and signals.

Section
20-158.1

Erection of "yield right-of-way" signs.

Section
20-158.2

Control of vehicles on Turnpike System.

Section
20-158.3

Emergency entry to controlled access roads.

Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 39.

Driving through safety zone or on sidewalks prohibited.

Section
20-160.1

Failure to yield causing serious bodily injury; penalties.

Stopping on highway prohibited; warning signals; removal of vehicles from public highway.

Section
20-161.1

Regulation of night parking on highways.

Sections
20-161.2

Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 420, s. 1.

Parking in front of private driveway, fire hydrant, fire station, intersection of curb lines or fire lane.

Section
20-162.1

Prima facie rule of evidence for enforcement of parking regulations.

Sections
20-162.2 through 20-162.3 - through 20

162.Transferred to §§ 20-219.2, 20-219.3 by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 36.

Unattended motor vehicles.

Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 39.

Sections
20-165

Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 379, s. 6.

Section
20-165.1

One-way traffic.

Duty to stop in event of a crash; furnishing information or assistance to injured person, etc.; persons assisting exempt from civil liability.

Section
20-166.1

Reports and investigations required in event of accident.

Section
20-166.2

Duty of passenger to remain at the scene of an accident.

Section
20-166.3

Limit storage duration for vehicle damaged as a result of a collision.

Vehicles transporting explosives.

Section
20-167.1

Transportation of spent nuclear fuel.

Drivers of State, county, and city vehicles subject to the provisions of this Article.

Powers of local authorities.

This Article not to interfere with rights of owners of real property with reference thereto.

Traffic laws apply to persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles.

Section
20-171.1

Definitions.

Section
20-171.2

Bicycle racing.

Section
20-171.3

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-171.4

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-171.5

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-171.6

Short title.

Section
20-171.7

Legislative findings and purpose.

Section
20-171.8

Definitions.

Section
20-171.9

Requirements for helmet and restraining seat use.

Section
20-171.10

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-171.11

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-171.12

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-171.13

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-171.14

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-171.15

Age restrictions.

Section
20-171.16

Passengers.

Section
20-171.17

Prohibited acts by sellers.

Section
20-171.18

Equipment requirements.

Section
20-171.19

Prohibited acts by owners and operators.

Section
20-171.20

Safety training and certificate.

Section
20-171.21

Penalties.

Section
20-171.22

Exceptions.

Section
20-171.23

Motorized all-terrain vehicles of law enforcement officers and fire, rescue, and emergency medical services permitted on certain highways.

Section
20-171.24

Motorized all-terrain vehicle use by municipal and county employees permitted on certain highways.

Section
20-171.25

Motorized all-terrain vehicle use by certain employees of natural gas utilities permitted on public highways and rights-of-way.

Section
20-171.26

Motorized all-terrain vehicle use by disabled sportsmen.

Pedestrians subject to traffic-control signals.

Pedestrians' right-of-way at crosswalks.

Crossing at other than crosswalks; walking along highway.

Section
20-174.1

Standing, sitting or lying upon highways or streets prohibited.

Section
20-174.2

Local ordinances; pedestrians gathering, picketing, or protesting on roads or highways.

Pedestrians soliciting rides, employment, business or funds upon highways or streets.

Section
20-175.1

Public use of white canes by other than blind persons prohibited.

Section
20-175.2

Right-of-way at crossings, intersections and traffic-control signal points; white cane or guide dog to serve as signal for the blind.

Section
20-175.3

Rights and privileges of blind persons without white cane or guide dog.

Section
20-175.4

Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 39.

Section
20-175.5

Use of motorized wheelchairs or similar vehicles not exceeding 1000 pounds gross weight.

Section
20-175.6

Electric personal assistive mobility devices.

Section
20-175.7

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-175.8

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-175.9

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-175.10

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-175.11

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-175.12

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-175.13

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-175.14

Reserved for future codification purposes.

Section
20-175.15

Definitions.

Section
20-175.16

Personal delivery devices authorized; operation; equipment.

Section
20-175.17

(Effective until December 1, 2022) Local regulation.

Section
20-175.18

Insurance.

Penalty for misdemeanor or infraction.

Penalty for felony.

Penalty for bad check.

Section
20-178.1

Payment and review of civil penalty imposed by Department of Public Safety.

Sentencing hearing after conviction for impaired driving; determination of grossly aggravating and aggravating and mitigating factors; punishments.

Section
20-179.1

Presentence investigation of persons convicted of offense involving impaired driving.

Sections
20-179.2

Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 496, s. 8.

Section
20-179.3

Limited driving privilege.

Sections
20-179.4

Repealed by Session Laws 2009-372, s. 16, effective December 1, 2009, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.

Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 39.

Penalty for failure to dim, etc., beams of headlamps.

Sections
20-182

Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 912, s. 2.

Duties and powers of law-enforcement officers; warning by local officers before stopping another vehicle on highway; warning tickets.