This bill authorizes the North Carolina Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to negotiate agreements allowing drivers from foreign nations to obtain licenses in the state. It specifically directs officials to evaluate whether Taiwan has comparable driver testing standards and, if so, to negotiate a memorandum of understanding for exchanging noncommercial driver licenses by January 1, 2027. The legislation also allocates $5,000 to fund a public awareness campaign about these new reciprocity options and requires a progress report to be submitted by October 1, 2027.
This North Carolina bill makes it illegal for drivers to hold a live animal in their lap while operating a vehicle on public roads. The law classifies this violation as a minor infraction punishable by a $100 fine and court costs, but it does not add points to a driver's license or increase insurance rates. Additionally, the statute clarifies that breaking this rule does not automatically establish negligence in legal cases involving vehicle accidents. To support enforcement and education, the state will allocate $50,000 for a public awareness campaign starting in July 2026, with the law taking full effect on December 1, 2026.
This bill updates North Carolina laws regarding driver education and commercial driver training to improve safety and oversight. It requires the Division of Motor Vehicles to provide free printed copies of the driver's license handbook to public schools, ensuring students learn about proper interactions with law enforcement during traffic stops. The legislation also imposes stricter rules on commercial driver training schools, mandating they meet public school education standards and keep their contracts available for inspection. Additionally, the bill establishes continuing education requirements for driver instructors, sets specific license renewal fees, and allocates $100,000 in state funds to help cover the costs of these new regulations.
HB 217 requires individuals aged 18 and older who are applying for a North Carolina driver's license and are not licensed in another state or haven't completed a state driver education course to complete a mandatory alcohol and drug abuse awareness course. This also applies to applicants licensed in other countries. The three-hour course, available online or in person, will cover the effects of substance abuse on driving, state traffic laws, and high-risk driving behaviors. Third-party vendors will offer these courses under the Division's oversight, and participants will pay a fee.
House Bill 516, the "Motorcycle Road Guard Safety Act," creates a system allowing certified individuals to direct traffic for motorcycle groups. To become a motorcycle road guard, a person must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver's license, and successfully complete a certification course developed by the Division of Motor Vehicles. Certified road guards must meet specific safety standards and are required to notify and obtain consent from the chief of police in each city where they plan to direct traffic. The Division of Motor Vehicles will adopt rules to implement these new provisions.
HB 982 would allow North Carolina's Department of Transportation to use automated speed cameras in highway work zones on state-maintained roads to detect speeding violations. The law establishes a $250 civil fine (not a criminal penalty or driver's license points) for speeding detected by these cameras, with the registered vehicle owner responsible for payment unless they provide evidence of another driver's control within 30 days. Warning signs must be posted 1,000 feet in advance, and owners receive mailed notices with violation details, including photos, allowing them to contest the fine through an administrative hearing or court. This pilot program directly affects drivers who speed in designated work zones and vehicle owners, with all fines directed to a new state fund.
HB 112 raises the maximum allowable speed limit on North Carolina's interstate highways and controlled-access roads from 70 mph to 75 mph, as determined by the Department of Transportation after engineering studies. This directly affects drivers traveling on these roads, as the new 75 mph limit replaces the previous 70 mph cap where the DOT deems it safe. The bill also updates related penalties: speeding over 85 mph on roads with a 75 mph limit becomes a Class 3 misdemeanor, and license suspension rules for excessive speeding (e.g., over 85 mph on 75 mph zones) are adjusted accordingly. The changes apply only to offenses occurring on or after December 1, 2025, and do not affect cases before that date.
