reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 6A - Motor Carriers of Migratory Farm Workers. › § 20-215.2 - Power to regulate; rules and regulations establishing minimum standards.

§ 20-215.2. Power to regulate; rules and regulations establishing minimum standards.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Chapter the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, hereinafter referred to as "Division," is hereby vested with the power and duty to make and enforce reasonable rules and regulations applicable to motor carriers of migratory farm workers to and from their places of employment. The rules promulgated shall establish minimum standards:
(1) For the construction and equipment of such vehicles, including coupling devices, lighting equipment, exhaust systems, rear vision mirrors, brakes, steering mechanisms, tires, windshield wipers and warning devices.
(2) For the operation of such vehicles, including driving rules, distribution of passengers and load, maximum hours of service for drivers, minimum requirements of age and skill of drivers, physical conditions of drivers and permits, licenses or other credentials required of drivers.
(3) For the safety and comfort of passengers in such vehicles, including emergency kits, fire extinguishers, first-aid equipment, sidewalls, seating accommodations, tail gates or doors, rest and meal stops, maximum number of passengers, and safe means of ingress and egress. (1961, c. 505, s. 2; 1975, c. 716, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 6A - Motor Carriers of Migratory Farm Workers. › § 20-215.4 - Violation of regulations a misdemeanor.

§ 20-215.4. Violation of regulations a misdemeanor.
The violation of any rule or regulation promulgated by the Division hereunder by any person, firm or corporation shall be a Class 3 misdemeanor. (1961, c. 505, s. 4; 1975, c. 716, s. 5; 1993, c. 539, s. 381; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 6A - Motor Carriers of Migratory Farm Workers. › § 20-215.5 - Duties and powers of law-enforcement officers.

§ 20-215.5. Duties and powers of law-enforcement officers.
It shall be the duty of the law-enforcement officers of the State, and of each county, city or town, to enforce the rules promulgated hereunder in their respective jurisdictions; and such officers shall have the power to stop any motor vehicle upon the highways of this State for the purpose of determining whether or not such motor vehicle is being operated in violation of such rules. (1961, c. 505, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Motor Vehicles. › § 20-216 - Passing horses or other draft animals.

§ 20-216. Passing horses or other draft animals.
Any person operating a motor vehicle shall use reasonable care when approaching or passing a horse or other draft animal whether ridden or otherwise under control. (1917, c. 140, s. 15; C.S., s. 2616; 1969, c. 401.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Motor Vehicles. › § 20-218 - Standard qualifications for school bus drivers; speed limit for school buses and school activity buses.

§ 20-218. Standard qualifications for school bus drivers; speed limit for school buses and school activity buses.
(a) Qualifications. – No person shall drive a school bus over the highways or public vehicular areas of North Carolina while it is occupied by one or more child passengers unless the person furnishes to the superintendent of the schools of the county in which the bus shall be operated a certificate from any representative duly designated by the Commissioner and from the Director of Transportation or a designee of the Director in charge of school buses in the county showing that the person has been examined by them and is fit and competent to drive a school bus over the highways and public vehicular areas of the State. The driver of a school bus must be at least 18 years of age and hold a Class A, B, or C commercial drivers license and a school bus driver's certificate. The driver of a school activity bus must meet the same qualifications as a school bus driver or must have a license appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven.
(b) Speed Limits. – It is unlawful to drive a school bus occupied by one or more child passengers over the highways or public vehicular areas of the State at a greater rate of speed than 45 miles per hour. It is unlawful to drive a school activity bus occupied by one or more child passengers over the highways or public vehicular areas of North Carolina at a greater rate of speed than 55 miles per hour.
(c) Punishment. – A person who violates this section commits a Class 3 misdemeanor. (1937, c. 397, ss. 1-3; 1941, c. 21; 1943, c. 440; 1945, c. 216; 1957, cc. 139, 595; 1971, c. 293; 1977, c. 791, ss. 1, 2; c. 1102; 1979, c. 31, ss. 1, 2; c. 667, s. 36; 1981, c. 30; 1987, c. 337, s. 1; 1989, c. 558, s. 1; c. 771, s. 6; 1991, c. 726, s. 22; 1993, c. 217, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 761, s. 20; 2009-550, s. 3.2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Motor Vehicles. › § 20-218.2 - Speed limit for nonprofit activity buses.

§ 20-218.2. Speed limit for nonprofit activity buses.
It is unlawful to drive an activity bus that is owned by a nonprofit organization and is transporting persons in connection with nonprofit activities over the highways or public vehicular areas of North Carolina at a greater rate of speed than 55 miles per hour. A person who violates this section commits a Class 3 misdemeanor. (1969, c. 1000, s. 2; 1987, c. 337, s. 2; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 761, s. 23.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Motor Vehicles. › § 20-219.3 - Removal of unauthorized vehicles from gasoline service station premises.

§ 20-219.3. Removal of unauthorized vehicles from gasoline service station premises.
(a) No motor vehicle shall be left for more than 48 hours upon the premises of any gasoline service station without the consent of the owner or operator of the service station.
(b) The registered owner of any motor vehicle left unattended upon the premises of a service station in violation of subsection (a) shall be given notice by the owner or operator of said station of said violation. The notice given shall be by certified mail return receipt requested addressed to the registered owner of the motor vehicle.
(c) Upon the expiration of 10 days from the return of the receipt showing that the notice was received by the addressee, such vehicle left on the premises of a service station in violation of this section may be removed from the station premises to a place of storage and the registered owner of such vehicle shall become liable for the reasonable removal and storage charges and the vehicle subject to the storage lien created by G.S. 44A-1 et seq. Any person who removes a vehicle pursuant to this section shall not be held liable for damages for the removal of the vehicle to the owner, lienholder or other person legally entitled to the possession of the vehicle removed; however, any person who intentionally or negligently damages a vehicle in the removal of such vehicle, or intentionally or negligently inflicts injury upon any person in the removal of such vehicle, may be held liable for damages.
(d) In the alternative, the station owner or operator may charge for storage, assert a lien, and dispose of the vehicle under the terms of G.S. 44A-4(b) through (g). The proceeds from the sale of the vehicle shall be disbursed as provided in G.S. 44A-5. (1971, c. 1220; 1973, c. 1330, s. 36; 1989, c. 644, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Motor Vehicles. › § 20-219.4 - Public vehicular area designated.

§ 20-219.4. Public vehicular area designated.
(a) Any area of private property used for vehicular traffic may be designated by the property owner as a public vehicular area by registering the area with the Department of Transportation and by erecting signs identifying the area as a public vehicular area in conformity with rules adopted by the Department of Transportation.
(b) The Department of Transportation shall serve as a registry for registrations of public vehicular areas permitted under this section. The Department shall adopt rules for registration requirements and procedures. The Department shall also adopt rules governing the size and locations of signs designating public vehicular areas by private property owners in accordance with this section. These rules shall ensure that signs erected pursuant to this provision shall be placed so as to provide reasonable notice to motorists.
(c) The Department shall charge a fee not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) per registration request authorized by this section. The Department may also charge the reasonable cost for furnishing a certified copy of a registration when requested. Funds collected under this subsection shall be used to cover the cost of maintaining the registry. (2001-441, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Motor Vehicles. › § 20-219.5 - Dealer liability for third-party motor vehicle history reports.

§ 20-219.5. Dealer liability for third-party motor vehicle history reports.
A motor vehicle dealer, as defined in G.S. 20-286(11), and the dealer's owners, shareholders, officers, employees, and agents who, in conjunction with the actual or potential sale or lease of a motor vehicle, arrange to provide, provide, or otherwise make available to a vehicle purchaser, lessee, or other person any third-party motor vehicle history report, shall not be liable to the vehicle purchaser, lessee, or other person for any errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies contained in the third-party motor vehicle history report that are not based on information provided directly to the preparer of the third-party motor vehicle history report by that dealer. For purposes of this section, a "third-party motor vehicle history report" means any information prepared by a party other than the dealer, relating to any one or more of the following: vehicle ownership or titling history; liens on the vehicle; vehicle service, maintenance, or repair history; vehicle condition; or vehicle accident or collision history. (2019-181, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7A - Post-Towing Procedures. › § 20-219.9 - Definitions.

§ 20-219.9. Definitions.
As used in this Article, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(1) "Tow" in any of its forms includes to remove a vehicle by any means including towing and to store the vehicle;
(2) "Tower" means the person who towed the vehicle;
(3) "Towing fee" means the fee charged for towing and storing. (1983, c. 420, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7A - Post-Towing Procedures. › § 20-219.10 - Coverage of Article.

§ 20-219.10. Coverage of Article.
(a) This Article applies to each towing of a vehicle that is carried out pursuant to G.S. 115C-46(d) or G.S. 143-340(19), or pursuant to the direction of a law-enforcement officer except:
(1) This Article applies to towings pursuant to G.S. 115D-21, 116-44.4, 116-229, 153A-132, 153A-132.2, 160A-303, and 160A-303.2 only insofar as specifically provided;
(2) This Article does not apply to a seizure of a vehicle under G.S. 14-86.1, 18B-504, 90-112, 113-137, 20-28.2, 20-28.3, or to any other seizure of a vehicle for evidence in a criminal proceeding or pursuant to any other statute providing for the forfeiture of a vehicle;
(3) This Article does not apply to a seizure of a vehicle pursuant to a levy under execution.
(b) A person who authorizes the towing of a vehicle covered by this Article, G.S. 115D-21, 116-44.4, 116-229, 153A-132, 153A-132.2, 160A-303 or 160A-303.2 is a legal possessor of the vehicle within the meaning of G.S. 44A-1(1). (1983, c. 420, s. 2; 1989, c. 743, s. 3; 1997-379, s. 1.7.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7A - Post-Towing Procedures. › § 20-219.12 - Option to pay or post bond.

§ 20-219.12. Option to pay or post bond.
At any stage in the proceedings, including before the probable cause hearing, the owner may obtain possession of his vehicle by:
(1) Paying the towing fee, or
(2) Posting a bond for double the amount of the towing fee. (1983, c. 420, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7A - Post-Towing Procedures. › § 20-219.13 - Hearing on lien.

§ 20-219.13. Hearing on lien.
The tower may seek to enforce his lien or the owner may seek to contest the lien pursuant to Chapter 44A. (1983, c. 420, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7A - Post-Towing Procedures. › § 20-219.14 - Payment to tower guaranteed.

§ 20-219.14. Payment to tower guaranteed.
Every agency whose law-enforcement officers act pursuant to this Article, G.S. 115D-21, 116-44.4, 116-229, 153A-132, or 160A-303 shall by contract or rules provide compensation to the tower if a court finds no probable cause existed for the towing. (1983, c. 420, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 7B - Notification of Towing. › § 20-219.20 - Requirement to give notice of vehicle towing.

§ 20-219.20. Requirement to give notice of vehicle towing.
(a) Whenever a vehicle is towed at the request of a person other than the owner or operator of the vehicle, the tower shall provide the following information to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction through calling the 10-digit telephone number designated by the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction prior to moving the vehicle:
(1) A description of the vehicle.
(2) The place from which the vehicle was towed.
(3) The place where the vehicle will be stored.
(4) The contact information for the person from whom the vehicle owner may retrieve the vehicle.
If the vehicle is impeding the flow of traffic or otherwise jeopardizing the public welfare so that immediate towing is necessary, the notice to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction may be provided by a tower within 30 minutes of moving the vehicle rather than prior to moving the vehicle. If a caller to a local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction can provide the information required under subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection, then a local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall provide to the caller the information provided under subdivisions (3) and (4) of this subsection. The local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall preserve the information required under this subsection for a period of not less than 30 days from the date on which the tower provided the information to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.
(b) This section shall not apply to vehicles that are towed at the direction of a law enforcement officer or to vehicles removed from a private lot where signs are posted in accordance with G.S. 20-219.2(a).
(c) Violation of this section shall constitute an infraction subject to a penalty of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00). (2013-241, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.1 - Definitions.

§ 20-279.1. Definitions.
The following words and phrases, when used in this Article, shall, for the purposes of this Article, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1) Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 39.
(2) Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 726, s. 20.
(3) "Judgment": Any judgment which shall have become final by expiration without appeal of the time within which an appeal might have been perfected, or by final affirmation on appeal, rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction of any state or of the United States, upon a cause of action arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of any motor vehicle, for damages, including damages for care and loss of services, because of bodily injury to or death of any person, or for damages because of injury to or destruction of property, including the loss of use thereof, or upon a cause of action on an agreement of settlement for such damages.
(4) to (6) Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 39.
(6a) Motor vehicle. – This term includes mopeds, as that term is defined in G.S. 20-4.01.
(7) "Nonresident's operating privilege": The privilege conferred upon a nonresident by the laws of this State pertaining to the operation by him of a motor vehicle in this State.
(8) to (10) Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 39.
(11) "Proof of financial responsibility": Proof of ability to respond in damages for liability, on account of accidents occurring subsequent to the effective date of said proof, arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle, in the amount of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident, and, subject to said limit for one person, in the amount of sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident. Nothing contained herein shall prevent an insurer and an insured from entering into a contract, not affecting third parties, providing for a deductible as to property damage at a rate approved by the Commissioner of Insurance.
(12) Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 39. (1953, c. 1300, s. 1; 1955, c. 1152, s. 3; c. 1355; 1967, c. 277, s. 1; 1971, c. 1205, s. 1; 1973, c. 745, s. 1; c. 1330, s. 39; 1979, c. 832, s. 1; 1991, c. 469, s. 1; c. 726, s. 20; 1999-228, s. 1; 2015-125, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.2 - Commissioners to administer Article; appeal to court.

§ 20-279.2. Commissioners to administer Article; appeal to court.
(a) Except for G.S. 20-279.21(d1), the Commissioner shall administer and enforce the provisions of this Article and may make rules and regulations necessary for its administration and shall provide for hearings upon request of persons aggrieved by orders or acts of the Commissioner under the provisions of this Article. The Commissioner of Insurance shall administer and enforce the provisions of G.S. 20-279.21(d1) and may make rules and regulations necessary for its administration.
(b) Any person aggrieved by an order or act of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles requiring a suspension or revocation of the person's license under the provisions of this Article, or requiring the posting of security as provided in this Article, or requiring the furnishing of proof of financial responsibility, may file a petition in the superior court of the county in which the petitioner resides for a review, and the commencement of the proceeding shall suspend the order or act of the Commissioner pending the final determination of the review. A copy of the petition shall be served upon the Commissioner, and the Commissioner shall have 20 days after service in which to file answer. The appeal shall be heard in said county by the judge holding court in said county or by the resident judge. At the hearing upon the petition the judge shall sit without the intervention of a jury and shall receive any evidence deemed by the judge to be relevant and proper. Except as otherwise provided in this section, upon the filing of the petition herein provided for, the procedure shall be the same as in civil actions.
The matter shall be heard de novo and the judge shall enter an order affirming the act or order of the Commissioner, or modifying same, including the amount of bond or security to be given by the petitioner. If the court is of the opinion that the petitioner was probably not guilty of negligence or that the negligence of the other party was probably the sole proximate cause of the collision, the judge shall reverse the act or order of the Commissioner. Either party may appeal from the order to the Supreme Court in the same manner as in other appeals from the superior court and the appeal shall have the effect of further staying the act or order of the Commissioner requiring a suspension or revocation of the petitioner's license.
No act, or order given or rendered in any proceeding hereunder shall be admitted or used in any other civil or criminal action. (1953, c. 1300, s. 2; 2018-5, s. 34.26(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.3 - Commissioner to furnish operating record.

§ 20-279.3. Commissioner to furnish operating record.
The Commissioner shall upon request furnish any person a certified abstract of the operating record of any person required to comply with the provisions of this Article, which abstract shall also fully designate the motor vehicle, if any, registered in the name of such person, and if there shall be no record of any conviction of such person of violating any law relating to the operation of a motor vehicle or of any injury or damage caused by such person, the Commissioner shall so certify. (1953, c. 1300, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.6 - Further exceptions to requirement of security.

§ 20-279.6. Further exceptions to requirement of security.
The requirements as to security and suspension in G.S. 20-279.5 shall not apply:
(1) To the operator or the owner of a motor vehicle involved in an accident wherein no injury or damage was caused to the person or property of anyone other than such operator or owner;
(2) To the operator or the owner of a motor vehicle legally parked at the time of the accident;
(3) To the owner of a motor vehicle if at the time of the accident the vehicle was being operated without his permission, express or implied, or was parked by a person who had been operating such motor vehicle without such permission;
(4) If, prior to the date that the Commissioner would otherwise suspend the license or the nonresident's operating privilege under G.S. 20-279.5, there shall be filed with the Commissioner evidence satisfactory to him that the person who would otherwise have to file security has been released from liability or been finally adjudicated not to be liable or has executed a duly acknowledged written agreement providing for the payment of an agreed amount, in installments or otherwise, with respect to all claims for injuries or damages resulting from the accident;
(5) If, prior to the date that the Commissioner would otherwise suspend the license or the nonresident's operating privilege under G.S. 20-279.5, there shall be filed with the Commissioner evidence satisfactory to him that the person who would otherwise be required to file security has in any manner settled the claims of the other persons involved in the accident and if the Commissioner determines that, considering the circumstances of the accident and the settlement, the purposes of this Article and of protection of operators and owners of other motor vehicles are best accomplished by not requiring the posting of security or the suspension of the license. For the purpose of administering this subdivision, the Commissioner may consider a settlement made by an insurance company as the equivalent of a settlement made directly by the insured; nor
(6) If, prior to the date that the Commissioner would otherwise suspend the license or the nonresident's operating privilege under G.S. 20-279.5, there shall be filed with the Commissioner evidence satisfactory to him that another person involved in the accident has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of a crime involving the operation of a motor vehicle at the time of the accident, and if the Commissioner in his discretion determines, after considering the circumstances of the accident or the nature and the circumstances of the crime, that the purpose of this Article and of protection of operators and owners of other motor vehicles are best accomplished by not requiring the posting of security or the suspension of the license. (1953, c. 1300, s. 6; 1955, c. 1152, ss. 9, 10.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.6A - Minors.

§ 20-279.6A. Minors.
In determining whether or not any of the exceptions set forth in G.S. 20-279.6 have been satisfied, in the case of accidents involving minors, the Commissioner may accept, for the purpose of this Article only, as valid releases on account of claims for injuries to minors or damage to the property of minors releases which have been executed by the parent of the minor having custody of the minor or by the guardian of the minor if there be one. In the case of an emancipated minor, the Commissioner may accept a release signed by or a settlement agreed upon by the minor without the approval of the parents of the minor. If in the opinion of the Commissioner the circumstances of the accident, the nature and extent of the injuries or damage, or any other circumstances make it advisable for the best protection of the interest of the minor, the Commissioner may decline to accept such releases or settlements and may require the approval of the superior court. (1955, c. 1152, s. 11.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.7 - Duration of suspension.

§ 20-279.7. Duration of suspension.
The license and nonresident's operating privilege suspended as provided in G.S. 20-279.5 shall remain so suspended and shall not be renewed nor shall any such license be issued to such person until:
(1) Such person shall deposit or there shall be deposited on his behalf the security required under G.S. 20-279.5;
(2) One year shall have elapsed following the date of such suspension and evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner has been filed with him that during such period no action for damages arising out of the accident has been instituted; or
(3) Evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner has been filed with him of a release from liability, or a final adjudication of nonliability, or a duly acknowledged written agreement, in accordance with subdivision (4) of G.S. 20-279.6 or a settlement accepted by the Commissioner as provided in subdivision (5) of G.S. 20-279.6, or a conviction accepted by the Commissioner as provided in subdivision (6) of G.S. 20-279.6; provided, if there is a default in the payment of any installment or sum under a duly acknowledged written agreement, the Commissioner shall, upon notice of the default, immediately suspend the license or nonresident's operating privilege of the defaulting person and may not restore it until:
a. That person deposits and thereafter maintains security as required under G.S. 20-279.5 in an amount determined by the Commissioner; or
b. That person files evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner of a new duly acknowledged written agreement or a settlement. (1953, c. 1300, s. 7; 1955, c. 1152, s. 12; 1983, c. 610, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.7A - Forms to carry statement concerning perjury.

§ 20-279.7A. Forms to carry statement concerning perjury.
A person who makes a false affidavit or falsely sworn or affirmed statement concerning information required to be submitted under this Article commits a Class I felony. The Division shall include a statement of this offense on a form that it provides under this Article and that must be completed under oath. (1983, c. 610, s. 3; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 761, s. 26.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.8 - Application to nonresidents, unlicensed drivers, unregistered motor vehicles and accidents in other states.

§ 20-279.8. Application to nonresidents, unlicensed drivers, unregistered motor vehicles and accidents in other states.
(a) In case the operator or the owner of a motor vehicle involved in an accident within this State has no license, or is a nonresident, he shall not be allowed a license until he has complied with the requirements of this Article to the same extent that it would be necessary if, at the time of the accident, he had held a license.
(b) When a nonresident's operating privilege is suspended pursuant to G.S. 20-279.5 or 20-279.7, the Commissioner shall transmit a certified copy of the record of such action to the official in charge of the issuance of licenses in the state in which such nonresident resides, if the law of such other state provides for action in relation thereto similar to that provided for in subsection (c) of this section.
(c) Upon receipt of such certification that the operating privilege of a resident of this State has been suspended or revoked in any such other state pursuant to a law providing for its suspension or revocation for failure to deposit security for the payment of judgments arising out of a motor vehicle accident, under circumstances which would require the Commissioner to suspend a nonresident's operating privilege had the accident occurred in this State the Commissioner shall suspend the license of such resident. Such suspension shall continue until such resident furnishes evidence of his compliance with the law of such other state relating to the deposit of such security. (1953, c. 1300, s. 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.9 - Form and amount of security.

§ 20-279.9. Form and amount of security.
The security required under this Article shall be in such form and in such amount as the Commissioner may require but in no case in excess of the limits specified in G.S. 20-279.5 in reference to the acceptable limits of a policy or bond. The person depositing security shall specify in writing the person or persons on whose behalf the deposit is made and, at any time while such deposit is in the custody of the Commissioner or State Treasurer, the person depositing it may, in writing, amend the specification of the person or persons on whose behalf the deposit is made to include an additional person or persons; provided, however, that a single deposit of security shall be applicable only on behalf of persons required to furnish security because of the same accident.
The Commissioner may reduce the amount of security ordered in any case if, in his judgment, the amount ordered is excessive. In case the security originally ordered has been deposited the excess deposited over the reduced amount ordered shall be returned to the depositor or his personal representative forthwith, notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 20-279.10. (1953, c. 1300, s. 9.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.10 - Custody, disposition and return of security; escheat.

§ 20-279.10. Custody, disposition and return of security; escheat.
(a) Security deposited in compliance with the requirements of this Article shall be placed by the Commissioner in the custody of the State Treasurer and shall be applicable only to the payment of a judgment or judgments rendered against the person or persons on whose behalf the deposit was made, for damages arising out of the accident in question in an action at law, begun not later than one year after the date of such accident, or within one year after the date of deposit of any security under subdivision (3) of G.S. 20-279.7, or to the payment in settlement, agreed to by the depositor, of a claim or claims arising out of such accident. Such deposit or any balance thereof shall be returned to the depositor or his personal representative when evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner has been filed with him that there has been a release from liability, or a final adjudication of nonliability, or a duly acknowledged agreement, in accordance with subdivision (4) of G.S. 20-279.6, or a settlement accepted by the Commissioner as provided in subdivision (5) of G.S. 20-279.6, or a conviction accepted by the Commissioner as provided in subdivision (6) of G.S. 20-279.6, or whenever, after the expiration of one year from the date of the accident, or from the date of deposit of any security under subdivision (3) of G.S. 20-279.7, whichever is later, the Commissioner shall be given reasonable evidence that there is no such action pending and no judgment rendered in such action left unpaid.
(b) One year from the deposit of any security under the terms of this Article, the Commissioner shall notify the depositor thereof by registered mail addressed to his last known address that the depositor is entitled to a refund of the security upon giving reasonable evidence that no action at law for damages arising out of the accident in question is pending or that no judgment rendered in any such action remains unpaid. If, at the end of three years from the date of deposit, no claim therefor has been received, the Division shall notify the depositor thereof by registered mail and shall cause a notice to be posted at the courthouse door of the county in which is located the last known address of the depositor for a period of 60 days. Such notice shall contain the name of the depositor, his last known address, the date, amount and nature of the deposit, and shall state the conditions under which the deposit will be refunded. If, at the end of two years from the date of posting of such notice, no claim for the deposit has been received, the Commissioner shall certify such fact together with the facts of notice to the State Treasurer. These deposits shall be turned over to the Escheat Fund of the Department of State Treasurer. (1953, c. 1300, s. 10; 1955, c. 1152, s. 13; 1967, c. 1227; 1975, c. 716, s. 5; 1981, c. 531, s. 16.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.11 - Matters not to be evidence in civil suits.

§ 20-279.11. Matters not to be evidence in civil suits.
Neither the information on financial responsibility contained in an accident report, the action taken by the Commissioner pursuant to this Article, the findings, if any, of the Commissioner upon which the action is based, or the security filed as provided in this Article shall be referred to in any way, nor be any evidence of the negligence or due care of either party, at the trial of any action at law to recover damages. (1953, c. 1300, s. 11; 1995, c. 191, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.12 - Courts to report nonpayment of judgments.

§ 20-279.12. Courts to report nonpayment of judgments.
Whenever any person fails within 60 days to satisfy any judgment, upon the written request of the judgment creditor or his attorney it shall be the duty of the clerk of the court, or of the judge of a court which has no clerk, in which any such judgment is rendered within this State, to forward to the Commissioner immediately after the expiration of said 60 days, a certified copy of such judgment.
If the defendant named in any certified copy of a judgment reported to the Commissioner is a nonresident, the Commissioner shall transmit a certified copy of the judgment to the official in charge of the issuance of licenses and registration certificates of the state of which the defendant is a resident. (1953, c. 1300, s. 12.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.13 - Suspension for nonpayment of judgment; exceptions.

§ 20-279.13. Suspension for nonpayment of judgment; exceptions.
(a) The Commissioner, upon the receipt of a certified copy of a judgment, which has remained unsatisfied for a period of 60 days, shall forthwith suspend the license and any nonresident's operating privilege of any person against whom such judgment was rendered, except as hereinafter otherwise provided in this section and in G.S. 20-279.16.
(b) The Commissioner shall not, however, revoke or suspend the license of an owner or driver if the insurance carried by him was in a company which was authorized to transact business in this State and which subsequent to an accident involving the owner or operator and prior to settlement of the claim therefor went into liquidation, so that the owner or driver is thereby unable to satisfy the judgment arising out of the accident.
(c) If the judgment creditor consents in writing, in such form as the Commissioner may prescribe, that the judgment debtor be allowed license or nonresident's operating privilege, the same may be allowed by the Commissioner, in his discretion, for six months from the date of such consent and thereafter until such consent is revoked in writing notwithstanding default in the payment of such judgment, or of any installments thereof prescribed in G.S. 20-279.16. (1953, c. 1300, s. 13; 1965, c. 926, s. 1; 1969, c. 186, s. 4; 1979, c. 667, s. 37.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.14 - Suspension to continue until judgments satisfied.

§ 20-279.14. Suspension to continue until judgments satisfied.
Such license and nonresident's operating privilege shall remain so suspended and shall not be renewed, nor shall any such license be thereafter issued in the name of such person, including any such person not previously licensed, unless and until every such judgment:
(1) Is stayed, or
(2) Is satisfied in full, or
(3) Is subject to the exemptions stated in G.S. 20-279.13 or G.S. 20-279.16, or
(4) Is barred from enforcement by the statute of limitations pursuant to G.S. 1-47,
(5) Is discharged in bankruptcy. (1953, c. 1300, s. 14; 1969, c. 186, s. 5; 1975, c. 301.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.15 - Payment sufficient to satisfy requirements.

§ 20-279.15. Payment sufficient to satisfy requirements.
In addition to other methods of satisfaction provided by law, judgments herein referred to shall, for the purpose of this Article, be deemed satisfied:
(1) When thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of bodily injury to or death of one person as the result of any one accident; or
(2) When, subject to such limit of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person, the sum of sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons as the result of any one accident; or
(3) When twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of injury to or destruction of property of others as a result of any one accident;
Provided, however, payments made in settlement of any claims because of bodily injury, death or property damage arising from a motor vehicle accident shall be credited in reduction of the amounts provided for in this section. (1953, c. 1300, s. 15; 1963, c. 1238; 1967, c. 277, s. 3; 1973, c. 745, s. 3; c. 889; 1979, c. 832, ss. 3-5; 1991, c. 469, s. 3; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 837, s. 10; 1999-228, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.16 - Installment payment of judgments; default.

§ 20-279.16. Installment payment of judgments; default.
(a) A judgment debtor upon due notice to the judgment creditor may apply to the court in which such judgment was rendered for the privilege of paying such judgment in installments and the court, in its discretion and without prejudice to any other legal remedies which the judgment creditor may have, may so order and fix the amounts and times of payment of the installments.
(b) The Commissioner shall not suspend a license or a nonresident's operating privilege, and shall restore any license or nonresident's operating privilege suspended following nonpayment of a judgment, when the judgment debtor obtains such an order permitting the payment of such judgment in installments, and while the payment of any said installment is not in default.
(c) In the event the judgment debtor fails to pay any installment as specified by such order, then upon notice of such default, the Commissioner shall forthwith suspend the license or nonresident's operating privilege of the judgment debtor until such judgment is satisfied, as provided in this Article. (1953, c. 1300, s. 16; 1969, c. 186, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.18 - Alternate methods of giving proof.

§ 20-279.18. Alternate methods of giving proof.
Proof of financial responsibility when required under this Article with respect to a motor vehicle or with respect to a person who is not the owner of a motor vehicle may be given by filing:
(1) A certificate of insurance as provided in G.S. 20-279.19 or 20-279.20; or
(2) A bond as provided in G.S. 20-279.24; or
(3) A certificate of deposit of money or securities as provided in G.S. 20-279.25; or
(4) A certificate of self-insurance, as provided in G.S. 20-279.33, supplemented by an agreement by the self-insurer that, with respect to accidents occurring while the certificate is in force, he will pay the same judgments and in the same amounts that an insurer would have been obligated to pay under an owner's motor vehicle liability policy if it had issued such a policy to said self-insurer. (1953, c. 1300, s. 18.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.19 - Certificate of insurance as proof.

§ 20-279.19. Certificate of insurance as proof.
Proof of financial responsibility may be furnished by filing with the Commissioner the written certificate of any insurance carrier duly authorized to do business in this State certifying that there is in effect a motor vehicle liability policy for the benefit of the person required to furnish proof of financial responsibility. Such certificate shall give the effective date of such motor vehicle liability policy, which date shall be the same as the effective date of the certificate, and shall designate by explicit description or by appropriate reference all motor vehicles covered thereby, unless the policy is issued to a person who is not the owner of a motor vehicle. The Commissioner may require that certificates filed pursuant to this section be on a form approved by the Commissioner. (1953, c. 1300, s. 19; 1955, c. 1152, s. 16.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.20 - Certificate furnished by nonresident as proof.

§ 20-279.20. Certificate furnished by nonresident as proof.
(a) The nonresident owner of a motor vehicle not registered in this State may give proof of financial responsibility by filing with the Commissioner a written certificate or certificates of an insurance carrier authorized to transact business in the state in which the motor vehicle or motor vehicles described in such certificate is registered, or if such nonresident does not own a motor vehicle, then in the state in which the insured resides, provided such certificate otherwise conforms to the provisions of this Article, and the Commissioner shall accept the same upon condition that said insurance carrier complies with the following provisions with respect to the policies so certified:
(1) Said insurance carrier shall execute a power of attorney authorizing the Commissioner to accept service on its behalf of notice or process in any action arising out of a motor vehicle accident in this State; and
(2) Said insurance carrier shall agree in writing that such policies shall be deemed to conform with the laws of this State relating to the terms of motor vehicle liability policies issued herein.
(b) If any insurance carrier not authorized to transact business in this State, which has qualified to furnish proof of financial responsibility, defaults in any said undertakings or agreements, the Commissioner shall not thereafter accept as proof any certificate of said carrier whether theretofore filed or thereafter tendered as proof, so long as such default continues.
(c) The Commissioner may require that certificates and powers filed pursuant to this section be on forms approved by the Commissioner. (1953, c. 1300, s. 20; 1955, c. 1152, s. 17.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.22 - Notice of cancellation or termination of certified policy.

§ 20-279.22. Notice of cancellation or termination of certified policy.
When an insurance carrier has certified a motor vehicle liability policy under G.S. 20-279.19 or a policy under G.S. 20-279.20, the insurance so certified shall not be canceled or terminated until at least 20 days after a notice of cancellation or termination of the insurance so certified shall be filed in the office of the Commissioner, except that such a policy subsequently procured and certified shall, on the effective date of its certification, terminate the insurance previously certified with respect to any motor vehicle designated in both certificates. (1953, c. 1300, s. 22.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 9A - Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953. › § 20-279.23 - Article not to affect other policies.

§ 20-279.23. Article not to affect other policies.
(a) This Article shall not be held to apply to or affect policies of automobile insurance against liability which may now or hereafter be required by any other law of this State, and such policies, if they contain an agreement or are endorsed to conform to the requirements of this Article, may be certified as proof of financial responsibility under this Article.
(b) This Article shall not be held to apply to or affect policies insuring solely the insured named in the policy against liability resulting from the maintenance or use by persons in the insured's employ or on his behalf of motor vehicles not owned by the insured. (1953, c. 1300, s. 23.)