reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-142.4 - Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossing.

§ 20-142.4. Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossing.
(a) No person shall operate or move any crawler-type tractor, crane, or roller or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of five or less miles per hour upon or across any tracks at a railroad crossing without first complying with this section.
(b) Notice of any intended crossing described in subsection (a) of this section shall be given to a superintendent of the railroad and a reasonable time be given to the railroad to provide protection at the crossing.
(c) Before making any crossing described in subsection (a) of this section, the person operating or moving the vehicle or equipment shall:
(1) Stop the vehicle or equipment not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad;
(2) While stopped, shall listen and look both directions along the track for any approaching train or on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a train or on-track equipment; and
(3) Shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely.
(d) No crossing described in subsection (a) of this section shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a flagman or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or on-track equipment.
(e) Subsection (c) of this section shall not apply at any railroad crossing where State or local authorities have determined that trains are not operating during certain periods or seasons of the year and have erected an official sign carrying the legend "Exempt".
(f) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of an infraction and punished in accordance with G.S. 20-176. Violation of this section shall not constitute negligence per se.
(g) An employer who knowingly allows, requires, permits, or otherwise authorizes a driver of a commercial motor vehicle to violate this section shall be guilty of an infraction. Such employer will also be subject to a civil penalty under G.S. 20-37.21. (1991, c. 368, s. 1; 2005-349, s. 15; 2019-36, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-142.5 - Stop when traffic obstructed.

§ 20-142.5. Stop when traffic obstructed.
No driver shall enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk or drive onto any railroad grade crossing unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection, crosswalk, or railroad grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle he is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles, pedestrians, or railroad trains or on-track equipment, notwithstanding the indication of any traffic control signal to proceed. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of an infraction and punished in accordance with G.S. 20-176. Violation of this section shall not constitute negligence per se.
An employer who knowingly allows, requires, permits, or otherwise authorizes a driver of a commercial motor vehicle to violate this section shall be guilty of an infraction. Such employer will also be subject to a civil penalty under G.S. 20-37.21. (1991, c. 368, s. 1; 2005-349, s. 16; 2019-36, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-144 - Special speed limitation on bridges.

§ 20-144. Special speed limitation on bridges.
It shall be unlawful to drive any vehicle upon any public bridge, causeway or viaduct at a speed which is greater than the maximum speed which can with safety to such structure be maintained thereon, when such structure is signposted as provided in this section.
The Department of Transportation, upon request from any local authorities, shall, or upon its own initiative may, conduct an investigation of any public bridge, causeway or viaduct, and if it shall thereupon find that such structure cannot with safety to itself withstand vehicles traveling at the speed otherwise permissible under this Article, the Division shall determine and declare the maximum speed of vehicles which such structure can withstand, and shall cause or permit suitable signs stating such maximum speed to be erected and maintained at a distance of 100 feet beyond each end of such structure. The findings and determination of the Department of Transportation shall be conclusive evidence of the maximum speed which can with safety to any such structure be maintained thereon. (1937, c. 407, s. 106; 1957, c. 65, s. 11; 1973, c. 507, ss. 5, 21; 1975, c. 716, s. 5; 1977, c. 464, s. 34.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-145 - When speed limit not applicable.

§ 20-145. When speed limit not applicable.
The speed limitations set forth in this Article shall not apply to vehicles when operated with due regard for safety under the direction of the police in the chase or apprehension of violators of the law or of persons charged with or suspected of any such violation, nor to fire department or fire patrol vehicles when traveling in response to a fire alarm, nor to public or private ambulances and rescue squad emergency service vehicles when traveling in emergencies, nor to vehicles operated by county fire marshals and civil preparedness coordinators when traveling in the performances of their duties, nor to any of the following when either operated by a law enforcement officer in the chase or apprehension of violators of the law or of persons charged with or suspected of any such violation, when traveling in response to a fire alarm, or for other emergency response purposes: (i) a vehicle operated by the Division of Marine Fisheries of the Department of Environmental Quality or the Division of Parks and Recreation of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources or (ii) a vehicle operated by the North Carolina Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This exemption shall not, however, protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequence of a reckless disregard of the safety of others. (1937, c. 407, s. 107; 1947, c. 987; 1971, c. 5; 1977, c. 52, s. 3; 1985, c. 454, s. 5; 2013-415, s. 1(c); 2015-241, s. 14.30(gg).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-146.1 - Operation of motorcycles.

§ 20-146.1. Operation of motorcycles.
(a) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.
(b) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane. For purposes of this subsection, the term "motorcycle" shall not include autocycles. Autocycles shall not be operated more than one abreast in a single lane. (1965, c. 909; 1973, c. 1330, s. 14; 1975, c. 786; 2015-163, s. 12.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-147 - Keep to the right in crossing intersections or railroads.

§ 20-147. Keep to the right in crossing intersections or railroads.
In crossing an intersection of highways or the intersection of a highway by a railroad right-of-way, the driver of a vehicle shall at all times cause such vehicle to travel on the right half of the highway unless such right side is obstructed or impassable. (1937, c. 407, s. 109.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-147.1 - Passenger vehicle towing other vehicles to keep right.

§ 20-147.1. Passenger vehicle towing other vehicles to keep right.
Whenever a noncommercial passenger vehicle as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(27)l. is towing another vehicle as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(49), the driver of the towing vehicle shall at all times cause that vehicle to travel on the right half of the highway, and upon any highway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, the vehicle shall not be driven in the left-most lane of the right half of the highway except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, when preparing for a left turn, or the right lanes are obstructed or impassable. These towing vehicles shall also comply with all signage for vehicles of three or more axles erected pursuant to G.S. 20-146(d)(3). (2004-124, s. 30.6(a); 2004-199, s. 56; 2017-102, s. 5.2(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-148 - Meeting of vehicles.

§ 20-148. Meeting of vehicles.
Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, each giving to the other at least one half of the main-traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible. (1937, c. 407, s. 110.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-149 - Overtaking a vehicle.

§ 20-149. Overtaking a vehicle.
(a) The driver of any such vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at least two feet to the left thereof, and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until safely clear of such overtaken vehicle. This subsection shall not apply when the overtaking and passing is done pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 20-150(e) or G.S. 20-150.1.
(b) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle while being lawfully overtaken on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
Failure to comply with this subsection:
(1) Is a Class 1 misdemeanor when the failure is the proximate cause of a collision resulting in serious bodily injury.
(2) Is a Class 2 misdemeanor when the failure is the proximate cause of a collision resulting in bodily injury or property damage.
(3) Is, in all other cases, an infraction. (1937, c. 407, s. 111; 1955, c. 913, s. 3; 1959, c. 247; 1973, c. 1330, s. 15; 1995, c. 283, s. 1; 2016-90, s. 5.5(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-150 - Limitations on privilege of overtaking and passing.

§ 20-150. Limitations on privilege of overtaking and passing.
(a) The driver of a vehicle shall not drive to the left side of the center of a highway, in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be made in safety.
(b) The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass another vehicle proceeding in the same direction upon the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver's view along the highway is obstructed within a distance of 500 feet.
(c) The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction at any railway grade crossing nor at any intersection of highway unless permitted so to do by a traffic or police officer. For the purposes of this section the words "intersection of highway" shall be defined and limited to intersections designated and marked by the Department of Transportation by appropriate signs, and street intersections in cities and towns.
(d) The driver of a vehicle shall not drive to the left side of the centerline of a highway upon the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where such centerline has been placed upon such highway by the Department of Transportation, and is visible.
(e) The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass another on any portion of the highway which is marked by signs, markers or markings placed by the Department of Transportation stating or clearly indicating that passing should not be attempted. The prohibition in this section shall not apply when the overtaking and passing is done in accordance with all of the following:
(1) The slower moving vehicle to be passed is a bicycle or a moped.
(2) The slower moving vehicle is proceeding in the same direction as the faster moving vehicle.
(3) The driver of the faster moving vehicle either (i) provides a minimum of four feet between the faster moving vehicle and the slower moving vehicle or (ii) completely enters the left lane of the highway.
(4) The operator of the slower moving vehicle is not (i) making a left turn or (ii) signaling in accordance with G.S. 20-154 that he or she intends to make a left turn.
(5) The driver of the faster moving vehicle complies with all other applicable requirements set forth in this section.
(e1) The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass self-propelled farm equipment proceeding in the same direction when the farm equipment is (i) making a left turn or (ii) signaling that it intends to make a left turn.
(f) The foregoing limitations shall not apply upon a one-way street nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left in or from an alley, private road, or driveway. (1937, c. 407, s. 112; 1955, c. 862; c. 913, s. 2; 1957, c. 65, s. 11; 1969, c. 13; 1973, c. 507, s. 5; c. 1330, s. 16; 1977, c. 464, s. 34; 1979, c. 472; 2016-90, s. 5.5(a); 2020-18, s. 2(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-150.1 - When passing on the right is permitted.

§ 20-150.1. When passing on the right is permitted.
The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(1) When the vehicle overtaken is in a lane designated for left turns;
(2) Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width which have been marked for two or more lanes of moving vehicles in each direction and are not occupied by parked vehicles;
(3) Upon a one-way street, or upon a highway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement when such street or highway is free from obstructions and is of sufficient width and is marked for two or more lanes of moving vehicles which are not occupied by parked vehicles;
(4) When driving in a lane designating a right turn on a red traffic signal light. (1953, c. 679.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-152 - Following too closely.

§ 20-152. Following too closely.
(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.
(b) The driver of any motor vehicle traveling upon a highway outside of a business or residential district and following another motor vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a motor vehicle from overtaking and passing another motor vehicle. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.
(c) Subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall not apply to the driver of any non-leading commercial motor vehicle traveling in a platoon on any roadway where the Department of Transportation has by traffic ordinance authorized travel by platoon. For purposes of this subsection, the term "platoon" means a group of individual commercial motor vehicles traveling at close following distances in a unified manner through the use of an electronically interconnected braking system. (1937, c. 407, s. 114; 1949, c. 1207, s. 4; 1973, c. 1330, s. 17; 2017-169, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-153 - Turning at intersections.

§ 20-153. Turning at intersections.
(a) Right Turns. – Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(b) Left Turns. – The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of that vehicle, and, after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction upon the roadway being entered.
(c) Local authorities and the Department of Transportation, in their respective jurisdictions, may modify the foregoing method of turning at intersections by clearly indicating by buttons, markers, or other direction signs within an intersection the course to be followed by vehicles turning thereat, and it shall be unlawful for any driver to fail to turn in a manner as so directed. (1937, c. 407, s. 115; 1955, c. 913, s. 5; 1973, c. 1330, s. 18; 1977, c. 464, s. 34; 1997-405, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-155 - Right-of-way.

§ 20-155. Right-of-way.
(a) When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
(b) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(c) The driver of any vehicle upon a highway within a business or residence district shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing such highway within any clearly marked crosswalk, or any regular pedestrian crossing included in the prolongation of the lateral boundary lines of the adjacent sidewalk at the end of a block, except at intersections where the movement of traffic is being regulated by traffic officers or traffic direction devices.
(d) The driver of any vehicle approaching but not having entered a traffic circle shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle already within such traffic circle. (1937, c. 407, s. 117; 1949, c. 1016, s. 2; 1955, c. 913, ss. 6, 7; 1967, c. 1053; 1973, c. 1330, s. 20.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-158.1 - Erection of "yield right-of-way" signs.

§ 20-158.1. Erection of "yield right-of-way" signs.
The Department of Transportation, with reference to State highways, and cities and towns with reference to highways and streets under their jurisdiction, are authorized to designate main-traveled or through highways and streets by erecting at the entrance thereto from intersecting highways or streets, signs notifying drivers of vehicles to yield the right-of-way to drivers of vehicles approaching the intersection on the main-traveled or through highway. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Chapter, except G.S. 20-156, whenever any such yield right-of-way signs have been so erected, it shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to enter or cross such main-traveled or through highway or street unless he shall first slow down and yield right-of-way to any vehicle in movement on the main-traveled or through highway or street which is approaching so as to arrive at the intersection at approximately the same time as the vehicle entering the main-traveled or through highway or street. No failure to so yield the right-of-way shall be considered negligence or contributory negligence per se in any action at law for injury to person or property, but the facts relating to such failure to yield the right-of-way may be considered with the other facts in the case in determining whether either party in such action was guilty of negligence or contributory negligence. (1955, c. 295; 1957, c. 65, s. 11; 1973, c. 507, s. 5; c. 1330, s. 23; 1977, c. 464, s. 34.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-158.2 - Control of vehicles on Turnpike System.

§ 20-158.2. Control of vehicles on Turnpike System.
The North Carolina Turnpike Authority may control vehicles at appropriate places by erecting traffic control devices to collect tolls. (2002-133, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-158.3 - Emergency entry to controlled access roads.

§ 20-158.3. Emergency entry to controlled access roads.
Any person, association, or other legal entity having responsibility for a controlled access system on a road that is a public vehicular area shall provide a means of immediate access to all emergency service vehicles, which shall include law enforcement, fire, rescue, ambulance, and first responder vehicles. This section shall not apply to any entity where federal regulations and requirements on its activities preempt application of State regulations or requirements. (2007-455, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-160 - Driving through safety zone or on sidewalks prohibited.

§ 20-160. Driving through safety zone or on sidewalks prohibited.
(a) The driver of a vehicle shall not at any time drive through or over a safety zone.
(b) No person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a sidewalk or sidewalk area except upon a permanent or temporary driveway. (1937, c. 407, s. 122; 1973, c. 1330, s. 24.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-160.1 - Failure to yield causing serious bodily injury; penalties.

§ 20-160.1. Failure to yield causing serious bodily injury; penalties.
(a) Unless the conduct is covered under some other law providing greater punishment, a person who commits the offense of failure to yield while approaching or entering an intersection, turning at a stop or yield sign, entering a roadway, upon the approach of an emergency vehicle, or at highway construction or maintenance shall be punished under this section. When there is serious bodily injury but no death resulting from the violation, the violator shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500.00) and the violator's drivers license or commercial drivers license shall be suspended for 90 days.
(b) As used in this section, "serious bodily injury" means bodily injury that involves a substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty. (2004-172, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-161.1 - Regulation of night parking on highways.

§ 20-161.1. Regulation of night parking on highways.
No person parking or leaving standing a vehicle at night on a highway or on a side road entering into a highway shall permit the bright lights of said vehicle to continue burning when such lights face oncoming traffic. (1953, c. 1052.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-162 - Parking in front of private driveway, fire hydrant, fire station, intersection of curb lines or fire lane.

§ 20-162. Parking in front of private driveway, fire hydrant, fire station, intersection of curb lines or fire lane.
(a) No person shall park a vehicle or permit it to stand, whether attended or unattended, upon a highway in front of a private driveway or within 15 feet in either direction of a fire hydrant or the entrance to a fire station, nor within 25 feet from the intersection of curb lines or if none, then within 15 feet of the intersection of property lines at an intersection of highways; provided, that local authorities may by ordinance decrease the distance within which a vehicle may park in either direction of a fire hydrant.
(b) No person shall park a vehicle or permit it to stand, whether attended or unattended, upon any public vehicular area, street, highway or roadway in any area designated as a fire lane. This prohibition includes designated fire lanes in shopping center or mall parking lots and all other public vehicular areas. Provided, however, persons loading or unloading supplies or merchandise may park temporarily in a fire lane located in a shopping center or mall parking lot as long as the vehicle is not left unattended. The prima facie rule of evidence created by G.S. 20-162.1 is applicable to prosecutions for violation of this section. The owner of a vehicle parked in violation of this subsection shall be deemed to have appointed any State, county or municipal law-enforcement officer as his agent for the purpose of arranging for the transportation and safe storage of such vehicle. No law-enforcement officer removing such a vehicle shall be held criminally or civilly liable in any way for any acts or omissions arising out of or caused by carrying out or enforcing any provisions of this subsection, unless the conduct of the officer amounts to wanton misconduct or intentional wrongdoing. (1937, c. 407, s. 124; 1939, c. 111; 1979, c. 552; 1981, c. 574, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-162.1 - Prima facie rule of evidence for enforcement of parking regulations.

§ 20-162.1. Prima facie rule of evidence for enforcement of parking regulations.
(a) Whenever evidence shall be presented in any court of the fact that any automobile, truck, or other vehicle was found upon any street, alley or other public place contrary to and in violation of the provisions of any statute or of any municipal or Department of Transportation ordinance limiting the time during which any such vehicle may be parked or prohibiting or otherwise regulating the parking of any such vehicle, it shall be prima facie evidence in any court in the State of North Carolina that such vehicle was parked and left upon such street, alley or public way or place by the person, firm or corporation in whose name such vehicle is then registered and licensed according to the records of the department or agency of the State of North Carolina, by whatever name designated, which is empowered to register such vehicles and to issue licenses for their operation upon the streets and highways of this State; provided, that no evidence tendered or presented under the authorization contained in this section shall be admissible or competent in any respect in any court or tribunal, except in cases concerned solely with violation of statutes or ordinances limiting, prohibiting or otherwise regulating the parking of automobiles or other vehicles upon public streets, highways, or other public places.
Any person found responsible for an infraction pursuant to this section shall be subject to a penalty of not more than five dollars ($5.00).
(b) The prima facie rule of evidence established by subsection (a) shall not apply to the registered owner of a leased or rented vehicle parked in violation of law when the owner can furnish sworn evidence that the vehicle was, at the time of the parking violation, leased or rented, to another person or company. In those instances, the owner of the vehicle shall furnish sworn evidence to the courts within 30 days after notification of the violation in accordance with this subsection.
If the notification is given to the owner of the vehicle within 90 days after the date of the violation, the owner shall include in the sworn evidence the name and address of the person or company that leased or rented the vehicle. If notification is given to the owner of the vehicle after 90 days have elapsed from the date of the violation, the owner is not required to include the name or address of the lessee or renter of the vehicle in the sworn evidence. (1953, c. 879, ss. 1, 11/2; c. 978; 1955, c. 566, s. 1; 1983, c. 753; 1985, c. 764, s. 32; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 852, s. 17; 1987, c. 736, s. 1; 1989, c. 243, s. 2; 2001-259, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-162.2 through 20-162.3 - Transferred to §§ 20-219.2, 20-219.3 by Session Laws 1973, c1330, s36.

§§ 20-162.2 through 20-162.3. Transferred to §§ 20-219.2, 20-219.3 by Session Laws 1973, c. 1330, s. 36.
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-163 - Unattended motor vehicles.

§ 20-163. Unattended motor vehicles.
No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended on a public highway or public vehicular area without first stopping the engine, effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. (1937, c. 407, s. 125; 1973, c. 1330, s. 26.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-165.1 - One-way traffic.

§ 20-165.1. One-way traffic.
In all cases where the Department of Transportation has heretofore, or may hereafter lawfully designate any highway or other separate roadway, under its jurisdiction for one-way traffic and shall erect appropriate signs giving notice thereof, it shall be unlawful for any person to willfully drive or operate any vehicle on said highway or roadway except in the direction so indicated by said signs. (1957, c. 1177; 1973, c. 507, s. 5; c. 1330, s. 28; 1977, c. 464, s. 34.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-166.2 - Duty of passenger to remain at the scene of an accident.

§ 20-166.2. Duty of passenger to remain at the scene of an accident.
(a) The passenger of any vehicle who knows or reasonably should know that the vehicle in which he or she is a passenger is involved in an accident or collision shall not willfully leave the scene of the accident by acting as the driver of a vehicle involved in the accident until a law enforcement officer completes the investigation of the accident or collision or authorizes the passenger to leave, unless remaining at the scene places the passenger or others at significant risk of injury.
Prior to the completion of the investigation of the accident by a law enforcement officer, or the consent of the officer to leave, the passenger may not facilitate, allow, or agree to the removal of the vehicle from the scene, for any purpose other than to call for a law enforcement officer, to call for medical assistance or medical treatment as set forth in subsection (b) of this section, or to remove oneself or others from a significant risk of injury. If the passenger does leave the scene of an accident by driving a vehicle involved in the accident for a reason permitted by this subsection, the passenger must return with the vehicle to the accident scene within a reasonable period of time, unless otherwise instructed by a law enforcement officer. A willful violation of this subsection is a Class H felony if the accident or collision is described in G.S. 20-166(a). A willful violation of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor if the accident or collision is a reportable accident described in G.S. 20-166(c).
(b) In addition to complying with the requirement of subsection (a) of this section, the passenger shall give the passenger's name, address, drivers license number, and the license plate number of the vehicle in which the passenger was riding, if possible, to the person struck or the driver or occupants of any vehicle collided with, provided that the person or persons are physically and mentally capable of receiving the information, and shall render to any person injured in the accident or collision reasonable assistance, including the calling for medical assistance if it is apparent that such assistance is necessary or is requested by the injured person. A violation of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor. (2005-460, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-166.3 - Limit storage duration for vehicle damaged as a result of a collision.

§ 20-166.3. Limit storage duration for vehicle damaged as a result of a collision.
(a) Limited Duration of Storage. – A motor vehicle that is towed and stored at the direction of a law enforcement agency following a collision may be held for evidence for not more than 20 days without a court order. Absent a court order, the vehicle must be released to the vehicle owner, insurer, or lien holder upon payment of the towing and storage fees.
(b) Application. – This section shall not apply to a motor vehicle (i) seized as a result of a violation of law or (ii) abandoned by the owner. (2015-188, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-167 - Vehicles transporting explosives.

§ 20-167. Vehicles transporting explosives.
Any person operating any vehicle transporting any explosive as a cargo or part of a cargo upon a highway shall at all times comply with the rules and regulations of the United States Department of Transportation as adopted by the Division of Motor Vehicles. (1937, c. 407, s. 129; 1985, c. 454, s. 7.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-167.1 - Transportation of spent nuclear fuel.

§ 20-167.1. Transportation of spent nuclear fuel.
(a) No person, firm or corporation shall transport upon the highways of this State any spent nuclear fuel unless such person, firm, or corporation notifies the State Highway Patrol in advance of transporting the spent nuclear fuel.
(b) The provisions of this section shall apply whether or not the fuel is for delivery in North Carolina and whether or not the shipment originated in North Carolina.
(c) The Radiation Protection Commission is authorized to adopt, promulgate, amend, and repeal rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
(d) Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this section is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall be punished only by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00), and each unauthorized shipment shall constitute a separate offense. (1977, c. 839, s. 1; 1985, c. 764, s. 33.1; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 852, s. 17; 1993, c. 539, s. 378; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-168 - Drivers of State, county, and city vehicles subject to the provisions of this Article.

§ 20-168. Drivers of State, county, and city vehicles subject to the provisions of this Article.
(a) Subject to the exceptions in subsection (b), the provisions of this Article applicable to the drivers of vehicles upon the highways shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the State or any political subdivision thereof.
(b) While actually engaged in maintenance or construction work on the highways, but not while traveling to or from such work, drivers of vehicles owned or operated by the State or any political subdivision thereof are exempt from all provisions of this Article except:
(1) G.S. 20-138.1. Impaired driving.
(2) Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 435, s. 28.
(3) G.S. 20-139.1. Procedures governing chemical analyses; admissibility; evidentiary provisions; controlled-drinking programs.
(4) G.S. 20-140. Reckless driving.
(5) Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 435, s. 38.
(6) G.S. 20-141. Speed restrictions.
(7) G.S. 20-141.3. Unlawful racing on streets and highways.
(8) G.S. 20-141.4. Felony and misdemeanor death by vehicle. (1937, c. 407, s. 130; 1973, c. 1330, s. 30; 1981, c. 412, s. 4; c. 747, s. 66; 1983, c. 435, s. 28.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-169 - Powers of local authorities.

§ 20-169. Powers of local authorities.
Local authorities, except as expressly authorized by G.S. 20-141 and 20-158, shall have no power or authority to alter any speed limitations declared in this Article or to enact or enforce any rules or regulations contrary to the provisions of this Article, except that local authorities shall have power to provide by ordinances for any of the following:
(1) Regulating traffic by means of traffic or semaphores or other signaling devices on any portion of the highway where traffic is heavy or continuous.
(2) Prohibiting other than one-way traffic upon certain highways.
(3) Regulating the use of the highways by processions or assemblages.
(4) Regulating the speed of vehicles on highways in public parks.
(5) Authorizing law enforcement or fire department vehicles, ambulances, and rescue squad emergency service vehicles, equipped with a siren to preempt any traffic signals upon city streets within local authority boundaries or, with the approval of the Department of Transportation, on State highways within the boundaries of local authorities. The Department of Transportation shall respond to requests for approval within 60 days of receipt of a request.
Signs shall be erected giving notices of the special limits and regulations under subdivisions (1) through (4) of this section. (1937, c. 407, s. 131; 1949, c. 947, s. 2; 1955, c. 384, s. 2; 1963, c. 559; 1973, c. 507, s. 5; 1979, c. 298, s. 2; 1991, c. 530, s. 5; 1999-310, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-170 - This Article not to interfere with rights of owners of real property with reference thereto.

§ 20-170. This Article not to interfere with rights of owners of real property with reference thereto.
Nothing in this Article shall be construed to prevent the owner of real property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel by permission of the owner, and not as matter of right from prohibiting such use nor from requiring other or different or additional conditions than those specified in this Article or otherwise regulating such use as may seem best to such owner. (1937, c. 407, s. 132.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-171 - Traffic laws apply to persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles.

§ 20-171. Traffic laws apply to persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles.
Every person riding an animal or driving any animal drawing a vehicle upon a highway shall be subject to the provisions of this Article applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except those provisions of the Article which by their nature can have no application. (1939, c. 275.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-171.1 - Definitions.

§ 20-171.1. Definitions.
As used in this Part, except where the context clearly requires otherwise, the words and expressions defined in this section shall be held to have the meanings here given to them:
Bicycle. – A nonmotorized vehicle with two or three wheels tandem, a steering handle, one or two saddle seats, and pedals by which the vehicle is propelled, or an electric assisted bicycle, as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(7a). (1977, c. 1123, s. 1; 2016-90, s. 13(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-171.2 - Bicycle racing.

§ 20-171.2. Bicycle racing.
(a) Bicycle racing on the highways is prohibited except as authorized in this section.
(b) Bicycle racing on a highway shall not be unlawful when a racing event has been approved by State or local authorities on any highway under their respective jurisdictions. Approval of bicycle highway racing events shall be granted only under conditions which assure reasonable safety for all race participants, spectators and other highway users, and which prevent unreasonable interference with traffic flow which would seriously inconvenience other highway users.
(c) By agreement with the approving authority, participants in an approved bicycle highway racing event may be exempted from compliance with any traffic laws otherwise applicable thereto, provided that traffic control is adequate to assure the safety of all highway users. (1977, c. 1123, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-171.7 - Legislative findings and purpose.

§ 20-171.7. Legislative findings and purpose.
(a) The General Assembly finds and declares that:
(1) Disability and death of children resulting from injuries sustained in bicycling accidents are a serious threat to the public health, welfare, and safety of the people of this State, and the prevention of that disability and death is a goal of all North Carolinians.
(2) Head injuries are the leading cause of disability and death from bicycling accidents.
(3) The risk of head injury from bicycling accidents is significantly reduced for bicyclists who wear proper protective bicycle helmets; yet helmets are worn by fewer than five percent (5%) of child bicyclists nationwide.
(4) The risk of head injury or of any other injury to a small child who is a passenger on a bicycle operated by another person would be significantly reduced if any child passenger sat in a separate restraining seat.
(b) The purpose of this Article is to reduce the incidence of disability and death resulting from injuries incurred in bicycling accidents by requiring that while riding on a bicycle on the public roads, public bicycle paths, and other public rights-of-way of this State, all bicycle operators and passengers under the age of 16 years wear approved protective bicycle helmets; that all bicycle passengers who weigh less than 40 pounds or are less than 40 inches in height be seated in separate restraining seats; and that no person who is unable to maintain an erect, seated position shall be a passenger in a bicycle restraining seat, and all other bicycle passengers shall be seated on saddle seats. (2001-268, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-171.8 - Definitions.

§ 20-171.8. Definitions.
As used in this Article, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) "Bicycle" means a human-powered vehicle with two wheels in tandem designed to transport, by the action of pedaling, one or more persons seated on one or more saddle seats on its frame. This term also includes a human-powered vehicle, designed to transport by the action of pedaling which has more than two wheels where the vehicle is used on a public roadway, public bicycle path, or other public right-of-way, but does not include a tricycle.
(2) "Operator" means a person who travels on a bicycle seated on a saddle seat from which that person is intended to and can pedal the bicycle.
(3) "Other public right-of-way" means any right-of-way other than a public roadway or public bicycle path that is under the jurisdiction and control of this State or a local political subdivision of the State and is designed for use and used by vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.
(4) "Passenger" means a person who travels on a bicycle in any manner except as an operator.
(5) "Protective bicycle helmet" means a piece of headgear that meets or exceeds the impact standards for protective bicycle helmets set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
(6) "Public bicycle path" means a right-of-way under the jurisdiction and control of this State or a local political subdivision of the State for use primarily by bicycles and pedestrians.
(7) "Public roadway" means a right-of-way under the jurisdiction and control of this State or a local political subdivision of the State for use primarily by motor vehicles.
(8) "Restraining seat" means a seat separate from the saddle seat of the operator of the bicycle that is fastened securely to the frame of the bicycle and is adequately equipped to restrain the passenger in such seat and protect such passenger from the moving parts of the bicycle.
(9) "Tricycle" means a three-wheeled, human-powered vehicle designed for use as a toy by a single child under the age of six years, the seat of which is no more than two feet from ground level. (2001-268, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-171.9 - Requirements for helmet and restraining seat use.

§ 20-171.9. Requirements for helmet and restraining seat use.
With regard to any bicycle used on a public roadway, public bicycle path, or other public right-of-way:
(a) It shall be unlawful for any parent or legal guardian of a person below the age of 16 to knowingly permit that person to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle unless at all times when the person is so engaged he or she wears a protective bicycle helmet of good fit fastened securely upon the head with the straps of the helmet.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any parent or legal guardian of a person below the age of 16 to knowingly permit that person to be a passenger on a bicycle unless all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The person is able to maintain an erect, seated position on the bicycle.
(2) Except as provided in subdivision (3) of this subsection, the person is properly seated alone on a saddle seat (as on a tandem bicycle).
(3) With respect to any person who weighs less than 40 pounds, or is less than 40 inches in height, the person can be and is properly seated in and adequately secured to a restraining seat.
(c) No negligence or liability shall be assessed on or imputed to any party on account of a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section.
(d) Violation of this section shall be an infraction. Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, any parent or guardian found responsible for violation of this section may be ordered to pay a civil fine of up to ten dollars ($10.00), inclusive of all penalty assessments and court costs.
(e) In the case of a first conviction of this section, the court may waive the fine upon receipt of satisfactory proof that the person responsible for the infraction has purchased or otherwise obtained, as appropriate, a protective bicycle helmet or a restraining seat, and uses and intends to use it whenever required under this section. (2001-268, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-171.15 - Age restrictions.

§ 20-171.15. Age restrictions.
(a) It is unlawful for any parent or legal guardian of a person less than eight years of age to knowingly permit that person to operate an all-terrain vehicle.
(b) Repealed by Session Laws 2015-286, s. 3.13(a), effective October 22, 2015.
(c) It is unlawful for any parent or legal guardian of a person less than 16 years of age to knowingly permit that person to operate an all-terrain vehicle in violation of the Age Restriction Warning Label affixed by the manufacturer as required by the applicable American National Standards Institute/Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (ANSI/SVIA) design standard.
(d) It is unlawful for any parent or legal guardian of a person less than 16 years of age to knowingly permit that person to operate an all-terrain vehicle unless the person is under the continuous visual supervision of a person 18 years of age or older while operating the all-terrain vehicle.
(e) Subsection (c) of this section does not apply to any parent or legal guardian of a person born on or before August 15, 1997, who permits that person to operate an all-terrain vehicle and who establishes proof that the parent or legal guardian owned the all-terrain vehicle prior to August 15, 2005. (2005-282, s. 2; 2015-286, s. 3.13(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 3 - Motor Vehicle Act of 1937. › § 20-171.16 - Passengers.

§ 20-171.16. Passengers.
No operator of an all-terrain vehicle shall carry a passenger, except on those vehicles specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers in addition to the operator. (2005-282, s. 2.)