reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 4 - Animal Cruelty Investigators. › § 19A-45 - Appointment of animal cruelty investigators; term of office; removal; badge; oath; bond.

§ 19A-45. Appointment of animal cruelty investigators; term of office; removal; badge; oath; bond.
(a) The board of county commissioners is authorized to appoint one or more animal cruelty investigators to serve without any compensation or other employee benefits in his county. In making these appointments, the board may consider persons nominated by any society incorporated under North Carolina law for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Prior to making any such appointment, the board of county commissioners is authorized to enter into an agreement whereby any necessary expenses of caring for seized animals not collectable pursuant to G.S. 19A-47 may be paid by the animal cruelty investigator or by any society incorporated under North Carolina law for the prevention of cruelty to animals that is willing to bear such expense.
(b) Animal cruelty investigators shall serve a one-year term subject to removal for cause by the board of county commissioners. Animal cruelty investigators shall, while in the performance of their official duties, wear in plain view a badge of a design approved by the board identifying them as animal cruelty investigators, and provided at no cost to the county.
(c) Animal cruelty investigators shall take and subscribe the oath of office required of public officials. The oath shall be filed with the clerk of superior court. Animal cruelty investigators shall not be required to post any bond.
(d) Upon approval by the board of county commissioners, the animal cruelty investigator or investigators may be reimbursed for all necessary and actual expenses, to be paid by the county. (1979, c. 808, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 4 - Animal Cruelty Investigators. › § 19A-46 - Powers; magistrate's order; execution of order; petition; notice to owner.

§ 19A-46. Powers; magistrate's order; execution of order; petition; notice to owner.
(a) Whenever any animal is being cruelly treated as defined in G.S. 19A-1(2), an animal cruelty investigator may file with a magistrate a sworn complaint requesting an order allowing the investigator to provide suitable care for and take immediate custody of the animal. The magistrate shall issue the order only when he finds probable cause to believe that the animal is being cruelly treated and that it is necessary for the investigator to immediately take custody of it. Any magistrate's order issued under this section shall be valid for only 24 hours after its issuance. After he executes the order, the animal cruelty investigator shall return it with a written inventory of the animals seized to the clerk of court in the county where the order was issued.
(b) The animal cruelty investigator may request a law-enforcement officer or animal control officer to accompany him to help him seize the animal. An investigator may forcibly enter any premises or vehicle when necessary to execute the order only if he reasonably believes that the premises or vehicle is unoccupied by any person and that the animal is on the premises or in the vehicle. Forcible entry shall be used only when the animal cruelty investigator is accompanied by a law-enforcement officer. In any case, he must give notice of his identity and purpose to anyone who may be present before entering said premises. Forcible entry shall only be used during the daylight hours.
(c) When he has taken custody of such an animal, the animal cruelty investigator shall file a complaint pursuant to Article 1 of this Chapter as soon as possible. When he seizes the animal, he shall leave with the owner, if known, or affixed to the premises or vehicle a copy of the magistrate's order and a written notice of a description of the animal, the place where the animal will be taken, the reason for taking the animal, and the investigator's intent to file a complaint in district court requesting custody of the animal pursuant to Article 1 of this Chapter.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 7A-305(c), any person who commences a proceeding under this Article or Article 1 of this Chapter shall not be required to pay any court costs or fees prior to a final judicial determination as provided in G.S. 19A-4, at which time those costs shall be paid pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 6-18.
(e) Any judicial order authorizing forcible entry shall be issued by a district court judge. (1979, c. 808, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 4 - Animal Cruelty Investigators. › § 19A-47 - Care of seized animals.

§ 19A-47. Care of seized animals.
The investigator must take any animal he seizes directly to some safe and secure place and provide suitable care for it. The necessary expenses of caring for seized animals, including necessary veterinary care, shall be a charge against the animal's owner and a lien on the animal to be enforced as provided by G.S. 44A-4. (1979, c. 808, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 4 - Animal Cruelty Investigators. › § 19A-48 - Interference unlawful.

§ 19A-48. Interference unlawful.
It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor, to interfere with an animal cruelty investigator in the performance of his official duties. (1979, c. 808, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 318; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 4 - Animal Cruelty Investigators. › § 19A-49 - Educational requirements.

§ 19A-49. Educational requirements.
Each animal cruelty investigator at his own expense must attend annually a course of at least six hours instruction offered by the North Carolina Humane Federation or some other agency. The course shall be designed to give the investigator expertise in the investigation of complaints relating to the care and treatment of animals. Failure to attend a course approved by the board of county commissioners shall be cause for removal from office. (1979, c. 808, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 5 - Spay/Neuter Program. › § 19A-60 - Legislative findings.

§ 19A-60. Legislative findings.
The General Assembly finds that the uncontrolled breeding of cats and dogs in the State has led to unacceptable numbers of unwanted dogs, puppies and cats and kittens. These unwanted animals become strays and constitute a public nuisance and a public health hazard. The animals themselves suffer privation and death, are impounded, and most are destroyed at great expense to local governments. It is the intention of the General Assembly to provide a voluntary means of funding a spay/neuter program to provide financial assistance to local governments offering low-income persons reduced-cost spay/neuter services for their dogs and cats and to provide a statewide education program on the benefits of spaying and neutering pets. (2000-163, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 5 - Spay/Neuter Program. › § 19A-61 - Spay/Neuter Program established.

§ 19A-61. Spay/Neuter Program established.
There is established in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services a voluntary statewide program to foster the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats for the purpose of reducing the population of unwanted animals in the State. The program shall consist of the following components:
(1) Education Program. – The Department shall establish a statewide program to educate the public about the benefits of having cats and dogs spayed and neutered. The Department may work cooperatively on the program with the North Carolina School of Veterinary Medicine, other State agencies and departments, county and city health departments and animal control agencies, and statewide and local humane organizations. The Department may employ outside consultants to assist with the education program.
(2) Local Spay/Neuter Assistance Program. – The Department shall administer the Spay/Neuter Account established in G.S. 19A-62. Monies deposited in the account shall be available to reimburse eligible counties and cities for the direct costs of spay/neuter surgeries for cats and dogs made available to low-income persons. (2000-163, s. 1; 2010-31, s. 11.4(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 5 - Spay/Neuter Program. › § 19A-62 - Spay/Neuter Account established.

§ 19A-62. Spay/Neuter Account established.
(a) Creation. – The Spay/Neuter Account is established as a nonreverting special revenue account in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Account consists of the following:
(1) Repealed by Session Laws 2010-31, s. 11.4(c), effective October 1, 2010.
(2) Twenty dollars ($20.00) of the additional fee imposed by G.S. 20-79.7 for an Animal Lovers special license plate.
(3) Any other funds available from appropriations by the General Assembly or from contributions and grants from public or private sources.
(b) Use. – The revenue in the Account shall be used by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as follows:
(1) Repealed by Session Laws 2010-31, s. 11.4(c), effective October 1, 2010.
(2) Up to twenty percent (20%) may be used to develop and implement the statewide education program component of the Spay/Neuter Program established in G.S. 19A-61(1).
(3) Up to twenty percent (20%) of the money in the Account may be used to defray the costs of administering the Spay/Neuter Program established in this Article.
(4) Funds remaining after deductions for the education program and administrative expenses shall be distributed quarterly to eligible counties and cities seeking reimbursement for reduced-cost spay/neuter surgeries performed during the previous calendar year. A county or city is ineligible to receive funds under this subdivision unless it requires the owner to show proof of rabies vaccination at the time of the procedure or, if none, require vaccination at the time of the procedure.
(c) Report. – In March of each year, the Department must report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources and the Fiscal Research Division. The report must contain information regarding all revenues and expenditures of the Spay/Neuter Account. (2000-163, s. 1; 2007-487, ss. 2, 3; 2008-187, s. 8; 2010-31, s. 11.4(c); 2011-326, s. 4; 2015-263, s. 25(b); 2020-78, s. 5.1(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 5 - Spay/Neuter Program. › § 19A-63 - Eligibility for distributions from Spay/Neuter Account; Definitions.

§ 19A-63. Eligibility for distributions from Spay/Neuter Account; Definitions.
(a) A county or city is eligible for reimbursement from the Spay/Neuter Account if it meets the following condition:
(1) The county or city offers one or more of the following programs to low-income persons on a year-round basis for the purpose of reducing the cost of spaying and neutering procedures for dogs and cats:
a. A spay/neuter clinic operated by the county or city.
b. A spay/neuter clinic operated by a non-profit organization under contract or other arrangement with the county or city.
c. A contract or contracts with one or more veterinarians, whether or not located within the county, to provide reduced-cost spaying and neutering procedures.
d. Subvention of the spaying and neutering costs incurred by low-income pet owners through the use of vouchers or other procedure that provides a discount of the cost of the spaying or neutering procedure fixed by a participating veterinarian.
e. Subvention of the spaying and neutering costs incurred by persons who adopt a pet from an animal shelter operated by or under contract with the county or city.
(2) Reserved for future codification purposes.
(b) The following definitions apply in this Article:
(1) Local veterinarian. – A veterinarian licensed by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board under Article 11 of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes and practicing within the county where the services are provided. If no licensed veterinarian practices within that county, then a local veterinarian is a licensed veterinarian practicing in a county adjacent to the county where the services are provided. For purposes of this definition, "practicing" means engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine, as defined in Article 11 of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes.
(2) Low-income person. – An individual who qualifies for one or more of the programs of public assistance administered by the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to Chapter 108A of the General Statutes or whose annual household income is lower than one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level guidelines published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
(c) Each county shall make rules or publish guidelines that designate what proof a low-income person must submit to establish that the person has an annual household income lower than one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level guidelines published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
(d) Each county shall provide the opportunity to participate in the program created by this Article to all local veterinarians. Proof of the provision of this opportunity shall be included in the first reimbursement request of each calendar year. (2000-163, s. 1; 2010-31, s. 11.4(d); 2015-241, s. 13.7(a); 2016-94, ss. 13.1(a), (b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 5 - Spay/Neuter Program. › § 19A-65 - Annual Report Required From Every Animal Shelter in Receipt of State or Local Funding.

§ 19A-65. Annual Report Required From Every Animal Shelter in Receipt of State or Local Funding.
Every county or city animal shelter, or animal shelter operated under contract with a county or city or otherwise in receipt of State or local funding shall prepare an annual report in the form required by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services setting forth the numbers, by species, of animals received into the shelter, the number adopted out, the number returned to owner, and the number destroyed. The report shall also contain the total operating expenses of the shelter and the cost per animal handled. The report shall be filed with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by March 1 of each year. A city or county that does not timely file the report required by this section is not eligible to receive reimbursement payments under G.S. 19A-64 during the calendar year in which the report was to be filed. (2000-163, s. 5; 2010-31, s. 11.4(f).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 5 - Spay/Neuter Program. › § 19A-66 - Notification of available funding.

§ 19A-66. Notification of available funding.
Prior to January 1 of each year, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall notify counties and cities that have, prior to that notification deadline, established eligibility for distribution of funds from the Spay/Neuter Account pursuant to G.S. 19A-63, of the following:
(1) The amount of funding in the Spay/Neuter Account that the Department will have available for distribution to each county or city receiving notification to pay reimbursement requests submitted by the county or city during the calendar year following the notification deadline; and
(2) The amount of additional funding, if any, the Department estimates, but does not guarantee, may be available to pay reimbursement requests submitted by the notified county or city to the Department during the calendar year following the notification deadline.
(3) The maximum amount that may be reimbursed for each surgical procedure for a female dog or cat during the upcoming calendar year.
(4) The maximum amount that may be reimbursed for each surgical procedure for a male dog or cat during the upcoming calendar year. (2010-31, s. 11.4(g); 2013-377, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 5A - Animal Shelter Support Fund. › § 19A-67 - Animal Shelter Support Fund.

§ 19A-67. Animal Shelter Support Fund.
(a) Creation. – The Animal Shelter Support Fund is established as a special fund in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Fund consists of appropriations by the General Assembly or contributions and grants from public or private sources.
(b) Use. – The Fund shall be used by the Animal Welfare Section of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to provide grants to local governments for expenses related to their operation of a registered animal shelter due to any of the following:
(1) The denial, suspension, or revocation of the shelter's registration, or compliance with applicable requirements of the Animal Welfare Act or rules adopted by the Board of Agriculture implementing that Act.
(2) An unforeseen catastrophic disaster at an animal shelter.
(c) Rules. – The Board of Agriculture shall issue rules detailing eligible expenses and application guidelines that comply with the requirements of this Article.
(d) Repealed by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 10.5B, effective July 1, 2021. (2015-241, s. 13.7(b); 2016-113, s. 6(a); 2021-180, s. 10.5B.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 5A - Animal Shelter Support Fund. › § 19A-68 - Grants to counties and cities from Animal Shelter Support Fund.

§ 19A-68. Grants to counties and cities from Animal Shelter Support Fund.
(a) Eligible Costs. – Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, governments eligible for distributions from the Animal Shelter Support Fund may receive funding only for the direct operational costs of the animal shelter following an event described in G.S. 19A-67(b). For purposes of this subsection, direct operational costs shall include veterinary services, sanitation services and needs, animal sustenance and supplies, and temporary housing and sheltering. Counties and cities shall not receive funding for administrative costs or capital expenditures for facilities and equipment, unless those costs are required to comply with the Animal Welfare Act or rules adopted by the Board of Agriculture implementing that Act.
(b) Repealed by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 10.5B, effective July 1, 2021.
(c) Application. – A county or city eligible for a grant from the Animal Shelter Support Fund shall apply to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The application shall be submitted in the form required by the Department and shall include an itemized listing of the costs for which funding is sought.
(d) Repealed by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 10.5B, effective July 1, 2021.
(e) Limitation. – Grants from the Animal Shelter Support Fund are limited to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) per grantee in any fiscal year. (2015-241, s. 13.7(b); 2021-180, s. 10.5B.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 19A - Protection of Animals › Article 5A - Animal Shelter Support Fund. › § 19A-69 - Report.

§ 19A-69. Report.
The Department shall report annually to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources and the Fiscal Research Division no later than March 1. The report shall contain information regarding all revenues and expenditures of the Animal Shelter Support Fund. (2015-241, s. 13.7(b); 2020-78, s. 5.1(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1 - Division of Motor Vehicles. › § 20-1 - Division of Motor Vehicles established.

§ 20-1. Division of Motor Vehicles established.
The Division of Motor Vehicles of the Department of Transportation is established. This Chapter sets out the powers and duties of the Division. (1941, c. 36, s. 1; 1949, c. 1167; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; 1975, c. 716, s. 5; c. 863; 1987, c. 827, s. 2; c. 847, s. 1; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 756, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1 - Division of Motor Vehicles. › § 20-2 - Commissioner of Motor Vehicles; rules.

§ 20-2. Commissioner of Motor Vehicles; rules.
(a) Commissioner and Assistants. – The Division of Motor Vehicles shall be administered by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation. The Commissioner shall be paid an annual salary to be fixed by the Governor and allowed traveling expenses as allowed by law.
In any action, proceeding, or matter of any kind, to which the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles is a party or in which he may have an interest, all pleadings, legal notices, proof of claim, warrants for collection, certificates of tax liability, executions, and other legal documents, may be signed and verified on behalf of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles by the Assistant Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or by any director or assistant director of any section of the Division of Motor Vehicles or by any other agent or employee of the Division so authorized by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
(b) Rules. – The Commissioner may adopt rules to implement this Chapter. Chapter 150B of the General Statutes governs the adoption of rules by the Commissioner. (1941, c. 36, s. 2; 1945, c. 527; 1955, c. 472; 1975, c. 716, s. 5; 1983, c. 717, s. 5; 1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 1034, s. 164; 1991, c. 477, s. 4; 2012-142, s. 25.1(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1 - Division of Motor Vehicles. › § 20-3 - Organization of Division.

§ 20-3. Organization of Division.
The Commissioner, subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, shall organize and administer the Division in such manner as he may deem necessary to conduct the work of the Division. (1941, c. 36, s. 3; 1975, c. 716, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1 - Division of Motor Vehicles. › § 20-3.1 - Purchase of additional airplanes.

§ 20-3.1. Purchase of additional airplanes.
The Division of Motor Vehicles shall not purchase additional airplanes without the express authorization of the General Assembly. (1963, c. 911, s. 1 1/2; 1971, c. 198; 1975, c. 716, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1 - Division of Motor Vehicles. › § 20-4.02 - Quadrennial adjustment of certain fees and rates.

§ 20-4.02. Quadrennial adjustment of certain fees and rates.
(a) Adjustment for Inflation. – Beginning July 1, 2020, and every four years thereafter, the Division shall adjust the fees and rates imposed pursuant to the statutes listed in this subsection for inflation in accordance with the Consumer Price Index computed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The adjustment for per transaction rates in subdivision (8b) of this subsection shall be rounded to the nearest cent and all other adjustments under this subsection shall be rounded to the nearest twenty-five cents (25¢):
(1) G.S. 20-7.
(2) G.S. 20-11.
(3) G.S. 20-14.
(4) G.S. 20-16.
(5) G.S. 20-26.
(6) G.S. 20-37.15.
(7) G.S. 20-37.16.
(8) G.S. 20-42(b).
(8a) G.S. 20-43.1(e1), with respect to the per individual record fee set in that subsection.
(8b) G.S. 20-63(h), with respect to the per transaction rates set in that subsection.
(9) G.S. 20-85(a)(1) through (10).
(10) G.S. 20-85.1.
(11) G.S. 20-87, except for the additional fee set forth in G.S. 20-87(6) for private motorcycles.
(12) G.S. 20-88.
(13) G.S. 20-289.
(14) G.S. 20-385.
(15) G.S. 44A-4(b)(1).
(b) Computation. – In determining the rate of inflation to use when making an adjustment pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Division shall base the rate on the percent change in the annual Consumer Price Index over the preceding four-year period.
(c) Rules. – Chapter 150B of the General Statutes does not apply to the inflation adjustment required by this section.
(d) Consultation and Publication. – At least 90 days prior to making an adjustment pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, and notwithstanding G.S. 12-3.1, the Division shall (i) consult with the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, (ii) provide a report to the chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation and the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Transportation, and (iii) publish notice of the fees that will be in effect in the offices of the Division and on the Division's website. After making the adjustment, the Division shall notify the Revisor of Statutes who shall adjust the amounts in statute.
(e) Effective Date. – Any adjustment to fees or rates under this section applicable to a motor vehicle sold or leased by a motor vehicle dealer, as defined in G.S. 20-286, is only applicable to a motor vehicle sale or lease made on or after the effective date of the fee or rate adjustment regardless of the date of submission of a title and registration application for the motor vehicle to the Division. No adjustment to fees or rates under this section applies to a motor vehicle sale or lease made prior to the effective date of the fee or rate adjustment. (2015-241, s. 29.30(s); 2016-120, s. 1; 2018-42, s. 8; 2021-180, s. 41.26; 2022-68, s. 10(b); 2023-46, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1 - Division of Motor Vehicles. › § 20-4.03 - Administrative hearing fees.

§ 20-4.03. Administrative hearing fees.
(a) Authorization. – The Division is authorized to charge a fee to any person who requests an administrative hearing before the Division in accordance with this Chapter.
(b) Requirements for Requesting a Hearing. – Any request for an administrative hearing before the Division must be in writing and accompanied by the total applicable administrative hearing fee charged by the Division. An administrative hearing shall not be granted by the Division unless the administrative hearing request complies with the requirements of this subsection. Notwithstanding any provision of this Chapter to the contrary, any pending revocation, suspension, civil penalty assessment, or other adverse action shall not be stayed upon receipt of an administrative hearing request unless the request complies with the requirements of this subsection.
(c) Report. – Beginning October 1, 2018, and quarterly thereafter, the Division shall submit a report to the Fiscal Research Division of the General Assembly detailing all of the following for each month of the applicable quarter and for each type of administrative hearing:
(1) The total number of administrative hearings.
(2) The total amount of revenue collected.
(3) The total number of fee waivers granted.
(4) The counties where the administrative hearings were held.
(5) The average amount of time required to conduct an administrative hearing, with the time required of hearing officers and the time required of administrative personnel listed separately. (2017-57, s. 34.32(b); 2017-197, s. 7.3(a); 2018-5, s. 34.23(d).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1 - Division of Motor Vehicles. › § 20-4.04 - Division authority to create electronic systems for renewals.

§ 20-4.04. Division authority to create electronic systems for renewals.
(a) Authorization. – The Division is authorized to establish and maintain electronic systems and means for renewals of all licenses, permits, certificates, and registrations issued by the Division pursuant to this Chapter for the purposes of administrative efficiency and to modernize Division systems and practices. This authorization does not supersede or modify specific renewal authorizations set out in this Chapter.
(b) Reporting Requirement. – By December 31, 2021, and annually thereafter, the Division must report to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee, the Fiscal Research Division, and the Legislative Analysis Division any electronic system or means for renewal that has been implemented or is in the process of being implemented. This report shall also include any proposed legislative recommendations necessary as conforming changes to the General Statutes. (2021-180, s. 41.29(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1A - Reciprocity Agreements as to Registration and Licensing. › § 20-4.1 - Declaration of policy.

§ 20-4.1. Declaration of policy.
It is the policy of this State to promote and encourage the fullest possible use of its highway system by authorizing the making and execution of motor vehicle reciprocal registration agreements, arrangements and declarations with other states, provinces, territories and countries with respect to vehicles registered in this and such other states, provinces, territories and countries thus contributing to the economic and social development and growth of this State. (1961, c. 642, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1A - Reciprocity Agreements as to Registration and Licensing. › § 20-4.2 - Definitions.

§ 20-4.2. Definitions.
As used in this Article:
(1) "Commercial vehicle" means any vehicle which is operated in furtherance of any commercial enterprise.
(2) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of North Carolina.
(3) "Division" means the Division of Motor Vehicles of North Carolina.
(4) "Jurisdiction" means and includes a state, district, territory or possession of the United States, a foreign country and a state or province of a foreign country.
(5) "Properly registered," as applied to place of registration, means:
a. The jurisdiction where the person registering the vehicle has his legal residence, or
b. In the case of a commercial vehicle, including a leased vehicle, the jurisdiction in which it is registered if the commercial enterprise in which such vehicle is used has a place of business therein, and, if the vehicle is most frequently dispatched, garaged, serviced, maintained, operated or otherwise controlled in or from such place of business, and, the vehicle has been assigned to such place of business, or
c. In the case of a commercial vehicle, including leased vehicles, the jurisdiction where, because of an agreement or arrangement between two or more jurisdictions, or pursuant to a declaration, the vehicle has been registered as required by said jurisdiction.
d. In case of doubt or dispute as to the proper place of registration of a vehicle, the Division shall make the final determination, but in making such determination, may confer with departments of the other jurisdictions affected. (1961, c. 642, s. 1; 1975, c. 716, s. 5; 1979, c. 470, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1A - Reciprocity Agreements as to Registration and Licensing. › § 20-4.3 - Commissioner may make reciprocity agreements, arrangements or declarations.

§ 20-4.3. Commissioner may make reciprocity agreements, arrangements or declarations.
The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall have the authority to execute or make agreements, arrangements or declarations to carry out the provisions of this Article. (1961, c. 642, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1A - Reciprocity Agreements as to Registration and Licensing. › § 20-4.4 - Authority for reciprocity agreements; provisions; reciprocity standards.

§ 20-4.4. Authority for reciprocity agreements; provisions; reciprocity standards.
(a) The Commissioner may enter into an agreement or arrangement for interstate or intrastate operations with the duly authorized representatives of another jurisdiction, granting to vehicles or to owners of vehicles which are properly registered or licensed in such jurisdiction and for which evidence of compliance is supplied, benefits, privileges and exemptions from the payment, wholly or partially, of any taxes, fees, or other charges imposed upon such vehicles or owners with respect to the operation or ownership of such vehicles under the laws of this State. Such an agreement or arrangement shall provide that vehicles properly registered or licensed in this State when operated upon highways of such other jurisdiction shall receive exemptions, benefits and privileges of a similar kind or to a similar degree as are extended to vehicles properly registered or licensed in such jurisdiction when operated in this State. Each such agreement or arrangement shall, in the judgment of the Commissioner, be in the best interest of this State and the citizens thereof and shall be fair and equitable to this State and the citizens thereof, and all of the same shall be determined on the basis and recognition of the benefits which accrue to the economy of this State from the uninterrupted flow of commerce.
(b) When the Commissioner enters into a reciprocal registration agreement or arrangement with another jurisdiction which has a motor vehicle tax, license or fee which is not subject to waiver by a reciprocity agreement, the Commissioner is empowered and authorized to provide as a condition of the agreement or arrangement that owners of vehicles licensed in such other jurisdiction shall pay some equalizing tax or fee to the Division. The failure of any owner or operator of a vehicle to pay the taxes or fees provided in the agreement or arrangement shall prohibit them from receiving any benefits therefrom and they shall be required to register their vehicles and pay taxes as if there was no agreement or arrangement. (1961, c. 642, s. 1; 1971, c. 588; 1975, c. 716, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1A - Reciprocity Agreements as to Registration and Licensing. › § 20-4.5 - Base-state registration reciprocity.

§ 20-4.5. Base-state registration reciprocity.
An agreement or arrangement entered into, or a declaration issued under the authority of this Article may contain provisions authorizing the registration or licensing in another jurisdiction of vehicles located in or operated from a base in such other jurisdiction which vehicles otherwise would be required to be registered or licensed in some other state; and in such event the exemptions, benefits and privileges extended by such agreement, arrangement or declaration shall apply to such vehicles, when properly licensed or registered in such base jurisdiction. (1961, c. 642, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1A - Reciprocity Agreements as to Registration and Licensing. › § 20-4.7 - Extension of reciprocal privileges to lessees authorized.

§ 20-4.7. Extension of reciprocal privileges to lessees authorized.
An agreement or arrangement entered into, or a declaration issued under the authority of this Article, may contain provisions under which a leased vehicle properly registered by the lessor thereof may be entitled, subject to terms and conditions stated therein, to the exemptions, benefits and privileges extended by such agreement, arrangement or declaration. (1961, c. 642, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1A - Reciprocity Agreements as to Registration and Licensing. › § 20-4.8 - Automatic reciprocity, when.

§ 20-4.8. Automatic reciprocity, when.
On and after July 1, 1961, if no agreement, arrangement or declaration is in effect with respect to another jurisdiction as authorized by this Article, any vehicle properly registered or licensed in such other jurisdiction and for which evidence of compliance supplied shall receive, when operated in this State, the same exemptions, benefits and privileges granted by such other jurisdiction to vehicles properly registered in this State. Reciprocity extended under this section shall apply to commercial vehicles only when engaged exclusively in interstate operations. (1961, c. 642, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1A - Reciprocity Agreements as to Registration and Licensing. › § 20-4.9 - Suspension of reciprocity benefits.

§ 20-4.9. Suspension of reciprocity benefits.
Agreements, arrangements or declarations made under the authority of this Article may include provisions authorizing the Division to suspend or cancel the exemptions, benefits or privileges granted thereunder to a vehicle which is in violation of any of the conditions or terms of such agreements, arrangements or declarations or is in violation of the laws of this State relating to motor vehicles or rules and regulations lawfully promulgated thereunder. (1961, c. 642, s. 1; 1975, c. 716, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1A - Reciprocity Agreements as to Registration and Licensing. › § 20-4.10 - Agreements to be written, filed and available for distribution.

§ 20-4.10. Agreements to be written, filed and available for distribution.
All agreements, arrangements or declarations or amendments thereto shall be in writing and shall be filed in the office of the Commissioner. Copies thereof shall be made available by the Commissioner upon request and upon payment of a fee therefor in an amount necessary to defray the costs of reproduction thereof. (1961, c. 642, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1A - Reciprocity Agreements as to Registration and Licensing. › § 20-4.11 - Reciprocity agreements in effect at time of Article.

§ 20-4.11. Reciprocity agreements in effect at time of Article.
All reciprocity registration agreements, arrangements and declarations relating to vehicles in force and effect July 1, 1961, shall continue in force and effect until specifically amended or revoked as provided by law or by such agreements or arrangements. (1961, c. 642, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1A - Reciprocity Agreements as to Registration and Licensing. › § 20-4.12 - Article part of and supplemental to motor vehicle registration law.

§ 20-4.12. Article part of and supplemental to motor vehicle registration law.
This Article shall be, and construed as, a part of and supplemental to the motor vehicle registration law of this State. (1961, c. 642, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1B - Reciprocal Provisions as to Arrest of Nonresidents. › § 20-4.18 - Definitions.

§ 20-4.18. Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and phrases, for the purpose of this Article, shall have the following meanings:
(1) Citation. – Any citation, summons, ticket, or other document issued by a law-enforcement officer for the violation of a traffic law, ordinance, rule or regulation.
(2) Collateral or Bond. – Any cash or other security deposited to secure an appearance following a citation by a law-enforcement officer.
(3) Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 667, s. 2.
(4) Nonresident. – A person who holds a license issued by a reciprocating state.
(5) Personal Recognizance. – An agreement by a nonresident to comply with the terms of the citation issued to the nonresident.
(6) Reciprocating State. – Any state or other jurisdiction which extends by its laws to residents of North Carolina substantially the rights and privileges provided by this Article.
(7) State. – The State of North Carolina. (1973, c. 736; 1979, c. 667, s. 2; 1981, c. 508; 1999-452, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1B - Reciprocal Provisions as to Arrest of Nonresidents. › § 20-4.19 - Issuance of citation to nonresident; officer to report noncompliance.

§ 20-4.19. Issuance of citation to nonresident; officer to report noncompliance.
(a) Notwithstanding other provisions of this Chapter, a law-enforcement officer observing a violation of this Chapter or other traffic regulation by a nonresident shall issue a citation as appropriate and shall not, subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, require such nonresident to post collateral or bond to secure appearance for trial, but shall accept such nonresident's personal recognizance; provided, however, that the nonresident shall have the right upon request to post collateral or bond in a manner provided by law and in such case the provisions of this Article shall not apply.
(b) A nonresident may be required to post collateral or bond to secure appearance for trial if the offense is one which would result in the suspension or revocation of a person's license under the laws of this State.
(c) Upon the failure of the nonresident to comply with the citation, the clerk of court shall report the noncompliance to the Division. The report of noncompliance shall clearly identify the nonresident; describe the violation, specifying the section of the statute, code, or ordinance violated; indicate the location and date of offense; and identify the vehicle involved. (1973, c. 736; 1975, c. 716, s. 5; 1991, c. 682, s. 1; 1999-452, s. 7.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1B - Reciprocal Provisions as to Arrest of Nonresidents. › § 20-4.20 - Division to transmit report to reciprocating state; suspension of license for noncompliance with citation issued by reciprocating state.

§ 20-4.20. Division to transmit report to reciprocating state; suspension of license for noncompliance with citation issued by reciprocating state.
(a) Upon receipt of a report of noncompliance, the Division shall transmit a certified copy of such report to the official in charge of the issuance of licenses in the reciprocating state in which the nonresident resides or by which he is licensed.
(b) When the licensing authority of a reciprocating state reports that a person holding a North Carolina license has failed to comply with a citation issued in such state, the Commissioner shall forthwith suspend such person's license. The order of suspension shall indicate the reason for the order, and shall notify the person that his license shall remain suspended until he has furnished evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner that he has complied with the terms of the citation which was the basis for the suspension order by appearing before the tribunal to which he was cited and complying with any order entered by said tribunal.
(c) A copy of any suspension order issued hereunder may be furnished to the licensing authority of the reciprocating state.
(d) The Commissioner shall maintain a current listing of reciprocating states hereunder. Such lists shall from time to time be disseminated among the appropriate departments, divisions, bureaus, and agencies of this State; the principal law-enforcement officers of the several counties, cities, and towns of this State; and the licensing authorities in reciprocating states.
(e) The Commissioner shall have the authority to execute or make agreements, arrangements, or declarations to carry out the provisions of this Article. (1973, c. 736; 1975, c. 716, s. 5; 1979, c. 104.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1C - Drivers License Compact. › § 20-4.22 - Commissioner may make reciprocity agreements, arrangements, or declarations.

§ 20-4.22. Commissioner may make reciprocity agreements, arrangements, or declarations.
The Commissioner may execute or make agreements, arrangements, or declarations to implement this Article. (1993, c. 533, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1C - Drivers License Compact. › § 20-4.23 - Legislative findings and policy.

§ 20-4.23. Legislative findings and policy.
(a) Findings. – The General Assembly and the states that are members of the Drivers License Compact find that:
(1) The safety of their streets and highways is materially affected by the degree of compliance with state laws and local ordinances relating to the operation of motor vehicles.
(2) The violation of a law or an ordinance relating to the operation of a motor vehicle is evidence that the violator engages in conduct that is likely to endanger the safety of persons and property.
(3) The continuance in force of a license to drive is predicated upon compliance with laws and ordinances relating to the operation of motor vehicles in whichever jurisdiction the vehicle is operated.
(b) Policy. – It is the policy of the General Assembly and of each of the states that is a member of the Drivers License Compact to:
(1) Promote compliance with the laws, ordinances, and administrative rules and regulations of a member state relating to the operation of motor vehicles.
(2) Make the reciprocal recognition of licenses to drive and the eligibility for a license to drive more just and equitable by making consideration of overall compliance with motor vehicle laws, ordinances, and administrative rules and regulations a condition precedent to the continuance or issuance of any license that authorizes the holder of the license to operate a motor vehicle in a member state. (1993, c. 533, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1C - Drivers License Compact. › § 20-4.24 - Reports of convictions; effect of reports.

§ 20-4.24. Reports of convictions; effect of reports.
(a) Reports. – A state that is a member of the Drivers License Compact shall report to another member state of the compact a conviction for any of the following:
(1) Manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle.
(2) Driving a motor vehicle while impaired.
(3) A felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle was used.
(4) Failure to stop and render aid in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another.
If the laws of a member state do not describe the listed violations in precisely the words used in this subsection, the member state shall construe the descriptions to apply to offenses of the member state that are substantially similar to the ones described.
A state that is a member of the Drivers License Compact shall report to another member state of the compact a conviction for any other offense or any other information concerning convictions that the member states agree to report.
(b) Effect. – A state that is a member of the Drivers License Compact shall treat a report of a conviction received from another member state of the compact as a report of the conduct that resulted in the conviction. For a conviction required to be reported under subsection (a), a member state shall give the same effect to the report as if the conviction had occurred in that state. For a conviction that is not required to be reported under subsection (a), a member state shall give the effect to the report that is required by the laws of that state. G.S. 20-23 governs the effect in this State of convictions that are not required to be reported under subsection (a). (1993, c. 533, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1C - Drivers License Compact. › § 20-4.25 - Review of license status in other states upon application for license in member state.

§ 20-4.25. Review of license status in other states upon application for license in member state.
Upon application for a license to drive, the licensing authority of a state that is a member of the Drivers License Compact must determine if the applicant has ever held, or currently holds, a license to drive issued by another member state. The licensing authority of the member state where the application is made may not issue the applicant a license to drive if:
(1) The applicant has held a license, but it has been revoked for a violation and the revocation period has not ended. If the revocation period is for more than one year and it has been at least one year since the license was revoked, the licensing authority may allow the applicant to apply for a new license if the laws of the licensing authority's state permit the application.
(2) The applicant currently holds a license to drive issued by another member state and does not surrender that license. (1993, c. 533, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 20 - Motor Vehicles › Article 1C - Drivers License Compact. › § 20-4.26 - Effect on other laws or agreements.

§ 20-4.26. Effect on other laws or agreements.
Except as expressly required by the provisions of this Article, this Article does not affect the right of a member state to the Drivers License Compact to apply any of its other laws relating to licenses to drive to any person or circumstance, nor does it invalidate or prevent any driver license agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a member state and a state that is not a member. (1993, c. 533, s. 1.)