GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of North Carolina. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
| Increased Penalty for High BAC | Administrative License Suspension on First Offense | Limited Driving Privileges During Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| .15 | 30 days | After 10 days |
Mandatory for high BAC (.15 or higher) and repeat convictions
| Open Container Laws | Repeat Offender Laws |
|---|---|
| Yes | Yes |
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
7 yrs or under and under 80 lbs must be properly secured in a weight-appropriate child restraint
Under 5 and less than 40 lbs must be in the back seat (some exceptions apply)
8 and older or 80 or more lbs may be properly secured with an adult seat belt
If no lap & shoulder belt is available for booster-age children, children at least 40 lbs may use a lap belt only (no child restraint).
No
Yes. Primary law.
Drivers under 18. Primary law.
All drivers. Primary law.
8 years
66 and over: renewal every 5 years
60 and over: parallel parking not required on road test
Universal helmet law enacted 1968.
Primary; Secondary for rear seat occupants
16 and over
All
No state law or programs
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Specified jurisdictions
| Cars (MPH) | Trucks (MPH) |
|---|---|
| 70 | 70 |
| Cars (MPH) | Trucks (MPH) |
|---|---|
| 70 | 70 |
| Cars (MPH) | Trucks (MPH) |
|---|---|
| 70 | 70 |
16 years, 6 months
|
Minimum Age (Years/Months) |
Minimum Duration (Months) |
Required Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 6 |
60 (10) during Learner Stage 2 (6) during Intermediate Stage |
|
Minimum Age (Years/Months) |
Nighttime Driving Restriction |
Passenger Restriction (except family, unless noted) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 9 p.m. - 5 a.m. | No more than 1 under 21; if passenger under 21 is family, no other non-family passengers under 21 |
