Texting while driving is a dangerous activity, leading to thousands of crashes yearly in North Carolina. Local news reports suggest that distracted driving behaviors like texting while driving cause more traffic accidents in the state than speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol combined.
Texting while driving is perhaps the most dangerous driving distraction because it takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task at hand.
According to state law, texting while driving is illegal in North Carolina for all drivers, regardless of age. The law specifically prohibits drivers from manually entering or reading text messages or emails on their phones while driving. However, state law has exceptions for using voice-operated technology, hands-free devices, or GPS apps while driving.
How Does North Carolina Enforce Distracted Driving Laws?
In North Carolina, texting while driving is a primary offense, which means a police officer can stop and ticket a driver for this violation without needing any other reason for the traffic stop. If an officer observes someone breaking North Carolina’s texting while driving law, they can immediately pull the driver over. That differs from secondary enforcement, which requires an officer to witness another violation, like speeding, before they can cite someone for the secondary issue.
North Carolina has not enacted a comprehensive hands-free law that prohibits non-texting handheld device use while driving. However, proposed legislation, such as Senate Bill 15, aims to ban all use of handheld communication devices while driving. This bill suggests fines ranging from $100 to $200 and points against the driver’s license for repeat offenders. However, it wasn’t passed in a recent Senate session.
What Are the Fines for Distracted Driving in North Carolina?
If caught texting while driving, North Carolina drivers must pay a $100 fine plus court costs. Drivers under 18 caught using mobile phones while driving are subject to $25 fines. School bus drivers who violate North Carolina’s texting while driving laws face stricter penalties, including a minimum $100 fine and a Class 2 misdemeanor charge. Currently, violations of NC cell phone driving laws do not add points to a driving record or raise insurance rates.
Know Your Rights and Stay Safe on North Carolina Roads
North Carolina laws prohibit texting while driving, and specific rules apply to younger drivers and school bus operators. Knowing these restrictions can help you avoid fines, reduce the risk of distracted driving accidents, and save lives.
You can keep yourself and others safe by pulling over to a safe location before texting or making calls from the car. If you must talk on the phone while driving, use a hands-free mobile device. Avoid behaviors like scrolling through social media or reading emails while driving, as they endanger everyone on the road.
If you sustained injuries in an accident involving a distracted driver, remember you have legal rights. Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group, P.A., is ready to explore your legal options. Our team offers free consultations to discuss your case, and we will work tirelessly to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one have been hurt in an accident, we invite you to contact us today to take the first step in protecting your rights. Call us at 919-401-4100 as soon as possible.
