These stories provide important information on how North Carolina motorists can safely and legally navigate local and state roadways, including understanding laws and the rights that guide drivers and pedestrians.
We will explore what motorists can and can’t do while driving and provide recommendations on how to handle various road situations and encounters within the law.
Here’s a recap of our coverage to help you navigate various aspects of driving in North Carolina:
What are the penalties for driving with expired tags in NC?
Although North Carolina allows a grace period up to 15 days for motorists who can’t renew registration tags before they expire, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles charges a late fee of up to $25 on all registration renewals paid after the license plate’s expiration date, the NC DMV website says.
In addition to late fees, driving with expired tags is also a Class 3 misdemeanor. This article provides further guidance on registration requirements, costs and how to contact North Carolina DMV offices for assistance.
— Full story by Charlotte Observer reporter Chyna Blackmon
Can you legally run a red light in North Carolina?
Drivers in North Carolina are required by law to stop at all red lights. However, an automobile driver may turn right on red — but only under certain circumstances.
Motorcyclists have slightly different rules, The Charlotte Observer reported. If a rider waits at a red light for at least three minutes and it doesn’t change, state law says they can proceed through the light carefully if no other drivers are approaching the intersection. This is because traffic signal sensors don’t always recognize motorcycles.
This article details what drivers should do at red lights under certain scenarios, including during emergencies, and the penalties for violations if they occur.
— Full story by News & Observer reporter Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska.
Is it legal for drivers to pass bike riders on the road in NC?
North Carolina law indicates that drivers can maneuver past “slower moving vehicles,” including bicycles.
According to state law, drivers can pass “slower moving vehicles,” including bikes, under certain conditions. In this article , find out under what situations the law applies, whether bicyclists can pass vehicles, and if there are penalties for illegal passing on streets and roads.
– Full story by Charlotte Observer reporter Evan Moore
Are NC drivers required to pull over for funeral processions?
North Carolina law allows drivers who are traveling in the opposite direction of a funeral procession to pull over, but it’s not required.
The law also prohibits drivers traveling in the same direction from passing or attempting to pass a funeral procession.
In this article , find out more about what actions are prohibited during funeral processions, what drivers participating in them should do, what to do at traffic stops and even how emergency vehicles should handle those situations.
– Full story by Charlotte Observer reporter Evan Moore
Brake checking another vehicle could land you in jail
Some drivers have bouts of road rage and take their traffic frustrations out on other motorists — by tailgating, brake-checking, or by slamming on the brakes in an attempt to startle the driver behind them. According to North Carolina law, those acts are illegal and can land you in jail.
The Charlotte Observer contacted legal experts for this article to explain the possible ramifications for motorists who drive recklessly on the road and engage in behavior like brake checking. Additionally, the article details how drivers should react if someone is tailgating them.
— Full story by Charlotte Observer reporter Evan Moore
Who has the right-of-way at yield and stop signs in NC?
Learn about the rules North Carolina drivers must follow when approaching four-way or three-way stops:
Who has the right-of-way at intersections?
What should you do if different drivers approach a stop sign at the same time?
What are the violations for failing to yield?
This story has all the answers for automobile drivers and cyclists approaching a four-way stop.
— Full story by Charlotte Observer reporter Evan Moore
More North Carolina road laws and rules
This story was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. This content was edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here .
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