State of North Carolina
Department of Transportation
Division of Motor Vehicles

On behalf of Governor Michael F. Easley and all of us at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, I thank you for your interest in learning about North Carolina motor vehicle laws. Whether you are preparing for a license examination or simply wish to know more about traffic laws, you will find this handbook helpful.

Your safety, and that of your family and the motoring public, requires that all drivers be aware of North Carolina legal and safety rules, including vehicle liability insurance coverage and maintaining a valid operator’s license with a current address.

We have thousands of miles of highways and roads in North Carolina, and nearly 7 million drivers resulting in over 225,000 crashes and 1,500 traffic deaths per year. We must do better to keep our citizens safe in their travels. Your safe driving will help.

The information in this booklet is vital to safe vehicle operation. Every driver should be aware of it. Compliance with these laws will allow each of us to continue to enjoy the privilege of driving in this beautiful state.

Remember, seat belts are required to be worn by every person in the car; speed kills, and drinking and driving do not mix.

If you need additional information not found in this handbook, please visit us on the Web at www.ncdot.org/dmv, or contact the nearest driver license office for assistance.

Enjoy North Carolina and be safe!

Best regards,

William C. Gore, Jr.