What is the North Carolina law on texting and driving? | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Section 20-137.4A of the North Carolina General Statutes makes it illegal for a driver to manually enter multiple letters or text into a mobile device while moving along a public road or highway. The statute also makes reading emails and texts while driving illegal.

The state does not prohibit the use of hands-free technology behind the wheel. It also provides exceptions to the texting while driving prohibitions for police, firefighters and ambulance drivers who are carrying out their official duties.

Violations of the texting while driving law is a primary offense, meaning police can pull over and ticket drivers just for using a smartphone. The penalty is a $100 fine and court costs.

EJL