New Traffic Laws

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There are several new laws  being considered this legislative session that will affect drivers.  Below are a few of interest.

Ramp meter violation created.

This session law contains several changes

involving the state Department of Transportation. Of direct relevan

ce to criminal law, section 10

amends G.S. 20-4.01 to define “ramp meter” as a traffic control device that consists of a circular red

and circular green display placed at a point along an interchange entrance ramp. New G.S. 20-158(c)(6), effective for offe

nses committed on or after December 1, 2014, provides that when a

ramp meter is displaying a circular red display, vehicles facing the red light must stop. When displaying green, a vehicle may proceed for each lane of traffic facing the meter. When the display is dark or not red or green, a vehicle may proceed without stopping. A violation of the subdivision is an infraction without assessment of driver’s license points or insurance surcharge.

Texting While Driving:

The Legislature is considering changing Texting While Driving from having no points to a "Serious Infraction" that will carry both driving points and insurance points.

Mopeds:

Currently, Mopeds are not required to be registered if they have fewer than 50 CCs.  Under the proposed law, all mopeds will be required to be registered thereby causing the owner to pay registration fees and property taxed on a yearly bases.  In addition, they will also have to be inspected each year.