You’re cruising down a North Carolina backroad, the Blue Ridge Mountains painting the perfect backdrop. A text comes through. A quick glance won’t hurt, right? Before you know it, you're on the wrong side of the road, your heart racing as you narrowly miss an oncoming car. It’s a chilling reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.
Distracted driving, particularly texting and driving, is a growing problem across the country, and North Carolina is no exception. The laws here aim to curb these risky behaviors and keep roads safe. Let’s explore what the law says, the penalties you could face, and, most importantly, why compliance is about saving lives and not just avoiding fines.
The letter of the law
North Carolina’s laws regarding texting and driving differ depending on who’s behind the wheel. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- For everyone: It’s illegal for any driver to text or email while driving. Period. This is governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-137.4A. While hands-free devices are allowed, the law is clear that your focus should be on the road and not your screen.
- Penalty: A $100 fine plus court costs.
- Drivers under 18: If you’re under 18, the law is even stricter. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-137.3 prohibits using any mobile phone while driving unless you’re in an emergency or calling a parent or guardian. This is because for teenagers are more susceptible to distraction behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting while driving increases a teen’s risk of an accident by 23 times.
- Penalty: A $25 fine, with no court costs or insurance penalties.
- School bus drivers: Driving a bus full of children requires undivided attention. Subsection (c) of § 20-137.4 makes it illegal for school bus drivers to use a mobile phone while the bus is in motion.
- Penalty: A Class 2 misdemeanor and a $100 fine.
- Commercial drivers: Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-137.4A, commercial motor vehicle operators can only use hands-free devices. Federal law, however, is stricter on commercial drivers. Under 49 C.F.R. § 392.80, texting while driving is strictly prohibited.
- Penalty: A civil penalty for the first offense, a 60-day disqualification for the second offense, and a 120-day disqualification for the third or subsequent offenses (see 49 C.F.R. § 391.15).
The human cost
As an example, let’s say a young woman is driving to her college campus in Raleigh. She glances at her phone for what feels like a fraction of a second. In that moment, she doesn’t see the car in front of her slam on its brakes. The crash is minor, but the regret lasts forever.
Data from the NHTSA shows that taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. Further statistics from the CDC show that roughly 3,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers each year. Distracted driving includes acts beyond just texting, like talking on a cell phone or eating.
More than a legal issue
Sure, the fines and penalties might seem manageable, but the consequences of distracted driving go far beyond the legal ramifications.
- No points? No problem? It’s true that many violations don’t result in license points or insurance surcharges. But what’s a clean record worth if a split-second mistake changes, or even ends, someone’s life?
- Your loved ones deserve better: Imagine being the reason someone never makes it home. It’s a harsh reality that no family should have to face.
Breaking the habit
If you’ve found yourself tempted to text while driving, you’re not alone. Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Use “Do Not Disturb”: Most smartphones have features that block notifications while driving.
- Pull over: If it can’t wait, find a safe spot to stop before reaching for your phone.
We’re here to help
At Jetton & Meredith, we understand that accidents happen, and sometimes even the most cautious drivers find themselves in tough situations. With extensive experience in traffic law and personal injury cases, we know how to navigate North Carolina’s legal landscape to get the best possible outcome for our clients. Give us a call today.