Can you use your phone at a red light in NC? What state law says about texting & calling
Texting and calling while on the road are considered forms of distracted driving, and both could have deadly consequences.
Distracted driving, or driving while focusing your attention on anything else but the road, is one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving resulted in 3,308 deaths in 2022, while 289,310 were injured.
It may seem like a good idea to wait until your stopped at a red light to answer a call or respond to a text. But is it legal in North Carolina? Here’s what to know.
Can you use your phone at a red light in NC?
In North Carolina, it is legal for adults to talk on the phone while driving, according to Charlotte-based law firm Browning & Long.
However, it is illegal for adults to send or read text messages while driving, regardless of where they are on the road, according to state law.
Texting and driving is also illegal for commercial vehicle drivers, but there are a few exceptions:
The operator of the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped
The operator is a law enforcement officer, a fire department member, or an ambulance driver performing official duties.
The operator uses a factory-installed or aftermarket GPS to receive data as part of a digital dispatch system.
The operator is using voice-operated technology.
State law says it is against the law for people under 18 to use any mobile device while driving, including cell phones. The only exceptions to the rule are if the person communicates with a first responder in an emergency or with a parent or guardian.
What is the penalty for texting while driving in NC?
According to state law, adults in North Carolina who are caught texting while driving can be fined $100, but the violation does not result in points added to a driver’s license or increased auto insurance rates.
State law says Those under 18 who violate the texting and driving law could face a $25 fine.
This story was originally published July 12, 2024 at 6:30 AM with the headline "Can you use your phone at a red light in NC? What state law says about texting & calling."
