Using a mobile phone while driving in North Carolina (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: North Carolina bans manually entering text and reading email or text messages on a mobile phone while driving; voice calls and voice-operated technology are not banned. The fine is USD 100 plus court costs, with no licence points. Drivers under 18 may not use a mobile phone at all while moving, hands-free included, except to call a parent, guardian or spouse or in an emergency.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | No [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $100.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 0 points [1] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Manually entering letters or text to communicate, or reading an email or text message, on a mobile phone is banned while driving. Voice-operated technology and lawfully parked or stopped vehicles are exempt. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 may not use a mobile phone, including a hands-free phone, or related technology while the vehicle is moving. Calls to a parent, legal guardian or spouse and emergency calls are allowed; the fine is USD 25. [2] |
Notes
- The ban covers manually entering multiple letters or text and reading email or text messages while operating a vehicle. It does not apply to a vehicle lawfully parked or stopped. Rules for drivers under 18 (G.S. 20-137.4) were not checked.
- Voice-operated technology is excepted from the ban. Voice calls are not otherwise restricted by this section.
- The offence is an infraction with a fine of USD 100 and the costs of court. In a school bus it is a Class 2 misdemeanour with a fine of not less than USD 100.
- The statute says no driver's licence points or insurance surcharge are assessed for a violation.
Sources
- North Carolina General Assembly: § 20-137.4A. Unlawful use of mobile telephone for text messaging or email (Internet Archive snapshot of 2 October 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- North Carolina General Assembly: § 20-137.3. Unlawful use of a mobile phone by persons under 18 years of age (Internet Archive snapshot of 10 March 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
North Carolina and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | No (texting/email banned) | Calls not restricted | USD 100 plus court costs | No points |
| Georgia | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1 point |
| South Carolina | Banned | Allowed | USD 100 | None (2 on repeat) |
| Tennessee | Banned | Allowed | USD 50 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Virginia | Banned | Allowed | USD 125 | 3 demerit points |
More rules in North Carolina
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Illegal; criminal misdemeanour · Growing at home: Prohibited (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 35 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Level 2 limited provisional) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (limited learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle, one class
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers and novelties only) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (sparklers and novelties only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Ordinary closed pocket knife exempt · Locking or one-handed knives: Spring-opened knives are not "ordinary pocket knives"
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (all alcohol) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (all alcohol)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.