Traffic Violations

What is the Move-Over Law in North Carolina?

Published on: July 8, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Our roads and highways are busier than ever. Thousands of vehicles travel in North Carolina every day. Often, emergencies require vehicles to pull to the side of the road. Police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, repair vehicles, utility trucks, and others are often working along the shoulder. The law requires motorists to move over or slow down when they approach emergency vehicles on the side of the road. This is called the move-over law.

Move Over Law in North Carolina

The move over law in North Carolina (G.S. 20-157) requires vehicles to move over when they see an emergency vehicle on the shoulder. Specifically, the law states that a driver must “move the vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest to the parked or standing authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear…”.

Distracted Driving FAQ

Published on: April 1, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Distracted Driving FAQ

With almost 10 million registered vehicles in North Carolina, it is no surprise that the roads are becoming more and more crowded. At the same time, technology continues to improve, allowing access to cell phones, GPS, and more, even when we are behind the wheel. Distractions while driving are common, and there are laws in place to protect road safety. Law enforcement may issue a ticket for someone who is driving while distracted.

What is Distracted Driving?

What are Super Speeder Laws in North Carolina?

Published on: March 25, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are Super Speeder Laws in North Carolina?

Almost everyone drives over the speed limit from time to time. Driving just a few miles per hour over the limit is usually not much of a problem. Speeding can take on a different and more dangerous problem when a vehicle is driving more than 15 mph above the limit. Most states have laws in place to address super speeders. North Carolina does have legislation in place that applies to those who are driving at excessive speeds.

What is “Super Speeding”?

Moving Violation Strategies

Published on: March 11, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Moving Violation Strategies

Almost everyone has received a moving violation at some time or another. Generally, tickets are issued for minor violations, although in some cases, the violations are serious. The rules of the road are in place to protect drivers and provide safety on our roads. When a driver violates a traffic law, they could receive a ticket. If you have too many tickets or a ticket for a serious offense, it could impact your license and may even result in higher vehicle insurance costs.

Don’t Pay the Ticket

What Traffic Infractions Result In Criminal Charges?

Published on: February 25, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Traffic Infractions Result In Criminal Charges?

Driving requires you to adhere to the rules of the road. Laws are in place to ensure the safety of all vehicles. Most traffic infractions are minor in nature, and if you are in violation, you could receive a ticket. If you get too many tickets, you could face some consequences, such as the suspension of your driving privileges. However, some violations are considered so egregious that there are also potential criminal charges if you disobey them.

Hit and Run

Vehicle Registration Violations in North Carolina

Published on: January 28, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Vehicle Registration Violations in North Carolina

North Carolina, like other states, requires all vehicle owners to properly register their vehicles. Every vehicle that travels on public roadways must have a current registration. In order to register a vehicle you must meet specific criteria. Vehicle registration is a sticker tag that is affixed to the rear license plate. The failure to display a current vehicle registration sticker could result in penalties. Generally, these violations are minor but in some circumstances, they could actually turn into a misdemeanor criminal violation.

Vehicle Registration Guidelines

Q and A: Reckless Driving in North Carolina

Published on: September 24, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Q and A: Reckless Driving in North Carolina

What is the Definition of Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving is driving any vehicle on a highway or other public vehicular area “carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights and safety of others”. It simply means that a driver was operating their vehicle in an unsafe manner or in a dangerous way. Reckless driving also applies to commercial vehicles carrying loads in an unsafe or dangerous manner. Typically, reckless driving is due to speeding, although it may apply to any situation in which a driver endangers others.

How Speed Limits are Determined May Change

Published on: August 27, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Speed Limits are Determined May Change

Speeding is one of the most common causes or contributing factors to vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost a third of fatal crashes are due to speeding. Driving too fast can result in losing control of a vehicle and puts other drivers and pedestrians at risk. Most roads and highways have posted speed limits. Speed limits are designed to allow drivers to travel safely on roadways. However, the method used to set speed limits may soon be considered obsolete.

What is the 85th Percentile Rule?

North Carolina Campaign Cracks Down on Speeders

Published on: July 30, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

North Carolina Campaign Cracks Down on Speeders

Speeding is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents. Driving too quickly can endanger the driver, passengers, and other vehicles on the roads. Speed is a factor in many accidents that result in injuries or fatalities. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there were almost 400 deaths and thousands of injuries that were attributed to speeding last year. These accidents, injuries, and deaths are preventable. A new campaign is in place to crack down on North Carolina speeders.

https://youtu.be/mcoAB8pDGRY?si=PF9iPPsUwV6YH1Ys

What are Speed Limiting Devices?

Published on: April 2, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are Speed Limiting Devices?

Speeding is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about one-third of all traffic fatalities are related to speeding. Speeding is not only considered a traffic violation, but in some cases, it can also be a criminal act. Reckless driving, for example, is a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina. Some states are contemplating whether to require speed-limiting devices as a penalty for certain types of speeding violations. What are these devices, and how will they be used?

https://youtu.be/9b45-sclhew