Except for novice drivers and school bus drivers, there is no prohibition on cell phone use while driving in North Carolina. However, all North Carolina drivers are prohibited from texting.
Cell Phone Use
There is no handheld cell phone prohibition for drivers except that school bus drivers and novice drivers in North Carolina - drivers under the age of 18 with provisional licenses – are prohibited from using cell phones (handheld or hands-free) while driving.
Texting
All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving.
Bus Drivers
School bus drivers are prohibited from from using any cell phone (handheld or hands-free) while driving with children in bus. And, as with all drivers, they are prohibited from texting while driving.
How is it Enforced?
North Carolina’s text messaging and cell phone laws are considered “primary” laws. A primary law means that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to witness some other violation. That is, the officer sees you texting and issues a citation. Iowa’s texting law is a secondary law.
Read more about North Carolina’s distracted driving laws.
Information on North Carolina's Teen Cell-Phone Law.
Information on North Carolina's School Bus Driver Cell-Phone Law.
Other North Carolina Information on this Website
North Carolina Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties & Fines
Teen Driving Laws & Insurance Requirements in North Carolina
