SL 2016-90 (HB 959)

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2015

SESSION LAW 2016-90

HOUSE BILL 959

AN ACT to make various changes to the transportation laws of the state, as recommended by the joint legislative transportation oversight committee.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

PART I. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS

SMALL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS/LOCAL CONSULTATION

SECTION 1. G.S. 136‑11.1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 136‑11.1. Local consultation on transportation projects.

Prior to any action of the Board on a transportation project, the Department shall inform all municipalities and counties affected by a planned transportation project and request each affected municipality or county to submit within 45 days a written resolution expressing their views on the project. A municipality or county may designate a Transportation Advisory Committee to submit its response to the Department's request for a resolution. Upon receipt of a written resolution from all affected municipalities and counties or their designees, or the expiration of the 45‑day period, whichever occurs first, the Board may take action. The Department and the Board shall consider, but shall not be bound by, the views of the affected municipalities and counties on each transportation project. The failure of a county or municipality to express its views within the time provided shall not prevent the Department or the Board from taking action. The Department shall not be required to send notice under this section if it has already received a written resolution from the affected county or municipality on the planned transportation project. "Action of the Board", as used in this section, means approval by the Board of: the Transportation Improvement Program and amendments to the Transportation Improvement Program; the Secondary Roads Paving Program and amendments to the Secondary Roads Paving Program; and individual applications for access and public service road projects, contingency projects, small urban projects, and spot safety projects that exceed ~~one~~ two hundred fifty thousand dollars ~~($150,000).~~ ($250,000). The 45‑day notification provision may be waived upon a finding by the Secretary of Transportation that emergency action is required. Such findings must be reported to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee."

BROADBAND AND FIBER OPTIC IN DOT RIGHT‑OF‑WAY/STUDY FEES

SECTION 2.(a) G.S. 136‑18(2) reads as rewritten:

"§ 136‑18. Powers of Department of Transportation.

The said Department of Transportation is vested with the following powers:

...

(2) Related to right‑of‑way:

a. To take over and assume exclusive control for the benefit of the State of any existing county or township ~~roads, and to~~ roads.

b. To locate and acquire rights‑of‑way for any new roads that may be necessary for a State highway ~~system, and subject~~ system.

c. Subject to the provisions of G.S. 136‑19.5(a) and ~~(b) also~~ (b), to use existing rights‑of‑way, or locate and acquire such additional ~~rights‑of‑way~~ rights‑of‑way, as may be necessary for the present or future relocation or initial location, above or below ground, ~~of telephone,~~ of:

1. Telephone, telegraph, distributed antenna systems (DAS), broadband communications, electric and other lines, as well as gas, water, sewerage, oil and other pipelines, to be operated by public utilities as defined in G.S. 62‑3(23) and which are regulated under Chapter 62 of the General Statutes, or by municipalities, counties, any entity created by one or more political subdivisions for the purpose of supplying any such utility services, electric membership corporations, telephone membership corporations, or any combination ~~thereof, with~~ thereof; and

2. Nonutility owned or operated communications or data transmission infrastructure.

The Department retains full power to widen, relocate, change or alter the grade or location thereof, or alter the location or configuration of such lines or systems above or below ~~ground, and to~~ ground. No agreement for use of Department right‑of‑way under this sub‑subdivision shall abrogate the Department's ownership and control of the right‑of‑way. The Department is authorized to adopt policies and rules necessary to implement the provisions of this sub‑subdivision.

d. To change or relocate any existing roads that the Department of Transportation may now own or may ~~acquire; to~~ acquire.

e. To acquire by gift, purchase, or otherwise, any road or highway, or tract of land or other property whatsoever that may be necessary for a State transportation system and adjacent utility ~~rights‑of‑way:~~ rights‑of‑way.

f. Provided, all changes or alterations authorized by this subdivision shall be subject to the provisions of G.S. 136‑54 to 136‑63, to the extent that said sections are ~~applicable:~~ applicable.

e. Provided, that nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to authorize or permit the Department of Transportation to allow or pay anything to any county, township, city or town, or to any board of commissioners or governing body thereof, for any existing road or part of any road heretofore constructed by any such county, township, city or town, unless a contract has already been entered into with the Department of Transportation."

SECTION 2.(b) The Department of Transportation shall study the issue of administrative fees for encroachments pursuant to G.S. 136‑18(2)c. The Department shall report its findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee on or before December 1, 2016.

SECTION 2.(c) This section is effective when it becomes law.

weight limits APPLICABLE to metal commodities, CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, and STeel coils and extending certain federal weight EXCEPTIONS to the state's highways

SECTION 2.1.(a) G.S. 20‑118(c) is amended by adding the following new subdivisions to read:

"(18) Subsections (b) and (e) of this section do not apply to a vehicle or vehicle combination that meets all of the conditions set out below:

a. Is transporting metal commodities or construction equipment.

b. Does not operate on an interstate highway, a posted light traffic road, or exceed any posted bridge weight limit.

c. Does not exceed a single‑axle weight of 22,000 pounds, a tandem‑axle weight of 42,000 pounds, or a gross weight of 90,000 pounds.

(19) Any additional weight allowance authorized by 23 U.S.C. § 127, and applicable to all interstate highways, shall also apply to all State roads, unless the road is a posted road or posted bridge, or unless specifically prohibited by State law or a Department ordinance applicable to a specific road."

SECTION 2.1.(b) G.S. 20‑119 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"(i) One, two, or three steel coils, transported on the same vehicle, shall be considered a nondivisible load for purposes of permit issuance pursuant to this section."

SECTION 2.1.(c) This section becomes effective October 1, 2016.

DELAY SUNSET FOR SIX MONTHS ON DOT PARTNERSHIPS WITH PRIVATE DEVELOPERS

SECTION 2.3. Section 2 of S.L. 2009‑235, as amended by Section 7 of S.L. 2014‑58, reads as rewritten:

"SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law. This act shall expire on ~~December 31, 2016.~~July 1, 2017."

PART II. north carolina turnpike authority

ALLOW ELECTRONIC BILLING FOR TOLLS

SECTION 3. G.S. 136‑89.214(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a) Bill. – If a motor vehicle travels on a Turnpike project that uses an open road tolling system and a toll for traveling on the project is not paid prior to travel or at the time of travel, the Authority must send a bill by first‑class mail to the registered owner of the motor vehicle or the person who had care, custody, and control of the vehicle as established under G.S. 136‑89.212(b) for the amount of the unpaid ~~toll~~ toll; provided, however, that with the written consent of the registered owner of the motor vehicle or the person who had care, custody, and control of the vehicle as set forth above, the Authority may send the bill via electronic mail to a designated electronic mail account rather than by first‑class mail. The Authority must send the bill within 90 days after the travel occurs, or within 90 days of receipt of a sworn affidavit submitted under G.S. 136‑89.212(b) identifying the person who had care, custody, and control of the motor vehicle. If a bill is not sent within the required time, the Authority waives collection of the toll. The Authority must establish a billing period for unpaid open road tolls that is no shorter than 15 days. A bill for a billing period must include all unpaid tolls incurred by the same person during the billing period."

TURNPIKE AUTHORITY REPORT ON ONE‑TIME FACILITY USER FEES AND PENALTIES

SECTION 3.1. The North Carolina Turnpike Authority shall report to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee on January 31, 2017, and in its annual report thereafter, the number of one‑time toll facility users who are charged more than fifty dollars ($50.00) in processing fees imposed under G.S. 136‑89.215 and civil penalties assessed under G.S. 136‑89.216. With the first report on such users, the Turnpike Authority shall propose statutory changes to Part 2 of Article 6H of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes that are expected to have the aggregate effect of improving efficiency or reducing costs in collecting tolls while significantly reducing the possibility one‑time users are charged more than fifty dollars ($50.00) in processing fees imposed under G.S. 136‑89.215 and civil penalties assessed under G.S. 136‑89.216.

REPEAL NCTA SEMIANNUAL REPORTS TO JLTOC

SECTION 4. G.S. 136‑89.193(c) is repealed.

PART III. DIVISION OF BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN TRANSPORTATION

REPEAL REQUIREMENT TO MAINTAIN OFF‑ROAD CYCLING RECORDS

SECTION 5. G.S. 143B‑135.100 reads as rewritten:

"§ 143B‑135.100. Use of State land for bicycling; creation of trails by volunteers.

...

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, any land may be restricted or removed from use by bicyclists if it is determined by the State, an agency of the State, or the holder of land purchased or leased with State funds that the use would cause substantial harm to the land or the environment or that the use would violate another State or federal law. Before restricting or removing land from use by bicyclists, the State, the agency of the State, or the holder of the land purchased or leased with State funds must show why the lands should not be open for use by bicyclists. Local cycling groups or organizations shall be notified of the intent to restrict or remove the land from use by bicyclists and provided an opportunity to show why cycling should be allowed on the land. Notice of any land restricted or removed from use by bicyclists pursuant to this subsection shall be filed with the Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation of the Department of Transportation.

~~(c)~~ The Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation of the Department of Transportation shall keep a record of all lands made open and available for use by bicyclists pursuant to this section and shall make the information available to the public upon request.

...

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any hiking, walking, or use of bicycles on game lands administered by the Wildlife Resources Commission shall be restricted to roads and trails designated for vehicular use. Hiking, walking, or bicycle use by persons not hunting shall be restricted to days closed to hunting. The Wildlife Resources Commission may restrict the use of bicycles on game lands where necessary to protect sensitive wildlife habitat or ~~species and shall file notice of any restrictions with the Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation of the Department of Transportation.~~species."

BICYCLE MUST HAVE RED REAR LIGHT OR OPERATOR MUST WEAR REFLECTIVE VEST WHEN OPERATED AT NIGHT

SECTION 5.1.(a) G.S. 20‑129(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e) Lamps on Bicycles. – Every bicycle shall be equipped with a reflex mirror on the rear and both of the following when operated at night on any public street, public vehicular area, or public greenway:

(1) A lighted lamp on the front thereof, visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of at least 300 feet in front of such ~~bicycle, and shall also be equipped with a reflex mirror or~~ bicycle.

(2) A lamp on the rear, exhibiting a red light visible under like conditions from a distance of at least ~~200~~ 300 feet to the rear of such bicycle, ~~when used at night.~~or the operator must wear clothing or a vest that is bright and visible from a distance of at least 300 feet to the rear of the bicycle."

SECTION 5.1.(b) This section becomes effective December 1, 2016, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

BICYCLE SAFETY LAW REVISIONS

SECTION 5.5.(a) G.S. 20‑150(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e) The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass another on any portion of the highway which is marked by signs, markers or markings placed by the Department of Transportation stating or clearly indicating that passing should not be attempted. The prohibition in this section shall not apply when the overtaking and passing is done in accordance with all of the following:

(1) The slower moving vehicle to be passed is a bicycle or a moped.

(2) The slower moving vehicle is proceeding in the same direction as the faster moving vehicle.

(3) The driver of the faster moving vehicle either (i) provides a minimum of four feet between the faster moving vehicle and the slower moving vehicle or (ii) completely enters the left lane of the highway.

(4) The operator of the slower moving vehicle is not (i) making a left turn or (ii) signaling in accordance with G.S. 20‑154 that he or she intends to make a left turn.

(5) The driver of the faster moving vehicle complies with all other applicable requirements set forth in this section."

SECTION 5.5.(b) G.S. 20‑149(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a) The driver of any such vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at least two feet to the left thereof, and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until safely clear of such overtaken vehicle. This subsection shall not apply when the overtaking and passing is done pursuant to the provisions of ~~G.S. 20‑150.1.~~G.S. 20‑150(e) or G.S. 20‑150.1."

SECTION 5.5.(c) G.S. 20‑154 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑154. Signals on starting, stopping or turning.

...

(a1) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section and causes a motorcycle or bicycle operator to change travel lanes or leave that portion of any public street or highway designated as travel lanes shall be responsible for an infraction and shall be assessed a fine of not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00). A person who violates subsection (a) of this section that results in a crash causing property damage or personal injury to a motorcycle or bicycle operator or passenger shall be responsible for an infraction and shall be assessed a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) unless subsection (a2) of this section applies.

(a2) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section and the violation results in a crash causing property damage in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or a serious bodily injury as defined in G.S. 20‑160.1(b) to a motorcycle or bicycle operator or passenger shall be responsible for an infraction and shall be assessed a fine of not less than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00). A violation of this subsection shall be treated as a failure to yield right‑of‑way to a motorcycle or bicycle, as applicable, for purposes of assessment of points under G.S. 20‑16(c). In addition, the trial judge shall have the authority to order the license of any driver violating this subsection suspended for a period not to exceed 30 days. If a judge orders suspension of a person's drivers license pursuant to this subsection, the judge may allow the licensee a limited driving privilege for a period not to exceed the period of suspension. The limited driving privilege shall be issued in the same manner and under the terms and conditions prescribed in G.S. 20‑16.1(b)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and G.S. 20‑16.1(g).

(b) The signal herein required shall be given by means of the hand and arm in the manner herein specified, or by any mechanical or electrical signal device approved by the Division, except that when a vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent the hand and arm signal from being visible, both to the front and rear, the signal shall be given by a device of a type which has been approved by the Division.

~~Whenever~~ Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b1) of this section, whenever the signal is given the driver shall indicate his intention to start, stop, or turn by extending the hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle as hereinafter set forth.

Left turn – hand and arm horizontal, forefinger pointing.

Right turn – ~~hand and~~ upper arm horizontal, forearm and hand pointed upward.

Stop – ~~hand and arm~~ upper arm horizontal, forearm and hand pointed downward.

All hand and arm signals shall be given from the left side of the vehicle and all signals shall be maintained or given continuously for the last 100 feet traveled prior to stopping or making a turn. Provided, that in all areas where the speed limit is 45 miles per hour or higher and the operator intends to turn from a direct line of travel, a signal of intention to turn from a direct line of travel shall be given continuously during the last 200 feet traveled before turning.

Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and required signal shall be given by, a signal lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab or load of such motor vehicle exceeds 24 inches, or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load thereof exceeds 14 feet. The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle, also to any combination of vehicles except combinations operated by farmers in hauling farm products.

(b1) Notwithstanding the requirement set forth in subsection (b) of this section that a driver signal a right turn by extending his or her hand and arm from beyond the left side of the vehicle, an operator of a bicycle may signal his or her intention to make a right turn by extending his or her hand and arm horizontally, with the forefinger pointing, from beyond the right side of the bicycle.

...."

SECTION 5.5.(d) This section becomes effective October 1, 2016, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

PART IV. DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE CHANGES

SECTION 6.(a) G.S. 20‑7(m) reads as rewritten:

"(m) Instruction Permit. – The Division upon receiving proper application may in its discretion issue a restricted instruction permit effective for a school year or a lesser period to any of the following applicants:

(1) An applicant who is less than 18 years old and is enrolled in a drivers education program that is approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and is offered at a public high school, a nonpublic secondary school, or a licensed drivers training school.

(2) ~~An applicant for certification under G.S. 20‑218 as a school bus driver.~~A restricted instruction permit authorizes the holder of the permit to drive a specified type or class of motor vehicle when in possession of the permit, subject to any restrictions imposed by the Division. The restrictions the Division may impose on a permit include restrictions to designated areas and highways and restrictions prohibiting operation except when an approved instructor is occupying a seat beside the permittee. A restricted instruction permit is not required to have a distinguishing number or a picture of the person to whom the permit is issued."

SECTION 6.(b) G.S. 20‑37.13(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e) A commercial ~~driver~~ learner's permit may be issued to an individual who holds a regular Class C drivers license and has passed the knowledge test for the class and type of commercial motor vehicle the individual will be driving. The permit is valid for a period not to exceed ~~six months and may be renewed or reissued only once within a two‑year period.~~ 180 days. The fee for a commercial driver learner's permit is the same as the fee set by G.S. 20‑7 for a regular learner's permit. ~~G.S. 20‑7(m) governs the issuance of a restricted instruction permit for a prospective school bus driver.~~"

SECTION 6.(c) G.S. 20‑17.4(g) reads as rewritten:

"(g) Violation of Out‑of‑Service Order. – Any person holding a commercial learner's permit or commercial drivers license or required to have a commercial learner's permit or commercial drivers license convicted for violating an out‑of‑service order, except as described in subsection (h) of this section, shall be disqualified as follows:

(1) A person is disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for a period of ~~90 days~~ no less than 180 days and no more than one year if convicted of a first violation of an out‑of‑service ~~order.~~order while operating a commercial motor vehicle.

(2) A person is disqualified for a period of ~~one year~~ no less than two years and no more than five years if convicted of a second violation of an out‑of‑service order while operating a commercial motor vehicle during any 10‑year period, arising from separate incidents.

(3) A person is disqualified for a period of ~~three years~~ no less than three years and no more than five years if convicted of a third or subsequent violation of an out‑of‑service order while operating a commercial motor vehicle during any 10‑year period, arising from separate incidents."

SECTION 6.(d) G.S. 20‑17.4(h) reads as rewritten:

"(h) Violation of Out‑of‑Service Order; Special Rule for Hazardous Materials and Passenger Offenses. – Any person holding a commercial learner's permit or commercial drivers license or required to have a commercial learner's permit or commercial drivers license convicted for violating an out‑of‑service order while transporting hazardous ~~materials~~ materials, as defined in 49 C.F.R. § 383.5, or while operating a commercial vehicle designed or used to transport ~~more than 15 passengers,~~ 16 or more passengers, including the driver, shall be disqualified as follows:

(1) A person is disqualified for a period of ~~180 days~~ no less than 180 days and no more than two years if convicted of a first violation of an out‑of‑service ~~order.~~order while operating a commercial motor vehicle.

(2) A person is disqualified for a period of ~~three years~~ no less than three years and no more than five years if convicted of a second or subsequent violation of an out‑of‑service order while operating a commercial motor vehicle during any 10‑year period, arising from separate incidents.

(3) A person is disqualified for a period of no less than three years and no more than five years if convicted of a third or subsequent violation of an out‑of‑service order while operating a commercial motor vehicle during any 10‑year period arising from separate incidents."

SECTION 6.(e) Article 2C of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following new section to read:

"§ 20‑37.13A. Medical qualifications standards; waiver for intrastate drivers.

(a) Medical Qualifications Standards Applicable to Commercial Drivers. – All commercial drivers license holders and applicants for commercial drivers licenses must meet the medical qualifications standards set forth in 49 C.F.R. § 391.41.

(b) Intrastate Medical Waiver. – Any person unable to meet the standards in 49 C.F.R. § 391.41, as adopted by the Division, may apply for a medical waiver that, if approved, will authorize intrastate operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Applications for the medical waiver must be submitted to the Division in writing. Waivers may be granted for no more than two years.

(c) Intrastate Operation Subject to Waiver. – Any person granted an intrastate commercial drivers license medical waiver is permitted to maintain a commercial drivers license and operate a commercial motor vehicle in intrastate commerce subject to the following conditions:

(1) The commercial drivers license must display a restriction to signify it is only valid for intrastate operation.

(2) The holder of the license must submit to medical recertification at intervals set by the Division.

(3) The holder of the license must timely submit all documentation required by the Division.

(4) Failure to meet any condition within the time period allowed will result in an automatic downgrade of the license holder's commercial drivers license to a Class C regular drivers license."

SECTION 6.(f) This section becomes effective January 1, 2017, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

EXTEND REGISTRATION PERIOD FOR CERTAIN PLATES

SECTION 7.(a) G.S. 20‑66 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"(g1) Expiration of Registration by Other Means. – The registration of a vehicle renewed by means of a new registration plate expires at midnight on February 15 of each year."

SECTION 7.(b) This section becomes effective October 1, 2016, and applies to registration renewals on or after that date.

TEMPORARY DRIVING CERTIFICATE/USE AND UNIFORMITY

SECTION 8.(a) G.S. 20‑7(f)(5) reads as rewritten:

"(f) Duration and Renewal of Licenses. – Drivers licenses shall be issued and renewed pursuant to the provisions of this subsection:

…

(5) License to be sent by mail. – The Division shall issue to the applicant a temporary driving certificate valid for ~~20 days, and 60 days for a commercial drivers license,~~ 60 days, unless the applicant is applying for renewal by mail under subdivision (4) of this subsection. The temporary driving certificate shall be valid for driving purposes ~~only~~ and shall not be valid for identification ~~purposes.~~ purposes, except when conducting business with the Division and not otherwise prohibited by federal law. The Division shall produce the applicant's drivers license at a central location and send it to the applicant by first‑class mail at the residence address provided by the applicant, unless the applicant is ineligible for mail delivery by the United States Postal Service at the applicant's residence. If the United States Postal Service documents that it does not deliver to the residential address provided by the applicant, and the Division has verified the applicant's residential address by other means, the Division may mail the drivers license to the post office box provided by the applicant. Applicants whose only mailing address prior to July 1, 2008, was a post office box in this State may continue to receive their license at that post office box, provided the applicant's residential address has been verified by the Division."

SECTION 8.(b) This section becomes effective January 1, 2017. The extended period of validity applies to temporary driving certificates issued on or after that date.

DMV DRIVERS LICENSE TESTING REQUIREMENTS/REMOTE RENEWAL

SECTION 9.(a) G.S. 20‑7(c) reads as rewritten:

"(c) Tests. – To demonstrate physical and mental ability, a person must pass an examination. The examination may include road tests, vision tests, oral tests, and, in the case of literate applicants, written tests, as the Division may require. The tests must ensure that an applicant recognizes the handicapped international symbol of access, as defined in G.S. 20‑37.5. The Division may not require a person who applies to renew a license that has not expired to take a written test or a road test unless one or more of the following applies:

(1) The person has been convicted of a traffic violation since the person's license was last issued.

(2) The applicant suffers from a mental or physical condition that impairs the person's ability to drive a motor vehicle.

The Division shall require sign and symbol testing upon initial issuance of a license. The Division shall require vision testing as a part of required in‑person, in‑office renewals of a license.

The Division may not require a person who is at least 60 years old to parallel park a motor vehicle as part of a road test. A person shall not use an autocycle to complete a road test under this subsection."

SECTION 9.(b) This section becomes effective October 1, 2016.

DMV/ELECTRONIC NOTICE

SECTION 10.(a) G.S. 20‑7.1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑7.1. Notice of change of address or name.

(a) Address. – A person whose address changes from the address stated on a drivers license must notify the Division of the change within 60 days after the change occurs. If the person's address changed because the person moved, the person must obtain a duplicate license within that time limit stating the new address. A person who does not move but whose address changes due to governmental action may not be charged with violating this subsection. A person who has provided an e‑mail or electronic address to the Division pursuant to G.S. 20‑48(a) shall notify the Division of any change or discontinuance of that e‑mail or electronic address within 30 days after the change or discontinuance.

(b) Name. – A person whose name changes from the name stated on a drivers license must notify the Division of the change within 60 days after the change occurs and obtain a duplicate drivers license stating the new name.

SECTION 10.(b) G.S. 20‑43.1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑43.1. Disclosure of personal information in motor vehicle records.

(a) The Division shall disclose personal information contained in motor vehicle records in accordance with the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994, as amended, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2721, et seq.

(b) As authorized in 18 U.S.C. § 2721, the Division shall not disclose personal information for the purposes specified in 18 U.S.C. § 2721(b)(11).

(c) The Division shall not disclose personal information for the purposes specified in 18 U.S.C. § 2721(b)(12) unless the Division receives prior written permission from the person about whom the information is requested.

(d) As authorized in 18 U.S.C. § 2721, the Division may disclose personal information to federally designated organ procurement organizations and eye banks operating in this State for the purpose of identifying individuals who have indicated an intent to be an organ donor. Personal information authorized under this subsection is limited to the individual's first, middle, and last name, date of birth, address, sex, county of residence, and drivers license number. Employees of the Division who provide access to or disclosure of information in good‑faith compliance with this subsection are not liable in damages for access to or disclosure of the information.

(e) As authorized in 18 U.S.C. § 2721, the Division may also provide copies of partial crash report data collected pursuant to G.S. 20‑166.1, partial driver license data kept pursuant to G.S. 20‑26(a), and partial vehicle registration application data collected pursuant to G.S. 20‑52 in bulk form to persons, private companies, or other entities, for uses other than official, upon payment of a fee of three cents (3¢) per individual record. The Division shall not furnish such data except upon execution by the recipient of a written agreement to comply with the Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994, as amended, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2721, et seq. The information released to persons, private companies, or other entities, for uses other than official, pursuant to this subsection, shall not be a public record pursuant to Chapter 132 of the General Statutes.

(f) E‑mail addresses or other electronic addresses provided to the Division are personal information for purposes of this section and shall only be disclosed in accordance with this section."

SECTION 10.(c) G.S. 20‑48 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑48. Giving of notice.

(a) Whenever the Division is authorized or required to give any notice under this Chapter or other law regulating the operation of vehicles, unless a different method of giving such notice is otherwise expressly prescribed, such notice shall be given either by personal delivery thereof to the person to be so notified or by deposit in the United States mail of such notice in an envelope with postage prepaid, addressed to such person at his address as shown by the records of the Division. The giving of notice by mail is complete upon the expiration of four days after such deposit of such notice. In lieu of providing notice by personal delivery or United States mail, the Division may give notice under this Chapter by e‑mail or other electronic means if the person to be notified has consented to receiving notices via electronic means and has provided the Division an e‑mail address or other like electronic address for receiving the notices. Proof of the giving of notice in ~~either~~ any such manner pursuant to this section may be made by a notation in the records of the Division that the notice was sent to a particular ~~address~~ address, physical or electronic, and the purpose of the notice. A certified copy of the Division's records may be sent by the Police Information Network, facsimile, or other electronic means. A copy of the Division's records sent under the authority of this section is admissible as evidence in any court or administrative agency and is sufficient evidence to discharge the burden of the person presenting the record that notice was sent to the person named in the record, at the physical or electronic address indicated in the record, and for the purpose indicated in the record. There is no requirement that the actual notice or letter be produced.

(a1) A person may consent to receive any notice under this Chapter by electronic delivery by completing a written or electronic authorization for this method of delivery. The authorization must advise the person that all of the following apply to consent to electronic delivery of a notice:

(1) Consent is effective until it is revoked in accordance with the procedure set by the Division.

(2) At the option of the Division, electronic delivery may be the only method of delivery.

(3) A notice sent by electronic delivery to an e‑mail or electronic address is considered to have been received even if the person to whom it is sent does not receive it.

(a2) A person who consents to electronic notification pursuant to this section shall notify the Division of any change or discontinuance of any e‑mail or electronic address provided to the Division in accordance with the provisions of this section and G.S. 20‑7.1(a). Upon the failure of a person to notify the Division of any change or discontinuance of an electronic notification pursuant to this section, any notices sent to the original or discontinued electronic address shall be deemed to have been received by the person and a copy of the Division's records sent under the authority of this section is sufficient evidence that notice was sent to the person named in the record, at the physical or electronic address indicated in the record, and for the purpose indicated in the record.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter at any time notice is now required by registered mail with return receipt requested, certified mail with return receipt requested may be used in lieu thereof and shall constitute valid notice to the same extent and degree as notice by registered mail with return receipt requested.

(c) The Commissioner shall appoint such agents of the Division as may be needed to serve revocation notices required by this Chapter. The fee for service of a revocation notice by personal delivery shall be fifty dollars ($50.00)."

SECTION 10.(d) This section becomes effective October 1, 2016.

DMV TO PROVIDE OPTION FOR JOINT TENANCY WITH RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP ON APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE OF TITLE

SECTION 10.5.(a) G.S. 20‑52(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a) An owner of a vehicle subject to registration must apply to the Division for a certificate of title, a registration plate, and a registration card for the vehicle. To apply, an owner must complete an application provided by the Division. The application shall contain a preprinted option that co‑owners may use to title the vehicle as a joint tenancy with right of survivorship. The co‑owners' designation of a joint tenancy with right of survivorship on the application shall be valid notwithstanding whether this designation appears on the assignment of title. The application must request all of the following information and may request other information the Division considers necessary:

(1) The owner's name.

(1a) If the owner is an individual, the following information:

a. The owner's mailing address and residence address.

b. One of the following at the option of the applicant:

1. The owner's North Carolina drivers license number or North Carolina special identification card number.

2. The owner's home state drivers license number or home state special identification card number and valid active duty military identification card number or military dependent identification card number if the owner is a person or the spouse or dependent child of a person on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States who is stationed in this State or deployed outside this State from a home base in this State. The owner's inability to provide a photocopy or reproduction of a military or military dependent identification card pursuant to any prohibition of the United States government or any agency thereof against the making of such photocopy or reproduction shall not operate to prevent the owner from making an application for registration and certificate of title pursuant to this subdivision.

3. The owner's home state drivers license number or home state special identification card number and proof of enrollment in a school in this State if the owner is a permanent resident of another state but is currently enrolled in a school in this State.

4. The owner's home state drivers license number or home state special identification card number if the owner provides a signed affidavit certifying that the owner intends to principally garage the vehicle in this State and provides the address where the vehicle is or will be principally garaged. For purposes of this section, "principally garage" means the vehicle is garaged for six or more months of the year on property in this State which is owned, leased, or otherwise lawfully occupied by the owner of the vehicle.

5. The owner's home state drivers license number or home state special identification card number, provided that the application is made pursuant to a court authorized sale or a sale authorized by G.S. 44A‑4 for the purpose of issuing a title to be registered in another state or country.

6. The co‑owner's home state drivers license number or home state special identification card number if at least one co‑owner provides a North Carolina drivers license number or North Carolina special identification number.

7. The owner's home state drivers license number or special identification card number if the application is for a motor home or house car, as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d2., or for a house trailer, as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(14).

(1b) If the owner is a firm, partnership, a corporation, or another entity, the address of the entity.

(2) A description of the vehicle, including the following:

a. The make, model, type of body, and vehicle identification number of the vehicle.

b. Whether the vehicle is new or used and, if a new vehicle, the date the manufacturer or dealer sold the vehicle to the owner and the date the manufacturer or dealer delivered the vehicle to the owner.

(3) A statement of the owner's title and of all liens upon the vehicle, including the names and addresses of all lienholders in the order of their priority, and the date and nature of each lien.

(4) A statement that the owner is an eligible risk for insurance coverage as defined in G.S. 58‑37‑1(4a).

(5) For registration and certificate of title for a nonfleet private passenger motor vehicle, a statement that providing incorrect or false and misleading information as to the owner's status as an eligible risk can result in criminal prosecution and the denial of insurance coverage for any loss of the owner under any insurance policies for which application is made if the owner provides false and misleading information as to eligible risk status.

(6) For registration and certificate of title for a nonfleet private passenger motor vehicle, a statement that the owner will inform the insurer before the next policy renewal if the owner ceases to be an eligible risk."

SECTION 10.5.(b) This section becomes effective January 1, 2017.

DMV/INSPECTION OF PRE‑1981 MOTOR VEHICLES/TITLING

SECTION 11.(a) G.S. 20‑53(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e) No title shall be issued to an initial applicant for (i) out‑of‑state vehicles that are 35 1980 model ~~years old~~ year or older or (ii) a specially constructed vehicle prior to the completion of a vehicle verification conducted by the License and Theft Bureau of the Division of Motor Vehicles. These verifications shall be conducted as soon as practical. For an out‑of‑state vehicle that is 35 1980 model ~~years old~~ year or older, this inspection shall consist of verifying the public vehicle identification number to ensure that it matches the vehicle and ownership documents. No covert vehicle identification numbers are to be examined on an out‑of‑state vehicle 35 1980 model ~~years~~ year or older unless the inspector develops probable cause to believe that the ownership documents or public vehicle identification number presented does not match the vehicle being examined. However, upon such application and the submission of any required documentation, the Division shall be authorized to register the vehicle pending the completion of the verification of the vehicle. The registration shall be valid for one year but shall not be renewed unless and until the vehicle examination has been completed.

If an inspection and verification is not conducted by the License and Theft Bureau of the Division of Motor Vehicles within 15 days after receiving a request for such and the inspector has no probable cause to believe that the ownership documents or public vehicle identification number presented does not match the vehicle being examined, the vehicle shall be deemed to have satisfied all inspection and verification requirements and title shall issue to the owner within 15 days thereafter. If an inspection and verification is timely performed and the vehicle passes the inspection and verification, title shall issue to the owner within 15 days of the date of the inspection."

SECTION 11.(b) This section becomes effective January 1, 2017.

REPEAL SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT/REGISTRATION CARD

SECTION 12.(a) G.S. 20‑57(c) reads as rewritten:

"(c) ~~Every owner upon receipt of a registration card, shall write his signature thereon with pen and ink in the space provided.~~ Every such registration card shall at all times be carried in the vehicle to which it refers or in the vehicle to which transfer is being effected, as provided by G.S. 20‑64 at the time of its operation, and such registration card shall be displayed upon demand of any peace officer or any officer of the Division: Provided, however, any person charged with failing to so carry such registration card shall not be convicted if he produces in court a registration card theretofore issued to him and valid at the time of his arrest: Provided further, that in case of a transfer of a license plate from one vehicle to another under the provisions of G.S. 20‑72, evidence of application for transfer shall be carried in the vehicle in lieu of the registration card."

SECTION 12.(b) G.S. 20‑176(a1)(2) is repealed.

SECTION 12.(c) This section becomes effective December 1, 2016, and applies to registration cards issued on or after that date.

Revise Definition of "Autocycle"

SECTION 12.5.(a) G.S. 20‑4.01(27)a. reads as rewritten:

"a. Autocycle. – A three‑wheeled motorcycle that has a steering wheel, pedals, seat safety belts for each occupant, antilock brakes, ~~air bag protection,~~ completely or partially enclosed seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride, and is otherwise manufactured to comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles."

SECTION 12.5.(b) G.S. 20‑140.4(a)(2) reads as rewritten:

"(2) Unless the operator and all passengers thereon wear on their heads, with a retention strap properly secured, safety helmets of a type that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. This subdivision shall not apply to an operator ~~of an autocycle~~ of, or any passengers ~~within~~ within, an ~~autocycle.~~autocycle that has completely enclosed seating."

SECTION 12.5.(c) G.S. 20‑135.3(c) reads as rewritten:

"(c) For purposes of this section, the term "motorcycle" shall not include autocycles. Every autocycle registered in this State shall be equipped with sufficient anchorage units at the attachment points for attaching seat safety belts for the rear ~~seat~~ seats of the autocycle. The anchorage unit shall meet the same construction, design, and strength requirements under this section for anchorage units in motor vehicles."

MOPED INSURANCE CHANGES

SECTION 12.6.(a) G.S. 58‑36‑3 reads as rewritten:

"§ 58‑36‑3. Limitation of scope; motorcycle and moped endorsements allowed; Department of Insurance report.

(a) The Bureau has no jurisdiction over:

…

(8) ~~Liability insurance and~~ Insurance against theft of or physical damage ~~insurance on~~ to mopeds, as defined in ~~G.S. 105‑164.3.~~G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d1.

(b) Member companies writing motorcycle or moped liability insurance under this Article and writing insurance against theft of or physical damage to motorcycles or mopeds under Article 40 of this Chapter may incorporate motorcycle or moped theft and physical damage coverage as an endorsement to the liability policy issued under this Article. Member companies writing moped liability insurance or theft and physical damage insurance under Article 40 of this Chapter may incorporate either or both types of insurance as an endorsement to liability and physical damage policies issued under this Article.

…."

SECTION 12.6.(b) G.S. 58‑37‑1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 58‑37‑1. Definitions.

As used in this Article:

…

(6) "Motor vehicle" means every self‑propelled vehicle that is designed for use upon a highway, including trailers and semitrailers designed for use with such vehicles (except traction engines, road rollers, farm tractors, tractor cranes, power shovels, and well drillers). "Motor vehicle" also means a motorcycle, as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d. "Motor vehicle" does not mean a moped, as defined in G.S. 105‑164.3. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article, liability insurance on a moped is not eligible for cession to the Facility.G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d., and a moped, as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d1.

…."

SECTION 12.6.(c) G.S. 58‑37‑35 reads as rewritten:

"§ 58‑37‑35. The Facility; functions; administration.

…

(b) The Facility shall reinsure for each coverage available in the Facility to the standard percentage of one hundred percent (100%) or lesser equitable percentage established in the Facility's plan of operation as follows:

(1) For the following coverages of motor vehicle insurance and in at least the following amounts of insurance:

a. Bodily injury liability: thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) each person, sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) each accident;

b. Property damage liability: twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) each accident;

c. Medical payments: one thousand dollars ($1,000) each person; except that this coverage shall not be available for ~~motorcycles;~~motorcycles or mopeds;

d. Uninsured motorist: thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) each person; sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) each accident for bodily injury; twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) each accident property damage (one hundred dollars ($100.00) deductible);

e. Any other motor vehicle insurance or financial responsibility limits in the amounts required by any federal law or federal agency regulation; by any law of this State; or by any rule duly adopted under Chapter 150B of the General Statutes or by the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

(2) Additional ceding privileges for motor vehicle insurance shall be provided by the Board of Governors up to the following:

a. Bodily injury liability: one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) each person, three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) each accident;

b. Property damage liability: fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) each accident;

c. Medical payments: two thousand dollars ($2,000) each person; except that this coverage shall not be available for ~~motorcycles;~~motorcycles or mopeds;

d. Underinsured motorist: one million dollars ($1,000,000) each person and each accident for bodily injury liability; and

e. Uninsured motorist: one million dollars ($1,000,000) each person and each accident for bodily injury and fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) each accident for property damage (one hundred dollars ($100.00) deductible).

(2a) For persons who must maintain liability coverage limits above those available under subdivision (2) of this subsection in order to obtain or continue coverage under personal excess liability or personal "umbrella" insurance policies, additional ceding privileges for motor vehicle insurance shall be provided by the Board of Governors up to the following:

a. Bodily injury liability: two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) each person, five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) each accident.

b. Property damage liability: one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) each accident.

c. Medical payments: five thousand dollars ($5,000) each person; except that this coverage shall not be available for ~~motorcycles.~~motorcycles or mopeds.

d. Uninsured motorist: one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) each accident for property damage (one hundred dollars ($100.00) deductible).

(3) Whenever the additional ceding privileges are provided as in G.S. 58‑37‑35(b)(2) for any component of motor vehicle insurance, the same additional ceding privileges shall be available to "all other" types of risks subject to the rating jurisdiction of the North Carolina Rate Bureau.

…."

SECTION 12.6.(d) G.S. 58‑40‑10 reads as rewritten:

"§ 58‑40‑10. Other definitions.

As used in this Article and in Articles 36 and 37 of this Chapter:

(1) "Private passenger motor vehicle" means:

...

c. A motorcycle, motorized ~~scooter~~ scooter, moped, or other similar motorized vehicle not used for commercial purposes. ~~A moped, as defined in G.S. 105‑164.3, is not considered a motorcycle, motorized scooter, or other similar motorized vehicle.~~

...."

SECTION 12.6.(e) G.S. 58‑40‑15 reads as rewritten:

"§ 58‑40‑15. Scope of application.

The provisions of this Article shall apply to all insurance on risks or on operations in this State, except for all of the following:

(1) Reinsurance, other than joint reinsurance to the extent stated in G.S. 58‑40‑60.

(2) Any policy of insurance against loss or damage to or legal liability in connection with property located outside this State, or any motor vehicle or aircraft principally garaged and used outside of this State, or any activity wholly carried on outside this State.

(3) Insurance of vessels or craft, their cargoes, marine builders' risks, marine protection and indemnity, or other risks commonly insured under marine, as distinguished from inland marine, insurance policies.

(4) Accident, health, or life insurance.

(5) Annuities.

(6) Repealed by Session Laws 1985, c. 666, s. 43.

(7) Mortgage guaranty insurance.

(8) Workers' compensation and employers' liability insurance written in connection therewith.

(9) For private passenger (nonfleet) motor vehicle liability insurance, automobile medical payments insurance, uninsured motorists' coverage and other insurance coverages written in connection with the sale of such liability insurance; except this Article applies to motor vehicle liability insurance, automobile medical payments insurance, uninsured motorists' coverage, and theft or physical damage insurance on mopeds, as defined in G.S. 105‑164.3.insurance.

(10) Theft of or physical damage to nonfleet private passenger motor vehicles; except this Article applies to insurance against theft of or physical damage to motorcycles, as defined in ~~G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d.~~G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d., and moped, as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d1.

(11) Insurance against loss to residential real property with not more than four housing units located in this State or any contents thereof or valuable interest therein and other insurance coverages written in connection with the sale of such property insurance. Provided, however, that this Article shall apply to insurance against loss to farm dwellings, farm buildings and their appurtenant structures, farm personal property and other coverages written in connection with farm real or personal property; travel or camper trailers designed to be pulled by private passenger motor vehicles unless insured under policies covering nonfleet private passenger motor vehicles; residential real and personal property insured in multiple line insurance policies covering business activities as the primary insurable interest; and marine, general liability, burglary and theft, glass, and animal collision insurance except when such coverages are written as an integral part of a multiple line insurance policy for which there is an indivisible premium.

The provisions of this Article shall not apply to hospital service or medical service corporations, investment companies, mutual benefit associations, or fraternal beneficiary associations."

SECTION 12.6.(f) This section becomes effective July 1, 2016.

AMEND "MOPED" DEFINITION

SECTION 13.(a) G.S. 20‑4.01 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑4.01. Definitions.

Unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply throughout this Chapter to the defined words and phrases and their cognates:

...

(7a) Electric Assisted Bicycle. – A bicycle with two or three wheels that is equipped with a seat or saddle for use by the rider, fully operable pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, whose maximum speed on a level surface when powered solely by such a motor is no greater than 20 miles per hour.

~~(7a)~~(7b) Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device. – A self‑balancing nontandem two‑wheeled device, designed to transport one person, with a propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 15 miles per hour or less.

~~(7b)~~(7c) Employer. – Any person who owns or leases a commercial motor vehicle or assigns a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle and would be subject to the alcohol and controlled substance testing provisions of 49 C.F.R. § 382 and also includes any consortium or third‑party administrator administering the alcohol and controlled substance testing program on behalf of owner‑operators subject to the provisions of 49 C.F.R. § 382.

...

~~(21a)~~ ~~Moped. – A type of passenger vehicle as defined in G.S. 105‑164.3.~~

...

(23) Motor Vehicle. – Every vehicle which is self‑propelled and every vehicle designed to run upon the highways which is pulled by a self‑propelled vehicle. Except as specifically provided otherwise, this term shall not include ~~mopeds as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d1.~~mopeds or electric assisted bicycles.

...

(27) Passenger Vehicles. –

...

c2. Motor‑driven bicycle. – A vehicle with two or three wheels, a steering handle, one or two saddle seats, pedals, and a motor that cannot propel the vehicle at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on a level surface. This term shall not include an electric assisted bicycle as defined in subdivision (7a) of this section.

d. Motorcycles. – Vehicles having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including autocycles, motor scooters, and motor‑driven bicycles, but excluding tractors and utility vehicles equipped with an additional form of device designed to transport property, three‑wheeled vehicles while being used by law‑enforcement ~~agencies~~ agencies, electric assisted bicycles, and mopeds as defined in ~~subdivision d1~~ sub‑subdivision d1. of this ~~subsection.~~subdivision.

d1. Moped. – ~~Defined in G.S. 105‑164.3.~~A vehicle, other than a motor‑driven bicycle or electric assisted bicycle, that has two or three wheels, no external shifting device, a motor that does not exceed 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement and cannot propel the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on a level surface. The motor may be powered by electricity, alternative fuel, motor fuel, or a combination of each.

...

(49) Vehicle. – Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon fixed rails or tracks; provided, that for the purposes of this Chapter bicycles and electric assisted bicycles shall be deemed vehicles and every rider of a bicycle or an electric assisted bicycle upon a highway shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter applicable to the driver of a vehicle except those which by their nature can have no application. This term shall not include a device which is designed for and intended to be used as a means of transportation for a person with a mobility impairment, or who uses the device for mobility enhancement, is suitable for use both inside and outside a building, including on sidewalks, and is limited by design to 15 miles per hour when the device is being operated by a person with a mobility impairment, or who uses the device for mobility enhancement. This term shall not include an electric personal assistive mobility device as defined in ~~G.S. 20‑4.01(7a).~~subdivision (7b) of this section.

…."

SECTION 13.(b) G.S. 20‑10.1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑10.1. Mopeds.

It shall be unlawful for any person who is under the age of 16 years to operate a moped as defined in ~~G.S. 105‑164.3~~ G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d1. upon any highway or public vehicular area of this State."

SECTION 13.(c) G.S. 20‑171.1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑171.1. Definitions.

As used in this Part, except where the context clearly requires otherwise, the words and expressions defined in this section shall be held to have the meanings here given to them:

Bicycle. – A nonmotorized vehicle with two or three wheels tandem, a steering handle, one or two saddle seats, and pedals by which the vehicle is ~~propelled.~~propelled, or an electric assisted bicycle, as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(7a)."

SECTION 13.(d) G.S. 20‑175.6 reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑175.6. Electric personal assistive mobility devices.

(a) Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device. – As defined in ~~G.S. 20‑4.01(7a).~~G.S. 20‑4.01(7b).

...."

SECTION 13.(e) Reserved.

SECTION 13.(f) G.S. 58‑37‑1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 58‑37‑1. Definitions.

As used in this Article:

...

(6) "Motor vehicle" means every self‑propelled vehicle that is designed for use upon a highway, including trailers and semitrailers designed for use with such vehicles (except traction engines, road rollers, farm tractors, tractor cranes, power shovels, and well drillers). "Motor vehicle" also means a motorcycle, as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d. "Motor vehicle" does not mean a moped, as defined in ~~G.S. 105‑164.3.~~ G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d1., or an electric assisted bicycle, as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(7a). Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article, liability insurance on a moped is not eligible for cession to the Facility.

...."

SECTION 13.(g) Reserved.

SECTION 13.(h) G.S. 105‑164.3 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑164.3. Definitions.

The following definitions apply in this Article:

...

(22) Moped. – A vehicle that has two or three wheels, no external shifting device, and a motor that does not exceed 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement and cannot propel the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on a level surface.As defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d1.

...."

SECTION 13.(i) G.S. 20‑51(14) reads as rewritten:

"§ 20‑51. Exempt from registration.

The following shall be exempt from the requirement of registration and certificate of title:

…

(14) Electric personal assistive mobility devices as defined in ~~G.S. 20‑4.01(7a).~~G.S. 20‑4.01(7b).

…."

SECTION 13.(j) This section becomes effective December 1, 2016, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

SECTION 13.1. Reserved.

ALLOW DEALER PLATES FOR EMPLOYEES OF INDEPENDENT DEALERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS

SECTION 13.5. G.S. 20‑79(d)(5)f. reads as rewritten:

"(d) Restrictions on Use. – A dealer license plate may be displayed only on a motor vehicle that meets all of the following requirements:

...

(5) Is driven on a highway by a person who meets one of the following descriptions:

...

f. Is an officer, sales representative, or other employee of a an independent or franchised motor vehicle dealer or is an immediate family member of an officer, sales representative, or other employee of a an independent or franchised motor vehicle dealer."

LAW ENFORCEMENT/PROVIDE ACCIDENT REPORT TO INSURER

SECTION 13.8. G.S. 20‑166.1(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e) Investigation by Officer. – The appropriate law enforcement agency must investigate a reportable accident. A law‑enforcement officer who investigates a reportable accident, whether at the scene of the accident or by subsequent investigations and interviews, must make a written report of the accident within 24 hours of the accident and must forward it as required by this subsection. The report must contain information on financial responsibility for the vehicle driven by the person whom the officer identified as at fault for the accident.

If the officer writing the report is a member of the State Highway Patrol, the officer must forward the report to the Division. If the officer is not a member of the State Highway Patrol, the officer must forward the report to the local law enforcement agency for the area where the accident occurred. A local law enforcement agency that receives an accident report must forward it to the Division within 10 days after receiving the report. Upon request of the driver of the motor vehicle involved in the accident or the insurance agent or company identified by the driver under subsection (b) of this section, and notwithstanding any provision of Chapter 132 of the General Statutes to the contrary, the officer writing the report may forward an uncertified copy of the report to the insurance agent or company identified by the driver under subsection (b) of this section if evidence satisfactory to the officer is provided showing a certified copy of the report has been requested from the Division and the applicable fee set in G.S. 20‑42 has been paid. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a law enforcement agency from providing to the public accident reports or portions of accident reports that are public records.

When a person injured in a reportable accident dies as a result of the accident within 12 months after the accident and the death was not reported in the original report, the law enforcement officer investigating the accident must file a supplemental report that includes the death."

SECTION 14. Reserved.

PART V. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM TECHNICAL CHANGE

SECTION 14.5. G.S. 63‑96 reads as rewritten:

"§ 63‑96. Permit required for commercial operation of unmanned aircraft systems.

(a) No person shall operate an unmanned aircraft system, as defined in G.S. 15A‑300.1, in this State for commercial purposes unless the person is in possession of a permit issued by the Division valid for the unmanned aircraft system being operated. Application for the permit shall be made in the manner provided by the Division. Unless suspended or revoked, the permit shall be effective for a period to be established by the Division not exceeding eight years.

(b) No person shall be issued a permit under this section unless all of the following apply:

(1) The person is at least 17 16 years of age.

(2) The person possesses a valid drivers license issued by any state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.

(3) The person has passed the knowledge test for operating an unmanned aircraft system as prescribed in G.S. 63‑95(b).

(4) The person has satisfied all other applicable requirements of this Article or federal regulation.

…."

PART VI. MAP ACT CHANGES

MODIFY USE OF STI FUNDS

SECTION 15. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, damages, right‑of‑way costs, and planning and design costs related to litigation concerning the adoption of a transportation corridor official map under Article 2E of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes shall be paid from the tier under Article 14B of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes in which the project covered by the transportation corridor official map was funded under or is programmed to be funded under. For projects covered by a transportation corridor official map that were not funded, or are not programmed to be funded, under Article 14B of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes, damages, right‑of‑way costs, and planning and design costs related to litigation concerning the adoption of the transportation corridor official map shall be paid from the regional allocation of funds under Article 14B of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes for the region covered by the transportation corridor official map.

ONE YEAR MORATORIUM ON NEW MAPS UNDER MAP ACT

SECTION 16. G.S. 136‑44.50 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"(h) No new transportation corridor official map may be adopted pursuant to this section from July 1, 2016, to July 1, 2017."

ALL MAP ACT CORRIDOR MAPS RESCINDED

SECTION 17.(a) All transportation corridor official maps adopted pursuant to Article 2E of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes, and any amendments thereto, are hereby rescinded, and all restrictions under Article 2E of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes shall no longer apply to properties or portions of properties within the affected transportation corridors.

SECTION 17.(b) The Department shall post information concerning each map rescinded pursuant to subsection (a) of this section on its Web site, and provide notice of each map rescinded pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to all of the following for the affected jurisdictions:

(1) The office of the city clerk.

(2) The county tax supervisor and city tax collector.

(3) The register of deeds.

(4) The city and county planning agency.

SECTION 17.(c) Nothing in subsection (a) of this section shall be construed as tolling, delaying, or otherwise modifying the time in which a complaint must be filed under G.S. 136‑111.

MODIFY DOT CONDEMNATION INTEREST RATE

SECTION 18.(a) G.S. 24‑1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 24‑1. Legal rate is eight percent.

~~The~~ Except as otherwise provided in G.S. 136‑113, the legal rate of interest shall be eight percent (8%) per annum for such time as interest may accrue, and no more."

SECTION 18.(b) G.S. 136‑113 reads as rewritten:

"§ 136‑113. Interest as a part of just compensation.

To said amount awarded as damages by the commissioners or a jury or judge, the judge shall, as a part of just compensation, add interest at the legal rate ~~as provided in G.S. 24‑1~~ on said amount from the date of taking to the date of judgment; but interest shall not be allowed from the date of deposit on so much thereof as shall have been paid into court as provided in this Article. For purposes of this section, the term "legal rate" means the prime lending rate, as published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on the first business day of the calendar month immediately preceding the date of taking. The legal rate established under this section shall not exceed the legal rate set in G.S. 24‑1."

SECTION 18.(c) This section is effective when it becomes law and applies to causes of action filed on or after that date.

DOT/STUDY PROCESS FOR PROTECTING PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS

SECTION 19. The Department of Transportation shall study the development of a process that equitably balances the interest of the State in protecting proposed transportation corridors from development, the property rights of affected landowners, and the taxpayers of the State. Beginning October 1, 2016, the Department shall report quarterly to the General Assembly and to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee on its progress in completing the study required under this section. By July 1, 2017, the Department shall submit a final report to the General Assembly and to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee detailing its findings and recommendations, including any legislative proposals.

PART VII. EFFECTIVE DATE

SECTION 20. Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 1^st day of July, 2016.

s/ Philip E. Berger

President Pro Tempore of the Senate

s/ Tim Moore

Speaker of the House of Representatives

s/ Pat McCrory

Governor

Approved 3:53 p.m. this 11^th day of July, 2016