welcome to Road Ready Recaps Are you looking for a concise and full overview of North Carolina Driver Handbook 2025 you are at the right place Let's begin Section one your license Driving in North Carolina begins with understanding your license This section explains permits tests and the rules that keep your license valid Master these fundamentals to stay road ready and confident behind the wheel Office hours DMV examiners strive to provide fair courteous service across the state Most offices operate 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m Large centers open Monday through Saturday Smaller offices limited days Book your road test appointment online and confirm local hours before visiting Learner permit available to applicants 18 years and older Allows driving of the appropriate vehicle class while accompanied by a licensed driver seated beside you Requires passing vision traffic sign and motor vehicle law knowledge tests Motorcycle learner permit Applicants under 18 must already hold a full provisional license Adults need a regular license Permit authorizes solo motorcycle riding without passengers for 12 months Renewable once for 6 months Under8 riders must complete an approved basic rider course Testing covers vision signs and motorcycle knowledge Test requirements for an original driver license First-time applicants are examined on vision traffic signs motor vehicle laws and on road driving skills Each component is scored separately and must be passed before licensing Certain experienced applicants may have the road test waved when conditions are met Vision Minimum vision standards must be met Corrective lenses are mandatory when prescribed Your license shows a lens restriction if required and driving without lenses is the same as driving unlicensed Vision is screened at every issuance or inerson renewal to ensure ongoing safety Traffic signs You must identify signs by color and shape and explain their meaning Regulatory warning and guide signs are all tested straight from the handbook Clear sign recognition keeps traffic flowing safely and prevents violations Knowledge test covers state traffic laws and safe driving practices Audio versions are available Studying the handbook thoroughly is the best preparation A passing score proves you understand the rules of the road Driving skills On-road test evaluates your handling of intersections quick stops backing parking signaling and lane use Demonstrates real world safety skills like following passing and threepoint turnabouts May be required again at renewal or for certain reinstatements Health requirements Licenses may be denied or restricted if a medical condition hampers safe driving Restricted licenses outline equipment or conditions the driver must follow Ensures public safety while accommodating qualified drivers with disabilities Types of licenses permits and restrictions North Carolina issues regular and commercial licenses determined by vehicle type Applicants must test in a vehicle that matches the class sought Restrictions and endorsements specify additional operating conditions Regular licenses Class A combinations with large trailers Class B heavy single vehicles Class C most personal cars and small trucks Most everyday drivers require only a regular class C license License class dictates the vehicle used for skills testing Commercial driver license CDL needed for heavy vehicles certain passenger counts or hazardous materials loads Classes A B and C align with combination size vehicle weight and cargo or passenger requirements Special endorsements cover school buses tinkers doubles and hazmat loads Endorsements Motorcycle endorsement is mandatory for two wheel operation on public roads School bus and activity bus drivers need S and P endorsements plus extra certification Other endorsements authorize hazmat tanker or double trailer operation Graduated licensing drivers 15 to 18 Three levels build experience under supervision before full privileges System emphasizes practice hours violation free periods and passenger/time restrictions Promotes safe habits before unrestricted driving begins First need S and P endorsements plus extra certification Limited learner permit issued at 15 after driver education completion and eligibility certificate First 6 months restrict driving to 5:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m with supervising driver 60 logged hours required Permit must be held 9 months without violations before advancing Level two limited provisional license At least 16 years old Allows unsupervised driving 5:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m or two from work and EMS duties Must be held 6 months with 12 logged hours 6 at night and no recent violations Prepares teens for level three full provisional privileges Duration and renewal of license Licenses last eight years for ages 18 to 65 and five years for 66 and older Renew any time within six months before expiration Reminder cards are mailed In office renewal includes vision and traffic sign tests Duplicate license Replace lost stolen or damaged licenses online or at an office with proper identification A duplicate also updates name or address changes Driving without your physical license is unlawful Address changes Report any new address within 60 days and obtain a duplicate license Government initiated renumbering does not violate the rule Online services simplify compliance Name changes Report legal name changes within 60 days using certified court or marriage documents DMV verifies your new name with social security before issuing a duplicate Driving under a previous name after 60 days violates licensing law Identification cards State ID cards are available to all residents as official photo identification No fee for residents 17 plus legally blind or homeless Under 17 applicants pay a small fee Same proof of identity residency and SSN requirements apply as for licenses Schedule of fees Fees are assessed per license class permit endorsement duplicate and restoration Regular license fees are charged per year Learner permits and CDLs have set costs Legislative changes can update the fee schedule at any time Liability insurance requirement Original licenses restorations and limited privileges require printed proof of liability insurance Acceptable proof includes form DL123 Insurance cards binders or policies showing your name Non-owners restricted to fleet vehicles may file exemption form DL123A Required documents Firsttime applicants must present proof of identity SSN or legal presence and NC residency DMV may copy or briefly retain documents for authenticity checks Altered or counterfeit documents are refused and may lead to penalties North Carolina's Real ID Real ID cards display a gold star and meet Federal Airport and facility standards Voluntary but recommended before May 7th 2025 to avoid carrying extra documentation issued at no additional cost once standard license requirements are met Moving to North Carolina new residents must obtain an NC license within 60 days CDL holders within 30 days Applicants may need vision knowledge sign and driving tests depending on prior credentials DMV screens new residents against the National Sex Offender Public Registry NC driver license and ID card licenses are produced centrally and mailed within 60 days A temporary certificate is issued on site Vertical format and colored bars flag under 21 holders Barcode technology stores customer information safely Renewal and duplicate options Online renewal is available for eligible drivers Others renew in person with vision and sign tests Mail and renewal offers a temporary license for residents living out of state for 30 days or more Active duty military members and dependents have similar mail renewal provisions Other DMV services Licensed transactions can update voter registration organ donor status and selective service enrollment Applicants receive legal notices about sex offender registration requirements DMV information lines and websites provide 24-hour guidance Driver license restoration Suspensions are cleared only after paying an $83.50 restoration fee higher for alcohol-related cases Drivers may be assigned to driver improvement clinics as part of restoration Timely compliance avoids extended loss of driving privileges Section one summary Your license is much more than a plastic card It reflects your skills knowledge and responsibility as a driver Stay informed renew on time and follow every restriction to keep this privilege in good standing Section two alcohol and the law Alcohol impairs judgment long before you feel drunk This section outlines North Carolina's rules on impaired driving and the harsh penalties that follow Learn how BAC limits DWI laws and underage restrictions combined to keep our roads safe Driving while impaired North Carolina's 1983 Safe Roads Act created a single offense of driving while impaired DWI Police may require breath or blood tests refusing results in at least 30-day immediate revocation and a minimum 12-month DMV revocation A back of 0.08% 08% 0.04% in a commercial vehicle triggers an automatic 30-day license revocation Test results or refusals are admissible in court and carry the same legal weight Limited driving privileges may be granted only after 6 months of a willful refusal suspension DWI laws sobriety checkpoints are legal allowing officers to screen drivers for impairment Drivers are forbidden to consume alcohol or carry open containers while the vehicle is in motion No alcohol open or closed is allowed in the passenger area of a commercial motor vehicle on any public way Punishments scale with offense severity A second DWI conviction mandates jail time The law blends penalties with rehabilitation requiring assessments or alcohol safety school for many offenders Blood alcohol concentration restrictions Upon license restoration after DWI the BAC limit becomes 0.04% Subsequent restorations set the limit at 0% Commercial vehicle DWIs under 21 alcohol offenses or felony death by vehicle impose a permanent 0% BAC restriction A DWI with BAC greater than or equal to 0.15% or a repeat conviction within 7 years requires ignition interlock installation Limited driving privileges issued after DWI must obey the same BAC restrictions Alcohol and the young driver You must be 21 to buy alcohol Any under 21 purchase or attempt results in one-year license revocation Supplying alcohol or ID to an underage person carries the same one-year revocation Under 211 drivers lose their license for a year if caught driving with any measurable alcohol or drugs in their body If you are convicted of DWI first conviction one-year license revocation Second conviction within 3 years 4-year revocation Third conviction with at least one offense in past 5 years permanent revocation Fourth conviction within 7 years is a felony and leads to permanent revocation Any restoration requires a substance abuse assessment and may include ignition interlock or clinic attendance Section two summary Impaired driving laws leave no room for excuses Know your limits plan a safe ride and protect your license and life from avoidable risks Section three your driving privilege Safe responsible driving depends on protecting your license This section explains North Carolina's point system and the offenses that can suspend or revoke your driving privilege or clinic attendance Learn how points are assigned why licenses get suspended and what to do if yours is taken away so you can stay road ready Driver license points NC assigns points for specific moving traffic convictions Seven points triggers a mandatory driver improvement clinic $83.50 Successful clinic completion removes three points from your record 12 points within 3 years leads to a license suspension Eight points within 3 years of reinstatement can trigger a second suspension Point values and key offenses For points reckless driving hit and run property damage illegal passing failure to yield to pedestrians/bikes Three points Speeding less than or equal to 10 miles per hour over limit under 55 miles per hour Running red lights or stop signs Driving without a license Two points Failure to properly restrain a child Driving with no liability insurance One point Littering from a vehicle Equipment/size violations Overlength overload Carry zero points Driver improvement clinic Ordered once you reach seven points Voluntary attendance allowed every 5 years covers safe driving habits NC traffic laws and defensive techniques Three points are deducted after successful completion Failure to attend results in continued suspension until completed Provides a structured way to reset poor driving habits Suspensions by point accumulation First suspension up to 60 days for 12 points in 3 years Second suspension up to 6 months for eight points within 3 years after reinstatement Third suspension up to 12 months if points acrew again within 5 years DMV sends certified mail notice before the suspension begins Driving while suspended is illegal and may extend the revocation Speeding and racing revocations 30-day revocation for 15 mph over limit when traveling above 55 mph 60-day revocation for a second such speeding charge within one year 60-day revocation for speeding plus reckless driving on the same stop Pre-arranged racing three-year revocation and possible vehicle seizure Refusing a breath or blood alcohol test results in one-year revocation Out ofstate convictions NC honors out of state convictions and will apply identical penalties DMV mails notice if a suspension originates from another state Points and suspensions appear on your NC record just like local offenses applies equally to commercial and non-commercial drivers Clear all out ofstate tickets promptly to avoid unexpected revocations Failure to appear/pay fines Ignoring court dates or traffic fines in any state triggers revocation DMV warns you first Revocation starts if fines remain unpaid by deadline License stays revoked until the court confirms payment or waiver You must pay a duplicate license fee before legally driving again Paying the ticket does not remove conviction points from your record Driver license restoration Standard restoration fee $83.50 higher for alcohol-related cases Provide liability insurance proof form DL123 when required May need to retake sign knowledge or road tests depending on case Restoration begins only after mandatory revocation period ends A clean record post restoration is crucial Another eight points can extend suspension Section three summary Points and suspensions Protect everyone by holding drivers accountable Keep tabs on your record respect speed limits and treat every citation seriously to safeguard your driving privilege Section four your driving This section dives into the practical skills that keep you safe and confident at the wheel from lane choice to handling bad weather Master these everyday techniques and you'll be prepared for almost anything the road throws your way Basic driving skills and rules Always skin the road ahead Use mirrors often and keep both hands on the wheel Maintain a safe following distance at least 2 seconds in ideal conditions Signal at least 100 ft before every turn or a lane change Yield to pedestrians and obey all traffic signs signals and pavement markings Drive defensively Expect other drivers to make mistakes Keeping to your side of the road Drive on the right half of the roadway except when passing or on oneway streets Stay centered in your lane Avoid riding the line or drifting onto the shoulder On narrow roads keep right and reduce speed for oncoming vehicles Use pull-offs when available to let faster traffic pass safely Speed control Obey posted speed limits They reflect maximum safe speeds for perfect conditions Adjust speed for curves hills traffic weather and visibility Driving too slowly can be as dangerous as speeding Keep pace with traffic flow Use engine braking on long downgrades to avoid brake fade Lane positions and lane changes Plan lane changes well in advance Check mirrors signal check blind spots Maintain steady speed as you move Avoid quick swerves or overcorrections Return to your lane only when you can see the entire front of the past vehicle in your mirror Use the center lane on multi-lane roads for through traffic when available Passing safely Pass only where markings permit and you have clear sight distance Signal Check mirrors and blind spots Then accelerate smoothly to overtake Complete the pass without exceeding the speed limit Don't linger in the oncoming lane Never pass on hills curves intersections or within 100 ft of a railroad crossing Intersections and right ofway Yield to vehicles already in the intersection and to those on your right at four-way stops Left turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic unless protected by a green arrow Always give right ofway to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks Treat non-functioning signals as always stops Roundabouts Slow to posted speed and yield to traffic already circulating Enter when a safe gap appears Keep right of the center island Signal right when preparing to exit Never stop in the roundabout Emergency vehicles will travel outside the circle Backing Check behind your vehicle before entering Small children and objects may be hidden Back slowly turning the wheel in the direction you want the rear to move Use mirrors but look over your shoulder for best visibility Avoid relying solely on backup cameras They supplement not replace visual checks Parking Always set the parking brake and shift into park or lowest gear for manuals Turn wheels toward the curb when parking downhill away from the curb when uphill Do not park within 15 ft of a fire hydrant or 20 ft of a crosswalk Use hazard lights only when your vehicle is a temporary obstruction Driving at night use headlights from sunset to sunrise and when visibility is below 400 ft Dim high beams within 500 ft of oncoming traffic or 200 ft when following Increase following distance Darkness reduces depth perception Watch for the glow of animal eyes at the road edges and slow accordingly Driving in rain turn on headlights and wipers Reduce speed by at least 5 to 10 m Roads are most slippery in the first few minutes of rain as oil rises to the surface Increase following distance to 4 seconds or more Avoid sudden braking Steer gently to prevent hydroplaning Driving in fog Slow down Use low beam headlights or fog lights High beams reflect back If visibility drops below 100 ft consider pulling off the roadway safely Use pavement edge lines as a guide and avoid passing Activate hazard flashers if stopped on the shoulder to alert others Driving in snow and ice Clear all windows mirrors and lights before moving Accelerate gently Use higher gears to reduce wheel spin Increase following distance to 8 seconds or more Carry chains or winter tires Even these can slip on packed snow and ice Skiding and hydroplaning If rear wheels skid steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go Ease off the accelerator Avoid hard braking Hydroplaning begins around 35 mph in heavy rain Slow down and avoid standing water Proper tire tread depth and pressure help prevent loss of traction Avoiding collisions Look 12 seconds ahead to anticipate hazards and plan escapes Maintain side space by not driving in another vehicle's blind spot Use the 3 to 4 second rule for a following distance in ideal conditions Break smoothly and early to warn drivers behind you Sharing the road with large vehicles Stay out of blind spots If you can't see the driver's mirrors they can't see you Give extra room when passing Large vehicles need more space to stop or turn Cutting in front of a truck deprivives it of needed stopping distance Allow wide birth for buses and trucks turning right Work zones Orange signs and cones signal reduced speeds and change traffic patterns Fines double for many work zone violations even when workers aren't present Merge early lane closures often create lastminute bottlenecks Stay alert for flaggers equipment and abrupt pavement edges Emergency vehicles Move to the right edge of the road and stop until the vehicle passes On multi-lane roads safely change lanes away from stopped emergency crews Never block an intersection while yielding Remain stopped until sirens are clear Follow any instructions given by law enforcement officers on scene Roadside emergencies Signal and pull off the roadway as far to the right as possible Activate hazard flashers and if available place reflective triangles behind you Stay inside your vehicle with seat belt fastened if stopped on a busy highway Call roadside assistance or law enforcement for help Section 4 summary Driving is a complex skill that improves with practice and awareness Apply these techniques every time you're behind the wheel to make safe driving a habit Next we'll decode traffic signs and pavement markings so you can read the road at a glance See you there Section five signals signs and pavement markings Roadway signals signs and markings form a common language that guides and protects every driver cyclist and pedestrian Master their meanings so you can react instantly and travel with confidence wherever the road leads Traffic signals Signals regulate traffic flow at busy intersections and crossings using steady flashing and arrow indications Always obey the signal facing you It overrides signs and right-of-way rules when displayed Red means stop yellow warns the light is changing and green permits movement when safe A dark signal should be treated as an always stop Proceed only when the intersection is clear Flashing signals Flashing red equals a stop sign Come to a complete halt and proceed when clear Flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution through the intersection School zone vegans flash yellow during reduced speed periods Obey posted limits Railroad crossing beacons flash red when a train approaches Never drive around lower gates Arrow signals A steady green arrow allows you to proceed in the arrows direction with protected right ofway A steady yellow arrow warns the protected movement is ending Prepare to stop A flashing yellow arrow permits the turn but you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians A red arrow prohibits movement in the arrows direction until it changes Lane control signals Overhead signals use green arrows and red X's to show which freeway or bridge lanes are open or closed A steady yellow X means the lane will soon close Merge safely A flashing yellow X tells you the lane is for left turns only Obeying lane control signals reduces congestion and prevents head-on collisions Pedestrian signals Walk or walking person symbols mean pedestrians may start crossing Flashing don't walk or upcount timers warn pedestrians to finish crossing Do not begin Study don't walk signals prohibit entry into the crosswalk Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing on any permitted signal Traffic signs overview Signs fall into three broad categories: regulatory warning and guide Shape and color help you identify sign type before reading its message Obey signs promptly They often convey critical information in seconds Failure to heed regulatory signs is enforceable by law and carries penalties Regulatory signs Red signs like stop and yield dictate mandatory actions White rectangular signs state laws speed limits lane use controls and parking rules A red circle with a slash prohibits the depicted action No U-turn no left turn etc Ignoring regulatory signs and dangers everyone and can result in citations Warning signs Yellow diamond shapes alert you to upcoming hazards curves intersections animal crossings Orange diamonds designate construction or maintenance zones Expect workers and equipment Fluorescent yellow green indicates school zones crossings and pedestrian areas Slow down and prepare to react whenever you spot a warning sign Guide signs Green guide signs provide route directions distances and highway exits Blue signs highlight motorist services fuel food lodging and hospitals Brown signs point to recreational areas parks and cultural sites Consistent colors and symbols help drivers navigate quickly even at highway speeds Route markers Shieldshaped signs mark interstate highways Blue and red backgrounds differentiate them US routes use black and white shields while state routes vary by state design Understand route numbering Even numbers generally run east west odd numbers north south Spur and loop route numbers indicate short connectors or beltways around cities Work zone signs Orange signs cones barrels and barriers channel traffic through construction zones Flaggers direct traffic with stop/s slow paddles Obey their instructions over signals or signs Fines double for many violations in active work zones even when workers are absent Slow down Follow posted detours and be prepared for sudden lane shifts Pavement markings overview Lines symbols and words on the road reinforce rules conveyed by signs and signals They define lanes alert you to passing restrictions and guide turning traffic Markings are color-coded Yellow separates opposite directions White separates same direction travel Respecting markings is essential for safe lane discipline and overtaking Center lines A single broken yellow line allows passing when the lane is clear A solid yellow line next to broken permits passing only for the side with the broken line Double solid yellow lines prohibit passing for traffic in both directions line along the right edge marks the roadway limit Do not cross except in emergencies A solid yellow line on the left edge appears on divided highways and one-way ramps Use edge lines at night or in fog to maintain proper lane position Shoulders are not travel lanes Use them only for breakdowns or as directed by police No passing zones Penentshaped and no passing signs pair with solid yellow pavement markings You may not cross the solid line to overtake even if the roadway ahead appears clear No passing areas often occur near hills curves intersections or narrow bridges Keep patience Passing zones return once sight distance improves Lane arrows and word markings White arrows show required or permitted movement for each lane Straight left turn right turn Only lanes marked with a turn arrow may turn at controlled intersections Only word markings emphasize exclusive lane use Merge arrows taper lanes and direct traffic to shift smoothly Stop lines and crosswalks A solid white stop line indicates where to halt at stop signs or red lights If no line exists stop before entering the crosswalk If none before the intersection Yield lines shark teeth Mark where to give way at roundabouts or midblock crossings Never block crosswalks Pedestrians need the full width to cross safely Bike lanes and shared use markings Solid white lines and bicycle symbols designate exclusive bike lanes Motorists may not drive or park there Shro's bike plus Chevron Remind drivers that bicycles share the lane Yield to cyclists before turning across a bike lane Give at least 4 ft when passing bikes even within marked lanes Railroad and school markings Large white RXR symbols warn of railroad crossings ahead Prepare to slow and look for trains School crossings display pavement words and stop lines set farther back for pupil safety Obey crossing guards signals and school zone speeds whenever children are present Extra caution prevents tragic collisions at tracks and school areas Section 5 summary Signals signs and markings speak a universal road language Heed their messages instantly and you will navigate every mile with clarity and confidence Next section we'll discover how to coexist safely with everyone else on the road from heavy trucks to everyday pedestrians Stay tuned Section six sharing the road North Carolina's roads are busy with pedestrians bikes motorcycles large trucks and more Understanding how to share space fairly keeps everyone safe and traffic flowing smoothly Use these guidelines to spot vulnerable users early respect their rights and avoid costly mistakes You as a pedestrian nearly two of every five traffic fatalities in cities involve people on foot Always cross at marked or well-lit locations Look left right left before stepping out Wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight at night Never assume drivers see you Make eye contact when possible If sidewalks are unavailable walk facing traffic as far from the travel lane as practical Bicycles on the roadway Bicycles are legally vehicles They ride with the flow obey signals and have full lane rights Cyclists should ride as far to the right as practicable but may take the lane to avoid hazards Motorists must leave at least 4 feet or change lanes when passing a bicycle Expect cyclists to weave slightly around debris or parked car doors Look for hand signals indicating turns or stops Passing bicycles safely Before passing slow and ensure the oncoming lane is clear Never squeeze a bike within the lane Change lanes completely when possible Maintain a safe return distance ahead Avoid honking Loud horns can startle riders and cause loss of control Be patient Most bicycle passes take only a few seconds After sunset watch for bicycle tail lights and reflective gear Motorcycles Motorcycles have the same full lane width as cars Never share the lane alongside one Many crashes happen when a car turns left across a motorcycles path Double check for small profiles Increase following distance to at least 4 seconds Bikes can stop quicker than cars Do not rely on brake lights Downshifting slows bikes without illumination Beware of gusty winds that can push a motorcycle sideways Tractor trailers and no zones Large trucks have huge blind spots If you can't see the drivers mirrors they can't see you No zones extend 20 ft ahead 200 ft behind and along both sides of the cab Give trucks extra room to turn They may start wide and finish tight Never cut sharply in front of a heavy truck They need longer stopping distances In rain spray from truck tires can blind following drivers ski back Recreational vehicles and trailers RVs are longer higher and slower to accelerate or break than cars Anticipate wide turns and allow extra following distance Watch for sudden sway from crosswinds especially on open bridges Trailers obscure rearward vision Stay out of their blind spots Expect slower uphill climbs and prepare to pass only when safe Mopeds and low-speed vehicles Moped riders must be at least 16 and wear a DOT approved helmet These vehicles top out near 30 miles per hour Stay patient and pass only with ample clearance Keep generous space A small bump can destabilize riders Moped riders should keep to the right but may use the full lane to avoid hazards Treat neighborhood golf carts and other low-speed vehicles with similar courtesy Keeping the road litter-free Throwing trash from a vehicle is illegal The driver is held responsible Litter clogs drains harms wildlife and creates road hazards Use incar trash bags and secure loads to prevent debris blowoff Report litter violators via the SWAT a litterbug hotline A clean roadway benefits safety environment and state tourism Section six summary Sharing the road means patience vigilance and respect for every traveler no matter how many wheels or how fast they go Section seven how DMV serves you The Division of Motor Vehicles keeps North Carolina moving issuing licenses registering vehicles and safeguarding data that proves you are road ready This section shows how to tap DMV services quickly online or in person and stay compliant at every stage of vehicle ownership Driver records Order a certified driving record online at mycdmv.gov or by mail using form dlddP1 Inerson copies are available at Raleigh Central Services or selected regional offices Records show license status convictions points and crash history Vital for employers and insurers Fees vary by type Make checks payable to NCDMV when mailing requests Protect your privacy Federal DPA rules limit who may access your full record Vehicle registration North Carolina title and registration are required within 60 days of residency or vehicle purchase Submit proof of ownership completed MVR1 form and proof of liability insurance Most passenger vehicles require an annual $38.75 registration fee plus county taxes Exempt farm vehicles and certain construction equipment are not titled or registered A driver license is usually needed before a firsttime title/registration can be issued Insurance and financial responsibility Liability insurance from Endo approved carrier is mandatory to title or renew a vehicle Minimum coverage $30,000 bodily injury one person/ $60,000 bodily injury two plus persons/ $25,000 property damage Lapsis trigger civil penalties license plate revocation and potential loss of driving privilege Drivers without a vehicle may file a DL123A form if operating only fully insured fleet vehicles Keep insurance ID cards in the vehicle for law enforcement verification Vehicle inspection Safety and emissions inspections are due annually before registration renewal for most cars under 20 years old Inspection may be performed up to 90 days prior to plate expiration Fees are set statewide Vehicles registered in emissions counties undergo OBD testing Hybrids and electrics require only safety checks Failure to pass must be corrected and reinspected No waiver is issued for safety defects The license and theft bureau oversees inspection station compliance across the state Vehicle registration renewal Plate renewals are due by midnight of the sticker month No grace period is granted Renew online at mncdmv.gov in person at a license plate agency or by mail using the renewal card Proof of valid inspection and liability insurance is verified electronically before renewal Combined vehicle property tax and tag tag and tax together is collected with renewal fees Late renewals incur interest and possible civil penalties Transfer of a motor vehicle Sellers must sign the title over to buyers and complete the damage disclosure section A bill of sale is recommended Notoriization is required on the title Buyers have 28 days to title and register During this window they may operate on the back of title receipt Odometer disclosures are mandatory on vehicles less than 20 model years old Lean releases must be provided if a security interest was recorded on the title Transfer of license plates Plates may be transferred between vehicles you own if insurance and inspection are current Submit form MVR1 plus the $20 plate transfer fee at any license plate agency Never place old plates on a newly purchased vehicle until the transfer is completed Return and use plates to NCDMV or destroy them to avoid tax and liability issues Out of state moves require surrendering NC plates after cancelling insurance to prevent penalties Exemptions and special cases Antique vehicles 35 years plus and historic military vehicles qualify for one-time permanent plates Low-speed electric vehicles follow modified inspection standards and special registration classes Active duty military stationed outside NC may renew by mail with proof of service and insurance Disabled veterans may obtain discounted or no fee plates upon submitting VA certification Certain farm and forestry equipment is exempt from registration inspection and tightening Window tinting Windshield tint may extend only to the A1 line or top 5 in whichever is longer Front side windows must allow greater than or equal to 35% light transmission Rear windows may be darker on passenger cars Reflective tint may not exceed 20% reflectivity on any window Medical waiverss for darker tint require form LT336 and a physician statement Vehicles failing tint standards cannot pass the annual safety inspection DMV headquarters and online services Main office 4121 Newburn Avenue Raleigh North Carolina 27616 handles complex title license and dealer services MCDMV gov offers 30 plus online transactions including license renewal address changes and duplicate titles Customers may schedule road tests check weight times and upload paperwork online before office visits Social media channels provide real-time closure weather and program updates Follow Call 919715700 or use the chatbot for general questions and service center locations Section 7 summary From your very first title to your final duplicate license DMV's tools and staff keep you legal and on the move Next we'll tackle defensive driving techniques for tricky conditions Your key to staying crash free