CORRECTION, DECEMBER 5, 2025:  This story contained incorrect information about the supposed implementation of the “Hands-Free NC Act” on December 1. The proposed law was not passed and is not law in North Carolina. For updated and verified information, read our latest article here: Has the law prohibiting cell phone use while driving in North Carolina actually gone into effect? 

Effective December 1, 2025, the Hands-Free NC Act, a new state law prohibiting drivers from using wireless devices such as cellular or tablets, while driving, even when the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light. The measure aims to reduce distractions and accidents caused by phone use.

The law It prohibits holding or physically touching a cell phone. to send messages, watch videos, enter information, or perform any manual interaction. Voice-activated technologies and factory-installed navigation systems continue  allowed for most drivers.

What is prohibited 

• Holding a cell phone or any other wireless device.
• Send or read text messages.
• Watch videos or multimedia content.
• Write addresses or other information manually.
• Use the device while stopped at a traffic light or in traffic.

You may be interested:  North Carolina bans cell phones in class

what is allowed 

• Use voice-activated technology, except for drivers with learner's permitprovisional license or school bus drivers.
• Use either a factory-installed GPS or a properly fitted aftermarket navigation system.
• Drivers legally parked with the engine off.

La The law allows for exemptions and does not apply to emergency personnel while performing official duties. It also does not apply to drivers of vehicles safely parked with the engine off.

Fines and penalties 

• First offense: $100 for drivers with a full license; $25 for those with a permit or provisional license.
• Second offense: $150 fine and the possibility of receiving insurance points.
• Third and subsequent offenses: $200 fine plus insurance points.

For school bus drivers, the penalties are more severe: a minimum fine of $100 and a Class 2 misdemeanor charge.

Related:  Traffic fines: should you pay or hire a lawyer?

Impact on drivers 

State officials say the measure aims to change driving behavior. Insurance points associated with repeat offenses can significantly increase car insurance premiums.

Drivers under 18 with a provisional license face additional restrictions: the law completely prohibits them from using phones, even hands-free devices.

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It is against the law to use a cell phone while driving in North Carolina

by Paola Jaramillo, Enlace Latino NC
December 3, 2025

Enlace Latino NCDecember 3, 2025 CORRECTION, DECEMBER 5, 2025: This story contained incorrect information about the supposed entry into force of the “Hands-Free NC Act” on December 1. The proposed law was not passed and is not law in North Carolina. For up-to-date and verified information, read our latest article here: Has the law prohibiting cell phone use while driving in North Carolina really gone into effect? Effective December 1, 2025, the Hands-Free NC Act, a new state law, went into effect, prohibiting drivers from using wireless devices, such as cell phones or tablets, while driving, even when the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light. The measure seeks to reduce distractions and accidents caused by phone use. The law prohibits holding or physically touching a cell phone to send messages, watch videos, enter information, or perform any manual interaction. Voice-activated technologies and factory-installed navigation systems are still permitted for most drivers. What is prohibited Holding a cell phone or any other wireless device. Send or read text messages. Watch videos or multimedia content. Write addresses or other information manually. Use the device while stopped at a traffic light or in traffic. You may be interested in: North Carolina bans cell phones in class What is allowed Use of voice-activated technology, except for drivers with a learner's permit , provisional license, or school bus drivers . Use a factory-installed GPS or a properly fitted aftermarket navigation system. Drivers legally parked with the engine off. The law allows for exemptions and does not apply to emergency personnel while performing official duties. Nor to drivers of vehicles safely parked with the engine off. Fines and penalties First offense: $100 for drivers with a full license; $25 for those with a permit or provisional license. Second offense: $150 fine and the possibility of receiving insurance points. Third and subsequent offenses: $200 fine plus insurance points. For school bus drivers, the penalties are more severe: a minimum fine of $100 and a Class 2 misdemeanor charge. Related:Traffic fines: Should you pay or hire a lawyer? Impact on drivers State officials say the measure aims to change driving behavior. Insurance points associated with repeat offenses can significantly increase vehicle insurance premiums. Drivers under 18 with a provisional license face additional restrictions: the law completely prohibits them from using phones, even hands-free devices. This <a target="_blank" href="https://enlacelatinonc.org/ley-prohibido-usar-el-cel-al-conducir-en-carolina-del-norte/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://enlacelatinonc.org">Enlace Latino NCand is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. PARSELY = { autotrack: false, onload: function() { PARSELY.beacon.trackPageView({ url: "https://enlacelatinonc.org/ley-prohibido-usar-el-cellular-al-conducir-en-carolina-del-norte/", urlref: window.location.href }); } }

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