Section 20-121.1 - Operation of a low-speed vehicle, mini-truck, or modified utility vehicle on certain roadwaysThe operation of a low-speed vehicle, mini-truck, or modified utility vehicle is authorized with the following restrictions:
(1) A low-speed vehicle may be operated only on streets and highways where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. A mini-truck or modified utility vehicle may be operated only on streets and highways where the posted speed limit is 55 miles per hour or less. This subdivision does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle, mini-truck, or modified utility vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street being crossed has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.(2) A low-speed vehicle or mini-truck shall be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, windshield wipers, speedometer, seat belts, and a vehicle identification number. Any such required equipment shall be maintained in proper working order.(2a) A modified utility vehicle shall be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, a speedometer, seat belts, and a vehicle identification number. Any such required equipment shall be maintained in proper working order. If a modified utility vehicle does not have a vehicle identification number, upon application by the owner, the Division shall assign a vehicle identification number to the modified utility vehicle prior to registration. The operator of and all passengers on a modified utility vehicle that is not equipped with a windshield and windshield wipers shall wear a safety helmet, with a retention strap properly secured, that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.(3) A low-speed vehicle, mini-truck, or modified utility vehicle shall be registered and insured in accordance with G.S. 20-50 and G.S. 20-309.(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other subdivision of this section, the Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles, mini-trucks, or modified utility vehicles on any road or highway if it determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.(5) Low-speed vehicles must comply with the safety standards in 49 C.F.R. § 571.500.(6) Regardless of age, a mini-truck shall not qualify as an antique vehicle or historic vehicle as described in G.S. 20-79.4(b).N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-121.1
Amended by 2024 N.C. Sess. Laws 46,s. 1-c, eff. 10/1/2024.Amended by 2021 N.C. Sess. Laws 33, s. 2, eff. 10/1/2021.Amended by 2020 N.C. Sess. Laws 40, s. 3, eff. 10/1/2020.Amended by 2019 N.C. Sess. Laws 34, s. 3, eff. 6/21/2019.Added by 2001 - 356, s. 5, eff. 8/1/2001.