GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2019

 

SESSION LAW 2020-40

HOUSE BILL 307

 

 

AN ACT TO AMEND THE MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS OF THE STATE TO regulate MODIFIED UTILITY VEHICLES.

 

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

 

SECTION 1.  G.S. 20‑4.01(27) is amended by adding a new sub‑subdivision to read:

g2.      Modified utility vehicle. – A motor vehicle that (i) is manufactured for off‑road use with equipment required by G.S. 20‑121.1(2), except a vehicle identification number, and (ii) has four wheels, an engine displacement greater than 2,400 cubic centimeters, an overall length of 142 inches or greater, an overall width of 58 inches or greater, an overall height of 70 inches or greater, a maximum speed capability of 40 miles per hour or greater, and does not require an operator or passenger to straddle a seat. Modified utility vehicle does not include an all‑terrain vehicle, golf cart, or utility vehicle, as defined in this section, or a riding lawn mower.

SECTION 2.  G.S. 20‑87(12) reads as rewritten:

(12)    Low‑Speed Vehicles and Mini‑Trucks. Vehicles, Mini‑Trucks, and Modified Utility Vehicles. – The fee for a low‑speed vehicle or mini‑truck vehicle, mini‑truck, or modified utility vehicle is the same as the fee for private passenger vehicles of not more than 15 passengers. However, the fee for any low‑speed vehicle or mini‑truck vehicle, mini‑truck, or modified utility vehicle that is offered for rent shall be the same as the fee for a U‑drive‑it automobile.

SECTION 3.  G.S. 20‑121.1 reads as rewritten:

§ 20‑121.1.  Operation of a low‑speed vehicle or mini‑truck vehicle, mini‑truck, or modified utility vehicle on certain roadways.

The operation of a low‑speed vehicle or mini‑truck 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 does not prohibit a low‑speed vehicle or mini‑truck 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 vehicle, mini‑truck, or modified utility vehicle 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. 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.

(3)        A low‑speed vehicle or mini‑truck 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)        The Department of Transportation may prohibit the operation of low‑speed vehicles or mini‑trucks 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).

SECTION 4.  This act becomes effective October 1, 2020.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 17th day of June, 2020.

 

 

                                                                    s/  Philip E. Berger

                                                                         President Pro Tempore of the Senate

 

 

                                                                    s/  Tim Moore

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

 

 

                                                                    s/  Roy Cooper

                                                                         Governor

 

 

Approved 9:50 a.m. this 26th day of June, 2020