AN ACT to AMEND THE MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS OF THE STATE TO impose a minimum speed limit on state roads.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 20‑141 reads as rewritten:

§ 20‑141.  Speed restrictions.

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(c)        Except while towing another vehicle, or when an advisory safe‑speed sign indicates a slower speed, or as otherwise provided by law, it shall be unlawful to operate a passenger vehicle upon the interstate and primary highway system at less than the following speeds:

(1)        Forty miles per hour in a speed zone of 55 miles per hour.

(2)        Forty‑five miles per hour in a speed zone of 60 miles per hour or greater.

These minimum speeds shall be effective only when appropriate signs are posted indicating the minimum speed.

(c1)      Except as provided for in subsection (c) of this section, the minimum speed limit for all State roads shall be 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. The minimum speed limit shall be effective only when appropriate signs are posted indicating the minimum speed. This subsection does not apply to roads with a grade exceeding five percent (5%).

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SECTION 2.  G.S. 20‑146 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

(f)       A motor vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more shall not operate in the left most lane of a controlled‑access highway with six or more lanes.

SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2023, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.