The texting while driving laws in North Carolina make it illegal to read or send text messages behind the wheel. North Carolina treats texting as a form of distracted driving because it pulls a driver’s attention away from the road.
State law blocks most drivers from texting, checking email, or typing on a phone while a vehicle is moving. These statutes aim to stop crashes caused by drivers looking at screens instead of traffic.
Police may stop a driver for texting alone, even if no other violation happens. If you were hurt by a distracted driver who broke the law, our Charlotte distracted driving lawyer can handle your claim for damages. You can learn more during a free consultation with our team.
What Does the North Carolina Texting Law Ban?
North Carolina’s texting law is found in G.S. § 20-137.4A. It bans texting for almost all drivers. This includes:
- Writing a text
- Sending a text
- Reading a text
- Checking or typing an email
- Typing messages in apps
- Using the phone as a keyboard while driving
Drivers may still use GPS apps, but they must enter the address before they start driving. Voice commands are allowed, as long as the driver does not type.
Police officers may pull over a driver if they see texting behind the wheel. The fine for texting may look small, but the legal consequences after a crash are much larger. If a texting driver injures someone, their violation can become strong proof of fault.
Are There Different Rules for Teen Drivers?
Yes. North Carolina set extra rules for teen drivers in G.S. § 20-137.3 to help prevent crashes.
Anyone under age 18 is not allowed to text or talk on a phone while driving, except when reaching a parent, guardian, or emergency number. If a teen causes a crash while using a phone, this violation can support the claim that they were at fault.
Are Commercial Drivers Treated Differently Under the Law?
In North Carolina, commercial truck and bus drivers must follow stricter texting rules. Federal law bars them from holding a phone to type or read messages at any time. They must use hands-free systems if they need to contact their employer while driving.
If a commercial driver causes a texting-related crash, the claim may involve more parties, including the driver’s employer or the company that owns the vehicle.
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How Texting Can Cause Crashes in North Carolina
Texting behind the wheel affects three areas at once:
- Eyes: The driver looks at the phone’s screen instead of traffic.
- Hands: The driver takes at least one hand off the wheel while texting.
- Attention: The brain focuses on the message instead of the dangers on the road.
This mix makes rear-end collisions, side-swipes, and red-light crashes more likely. Even a short glance can lead to serious consequences.
Can You Sue a Driver Who Was Texting?
If the texting driver caused the crash, you may file a claim for your injuries. Serious cases may require a lawsuit. Many parties settle their claims outside of court, but some need extra legal steps if the insurance carrier refuses to pay what the case is worth.
Claims from texting while driving accidents may include damages for medical care, lost income, pain, mental distress, property damage, and long-term health effects.
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Our Lawyer Can Help After a Crash Caused by a Texting Driver
After a crash with a texting driver, many people feel stuck. Phone use happens fast, but the damage can last for months or years. Our Charlotte car accident lawyer will look into the crash, gather proof of distracted driving, and explain each legal step in plain language.
We will talk with you about what happened and outline what your legal options are. We will also lead talks with the insurance company so that you do not have to sort through arguments about fault.
Insurance carriers can try to downplay texting, so having a legal advocate helps you avoid delays and mix-ups.
How Can We Prove a Driver Was Texting Before the Crash?
Proving texting can feel tough, but our attorney team can use tools to gather evidence. Forms of proof in these cases include:
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Phone records (when accessible through the legal process)
- Video footage from traffic or store cameras
- Crash damage that matches a distracted-driving pattern
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How Long Do You Have to Sue for Damages in North Carolina?
North Carolina has deadlines for filing lawsuits. Most personal injury cases must be filed within three years of the date of the crash, per G.S. § 1-52. Wrongful death cases must be filed within two years under G.S. § 1-53.
These deadlines matter. Once the time limit passes, the court will block the case. Our lawyer will track these deadlines for you and file the right paperwork on time.
What Should You Do After a Crash with a Texting Driver?
After a texting-related crash, you can follow these steps through the first part of the process:
- Get medical care: Even small aches can worsen later. A doctor’s visit creates a record that connects your injuries to the crash.
- Save photos and records: Pictures of the scene, the damage, and your injuries help show how the crash happened.
- Ask for witness names: People who saw the other driver texting can be very helpful later.
- Do not confront or argue with the other driver: Say as little as possible after the accident. Let the police officers and insurance companies handle what comes next.
- Contact an attorney: Our Charlotte personal injury lawyer will manage your claim and talk with the insurance carrier on your behalf.
Hit by a Texting Driver in North Carolina? Tell Us About the Crash
If a texting driver caused your injuries, you can talk with a car accident lawyer at DeMayo Law Offices about what happened. Our team will review North Carolina’s texting while driving laws with you and explain your legal options in clear terms.
DeMayo Law Offices has helped people across North Carolina since 1992 and has recovered more than $1 billion for injured clients. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
While you heal from the crash, our staff will investigate what happened, gather evidence, deal with the insurance company, and handle your claim from start to finish.
Call us today for a free consultation and speak with Your North Carolina Law Firm™ about your next steps.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
