Emergency Situations and Defensive Driving in North Carolina

1. What is the legal blood alcohol limit in North Carolina for operating a vehicle?


The legal blood alcohol limit in North Carolina for operating a vehicle is 0.08%.

2. What are the rules for passing a stopped school bus in North Carolina?


In North Carolina, the following rules apply when approaching a stopped school bus:

1. When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing, all vehicles must stop at least 20 feet away from the bus.

2. Vehicles approaching from the rear of the stopped bus must stop.

3. Vehicles approaching from the opposite direction (oncoming) must stop if there is no median separating the two lanes of traffic.

4. Once all passengers have exited or boarded the bus, and the bus driver has turned off the red lights, it is permissible for vehicles to proceed.

3. In what situations should a driver yield the right of way in North Carolina?


In North Carolina, drivers should yield the right of way to:
1. Pedestrians in a crosswalk
2. Emergency vehicles (police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, etc.)
3. Other vehicles already in the intersection
4. Bicyclists on a designated bicycle path
5. Vehicles approaching from the right at uncontrolled intersections
6. Funeral processions

4. What is North Carolina’s distracted driving law?


North Carolina’s distracted driving law prohibits all drivers from using a mobile device to write, send, or read any text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle. This includes emails, texts, instant messages, and other similar types of communication. The law also prohibits the use of any handheld personal communication device for activities such as talking, playing games, or watching videos while driving. Additionally, North Carolina drivers are prohibited from using any mobile device to access the internet while driving. Violation of these laws may result in a $100 fine.

5. Is it legal to use a cell phone while driving in North Carolina?


No, it is not legal to use a cell phone while driving in North Carolina.

6. When should a driver use high beams in North Carolina?


In North Carolina, a driver should use high beams when driving at night on an unlit road or when there is no oncoming traffic. High beams should not be used when driving in fog, rain, or snow, when following another vehicle, or when approaching an oncoming vehicle.

7. What is the speed limit on highways in North Carolina?


The speed limit on highways in North Carolina is 70 mph.

8. How long are drivers allowed to drive without taking a break in North Carolina?


Drivers are allowed to drive for 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty in North Carolina.

9. What should drivers do when approaching a railroad crossing in North Carolina?


When approaching a railroad crossing in North Carolina, drivers should slow down, listen for any warning signs, and look both ways for oncoming trains. If the driver sees or hears a train approaching, they must stop at least 15 feet away from the nearest rail and remain there until the train has passed. Drivers should also be aware of any signs or signals that indicate the presence of a railroad crossing ahead.

10. How should drivers react if they encounter an aggressive driver on the road in North Carolina?


Drivers should remain calm and not engage with the aggressive driver. If possible, try to get out of the way of the aggressive driver and maintain a safe distance. When driving around aggressive drivers it is important to remain patient, remain focused on the road, and obey all traffic laws. In North Carolina, it is illegal to engage in any road raging behavior such as following too closely, making rude gestures, or honking excessively. If you feel unsafe, contact law enforcement.

11. How should drivers react to a flooded roadway in North Carolina?


Drivers should not attempt to drive through a flooded roadway in North Carolina. Standing water on roadways can quickly become deep enough to submerge the entire car, leading to the risk of drowning. In addition, drivers can’t always tell whether the depth of the water is enough to cause their car to lose traction, so it’s best to avoid flooded roadways altogether. If drivers do find themselves in a flooded area, they should immediately seek higher ground and find an alternate route.

12. How can drivers prepare their vehicles for winter driving in North Carolina?


Drivers in North Carolina can prepare their vehicles for winter driving by getting an oil change, checking the antifreeze, checking brakes and tires, installing winter tires if needed, checking the battery and charging system, and having the heater and defroster inspected. In addition, drivers should keep a winter emergency kit in their vehicle with items such as blankets, extra warm clothing, a flashlight, a shovel, a bag of sand or kitty litter for traction, a window scraper, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit.

13. What is the legal age for operating a vehicle in North Carolina?


The legal age for operating a vehicle in North Carolina is 16 years old.

14. What are the rules for stopping at a stop sign in North Carolina?


At a stop sign, drivers must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. Drivers must yield to any vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection. At an intersection with multiple stop signs, drivers must wait their turn and obey the right-of-way rules.

15. Who has the right of way at an uncontrolled intersection in North Carolina?


In North Carolina, the driver at an uncontrolled intersection should yield the right of way to vehicles approaching from the right.

16. What are the rules for using emergency lanes on highways in North Carolina?


The following are the rules for using emergency lanes on highways in North Carolina:

1. Use the emergency lane only in an emergency or when directed by law enforcement or safety personnel.

2. Move to the far right lane as soon as possible when using the emergency lane.

3. Do not use the emergency lane to pass other vehicles.

4. Do not travel on the shoulder at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour.

5. Watch for emergency vehicles. Pull over when they approach from behind and yield the right-of-way.

6. Slow down and use caution when passing stopped vehicles or bicyclists in an emergency lane.

7. Always obey posted signs and traffic signals when using the emergency lane.

17. How should drivers manage their speed on curvy roads in North Carolina?


Drivers should manage their speed on curvy roads in North Carolina by slowing down before entering the curve, using the proper lane (the outermost lane if there is more than one lane in the curve), and accelerating cautiously when exiting the curve. Drivers should also be aware of their surrounding environment and road conditions when navigating a curve. Additionally, drivers should be aware of posted speed limits and adjust their speed accordingly.

18. What is the minimum age for having a learner’s permit in North Carolina?


The minimum age for having a learner’s permit in North Carolina is 15 years old.

19. What is the rule for yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks in North Carolina?


In North Carolina, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are in a crosswalk or approaching it in such a manner that they are likely to enter the crosswalk. Drivers should stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has crossed the roadway.

20. When should drivers use headlights during daylight hours in North Carolina?


Drivers in North Carolina should use their headlights during daylight hours when visibility is reduced due to fog, heavy rain, sleet or snow.