New laws affecting drivers, dealers, owners

Several laws passed by the General Assembly will become effective in December 2010 and January 2011, affecting the state’s drivers, automobile dealers and vehicle owners, the Department of Transportation announced Thursday. 

– A vehicle owner whose license plate frame or cover makes a number or letter on the plate, the state name, or the number or month on the registration renewal sticker illegible can be penalized up to $100.

– Commercial driver licenses will expire five years after issuance because of requirements for meeting hazardous materials regulations. A CDL used to expire on the same schedule as the regular Class C driver license.

– The number of dealer license plates which can be issued to dealers will increase based on previous sales volume and the number of qualified sales representatives working with the dealer. Dealer plates may be used for demonstration purposes with an appropriate permit.

– The use of transporter plates will be restricted to motor vehicles being used for business purposes only, and the business operator must show proof of insurance. Fines for violating these requirements have been increased to $100 for the individual driver and $250 per occurrence charged to the dealer or business.

– The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles will no longer charge vehicle owners a $1 postage and handling fee for renewing their vehicle registration by mail.

– The term of issuance for persons receiving a driver license will increase to eight years for a person 18-65 years old. A driver license issued to a person 66 years old and older expires after five years. Formerly, the law required a five-year license for those 55 years old and older.

– A motorcycle learner’s permit will be issued for only 12 months, and only one renewal of six months will be allowed. Anyone under 18 who applies to get a motorcycle learner’s permit or a driver license with a motorcycle endorsement must pass a course taught by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or the N.C. Motorcycle Safety Education Program.

– Beginning in July, the three-day trip permit was replaced by a 10-day trip permit which may be issued to a person whose vehicle is not currently registered and needs to pass an inspection. The permit authorizes a person with proof of insurance to drive a vehicle whose inspection has expired to have the vehicle properly inspected and then registered. These permits are issued either by the DMV License and Theft Bureau or by any contract license plate agency.

– Beginning Sept. 1, the fee for restoring a driver license which has been revoked for impaired driving increased from $75 to $100, and the $25 increase is used to fund a statewide chemical alcohol testing program administered by the Forensic Tests for Alcohol Branch of the Chronic Disease and Injury Section of the Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining $75 is deposited in the General Fund.

– On Oct. 1, legislation took effect which does not allow the holder of a commercial driver license to have a disqualification expunged from his record. Also beginning that date, a sex offender who is registered in another state and moves to North Carolina must also register as a sex offender in North Carolina.