DMVZoneBlogNorth Carolina is not a hands-free state. Texting and reading email while the car is moving is banned, with a $100 fine. Drivers under 18 cannot use a phone at all while driving, except to call a parent or 911.
North Carolina is not a hands-free state. Adult drivers may hold a phone to talk, but texting or reading email while the car is moving is illegal, with a $100 fine plus court costs and no points. Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all while driving, except to call a parent, spouse or emergency services.
Social media posts in late 2025 claimed North Carolina had banned holding a phone while driving. Fact-checkers found that was false. A hands-free bill, the Hands Free NC Act, was filed but has not become law.
| Action | Adult driver | Under 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Hold the phone to talk | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Type or read a text while moving | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Read email while moving | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Use GPS or voice commands | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Text while lawfully parked or stopped | Allowed | Allowed |
| Call a parent, spouse or 911 | Allowed | Allowed |
No points does not mean no risk. A crash caused by texting can still lead to other charges, an at-fault crash on your insurance and a lawsuit.
Can an adult hold a phone to talk while driving in North Carolina?
Answer: A. North Carolina has no hands-free law for adults, but texting is banned.
What is the NC fine for texting while driving?
Answer: B. The fine is $100 plus court costs.
Who may a 17-year-old NC driver call while driving?
Answer: C. Drivers under 18 may only call a parent, spouse or emergency services.
The ban applies while the vehicle is in motion. It does not apply while lawfully parked or stopped.
No. The Hands Free NC Act has been filed, but it is not law as of November 2026.
It carries no insurance points under the state plan.
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official North Carolina DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
Passing a stopped school bus in North Carolina is a misdemeanor with a $500 minimum fine, 5 DMV points and no PJC allowed. Hitting someone makes it a felony. The Move Over law covers stopped responders with warning lights.
NC DMV points run from 1 to 5. At 7 points you can take a driver improvement clinic to cut 3. At 12 points in three years your license is suspended for up to 60 days the first time.
Under North Carolina's Safe Driver Incentive Plan, 1 insurance point raises your premium 40%, 4 points raise it 90% and a DWI's 12 points raise it 340%. Here is the full chart and the 2025 rule changes.