The Hands Free NC Act will enter full enforcement on June 1, 2026, following a six-month warning period that began December 1, 2025, marking a significant change in North Carolina traffic law aimed at reducing distracted driving crashes that cause nearly 20 percent of all accidents statewide.
NC Injury Lawyer Wilmington car accident lawyer professionals at NC Injury Law are providing guidance to drivers about the comprehensive legislation that prohibits holding wireless devices, watching videos, or texting while driving. The new law comes as North Carolina recorded 276,026 total crashes in a recent year, approximately 756 crashes daily, with distracted driving claiming over 1,650 lives annually.
During the current warning period through May 31, 2026, law enforcement officers are issuing warnings only. Starting June 1, drivers face a $100 fine for first offenses with no insurance points, while subsequent offenses within 36 months carry $150 and $200 fines with potential insurance points. Drivers under 18 face more stringent restrictions with limited exceptions.
The legislation addresses a critical safety issue in Wilmington, which ranked 14th worst for driver safety among cities in its size category. College Road, Market Street, and Carolina Beach Road have been identified as the city's most dangerous roads, where distracted driving contributes to approximately 19.7 percent of all traffic accidents.
"While the Hands Free NC Act represents crucial progress in combating distracted driving, accident victims must understand that violations of the new law do not automatically prove negligence in civil injury claims," stated a representative from NC Injury Law. "North Carolina's contributory negligence standard means even one percent fault can bar all compensation, making the distinction between traffic violations and proving civil negligence critical for injured victims seeking recovery."
The firm emphasizes that despite the new hands-free requirements, accident victims still need experienced legal representation when distracted drivers cause crashes. North Carolina's harsh contributory negligence rule creates unique challenges for injury claims that differ significantly from criminal traffic violations.
With over 105,300 people injured in distracted driving crashes annually in North Carolina, including 74,639 injury-causing accidents, the new legislation aims to reduce these alarming statistics. The state recorded 1,653 fatal crashes in a recent year, approximately four per day, highlighting the urgent need for stricter distracted driving enforcement.
Wilmington car accident lawyer services become particularly important as the new law takes effect, given the complexity of proving distracted driving in civil cases versus criminal citations. The hands-free requirements apply to all drivers except in emergency situations, creating a comprehensive framework for reducing device-related distractions.
NC Injury Law has recovered over $50 million for North Carolina accident victims during more than 25 years of practice. The firm handles car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and other personal injury cases throughout Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Leland, Hampstead, and all of New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick Counties. The practice operates on a contingency fee basis and provides bilingual support with 24/7 availability for accident victims.
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For more information about NC Injury Law, contact the company here:
NC Injury Law
NC Injury Law
(800) 800-8000
info@ncinjuryteam.com
3333 Wrightsville Ave
Suite 128
Wilmington, NC 28403
