Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 20. Motor Vehicles § 20-149. Overtaking a vehicle

Current as of January 01, 2023 | Updated by FindLaw Staff

(a) The driver of any such vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at least two feet to the left thereof, and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until safely clear of such overtaken vehicle. This subsection shall not apply when the overtaking and passing is done pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 20-150(e) or G.S. 20-150.1.

(b) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle while being lawfully overtaken on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

Failure to comply with this subsection:

(1) Is a Class 1 misdemeanor when the failure is the proximate cause of a collision resulting in serious bodily injury.

(2) Is a Class 2 misdemeanor when the failure is the proximate cause of a collision resulting in bodily injury or property damage.

(3) Is, in all other cases, an infraction.

Back to chapter list
Previous part of code Next part of code
Back to chapter list

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 20. Motor Vehicles § 20-149. Overtaking a vehicle - last updated January 01, 2023 | https://codes.findlaw.com/nc/chapter-20-motor-vehicles/nc-gen-st-sect-20-149.html

Read this complete North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 20. Motor Vehicles § 20-149. Overtaking a vehicle on Westlaw

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Search all North Carolina Codes

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About the Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to find an attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

    More Options
    Copied to clipboard