North Carolina legislation · 2025-2026 Session
North Carolina S797: Hands Free NC.
Status: In committee, April 22, 2026
What the bill says
An act making it unlawful to use a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area.
From the introduced text:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT MAKING IT UNLAWFUL TO USE A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE ON A PUBLIC STREET, HIGHWAY, OR PUBLIC VEHICULAR AREA. The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: SECTION 1. This act shall be known as "The Hands Free NC Act." SECTION 2. G.S. 20-137.3, 20-137.4, and 20-137.4A are repealed. SECTION 3. Article 3 of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read: "§ 20-137.3A. Unlawful use of a wireless communication device. (a) Definitions. - The following definitions apply in this section: (1) Emergency situation. - Circumstances such as medical concerns, unsafe road conditions, matters of public safety, or mechanical problems that create a risk of harm for the operator or passengers of a motor vehicle. (2) Operate a motor vehicle. - Operating a motor vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area. The term does not include situations where the motor vehicle is off, or to the side of, a public street, highway, or public vehicular area in a location where the motor vehicle can safely remain stationary. (3) School bus. - As defined in G.S. 20-4.01(27)n. The term also includes any school activity bus, as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(27)m., and any vehicle transporting public, private, or parochial school students for …
Sponsors
- Burgin, Jim (R, 12) · primary sponsor
- Corbin, Kevin (R, 50) · primary sponsor
- Chaudhuri, Jay J. (D, 15) · primary sponsor
- Adcock, Gale (D, 16)
- Applewhite, Val (D, 19)
- Bradley, Woodson (D, 42)
- Brinson, Bob (R, 3)
- Garrett, Michael (D, 27)
- Garson, Jonah (D, 23)
- Grafstein, Lisa (D, 13)
- Johnson, Todd (R, 35)
- Jones, Dana (R, 31)
Latest actions
- : Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
- : Passed 1st Reading
- : Filed
Subjects: BUDGETING, HIGHWAY FUND, TRAFFIC OFFENSES, FUNDS & ACCOUNTS, TRANSPORTATION DEPT., PUBLIC, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, TRANSPORTATION
Common questions
- What is S797?
- S797 is a bill in the North Carolina Legislature (2025-2026 Session): Hands Free NC.
- What does S797 do?
- In its own words: An act making it unlawful to use a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area.
- What is the status of S797?
- In committee as of April 22, 2026. Latest action: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (April 22, 2026).
- Who sponsored S797?
- Burgin, Jim (R, 12), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for S797?
- On the North Carolina Legislature website: https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S797
Source: official North Carolina record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.