GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2017

H                                                                                                                                                    1

HOUSE BILL 110*

 

 

Short Title:      DOT/DMV Changes.

(Public)

Sponsors:

Representatives Torbett, Iler, and Shepard (Primary Sponsors).

For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.

Referred to:

Transportation, if favorable, State and Local Government II

February 16, 2017

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to make changes to State law RELATED to the DEPARTMENT of TRANSPORTATION AND the DIVISION of motor vehicles, as recommended by the joint legislative transportation oversight committee.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

 

PART I. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CHANGES

 

DOT residue PROPERTY DISPOSAL

SECTION 1.(a)  G.S. 136‑19 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"(j)       Remainder properties acquired in connection with acquisition of right‑of‑way shall be disposed of as follows:

(1)        The sale of all residues will be by public sale except as hereinafter specified.

(2)        Residue properties sold by public sale may be sold by sealed bid, or by auction at the election of the Right of Way Branch. The sale of such properties must be advertised by at least one of the following methods:

a.         Publication in a newspaper having general circulation in the county in which the property is situated.

b.         On a Department of Transportation Web site.

c.         By placement of a "For Sale" sign on the residue.

(3)        After opening bids or closing of auction, upset bids may be considered. The high bid shall be presented to the Board of Transportation at its next regular meeting after the date of the sale for rejection or acceptance. The Department of Transportation may reject all bids if the Department does not consider the bids to be in accord with the appraised or fair market value as determined by the Department.

(4)        Residue properties sold by public sale may also be sold by real estate brokers licensed in North Carolina at the election of the Chief Engineer. The highest offer to purchase shall be presented to the Board of Transportation at its next regular meeting after the acceptance of the offer to purchase. The Department of Transportation may reject all offers to purchase if the Department does not consider them to be in accord with the appraised or fair market value as determined by the Department.

(5)        Those residue properties located adjacent to controlled access projects that are landlocked may be sold to the adjoining property owner by negotiation rather than public sale for a consideration that is approved by the Division Right of Way Agent and the Right of Way Unit Manager.

(6)        Residue properties may be sold to State agencies and institutions and other governmental units by negotiation rather than public sale and may be donated provided their future use is for public purposes.

(7)        Residue acquired in connection with highway purposes may be used for the purpose of exchange with a public utility company in part or in full consideration for property to be acquired for highway purposes from the public utility company. Such exchanges shall be based on the appraised values of the surplus property and the property to be acquired for highway purposes. Residue property acquired in connection with right‑of‑way for a project may be used for the purpose of exchange in part or full consideration for right‑of‑way being acquired from another property owner on the project. Such exchanges shall be based on the appraised values of the residue property and the right‑of‑way to be acquired.

(8)        Residues which have an area of one acre or less and a value of twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) or less and the highest and best use is for assemblage with adjacent property may be sold without advertising by negotiations rather than public sale to an adjoining owner. The Division Right of Way Agent together with an Area Appraiser will determine the value of the residue. Factors such as the after value as indicated in the original appraisal, sales of similar properties, and sales of other residues, if any, in the area may be considered in determining the value. After a value has been established, the Division Right of Way Agent or their designee may negotiate with the adjoining owners concerning the disposal of each residue. The decision of the Division Right of Way Agent to accept and complete a sale is final.

(9)        The Manager of Right of Way shall dispose of residues with values of less than five thousand dollars ($5,000), as determined in accordance with subdivision (8) of this subsection, by executing and delivering on behalf of the Department of Transportation a quit claim deed to the buyers of such residues after the transactions are first approved by the Board of Transportation. Conveyances of residues with values of less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) shall not require the approval of the Governor and Council of State.

(10)      Residue properties or portions of residue properties acquired in connection with right‑of‑way for a project and located outside the right‑of‑way for that project may be sold by negotiation rather than by public sale to property owners and tenants who are displaced by the project for relocation of the displacee. Such sales shall be based upon the appraised value of the residue properties.

(11)      Except as noted in this subsection, all sales of surplus lands, including, but not limited to, surplus rights‑of‑way, residues, and uneconomic remnants, require the approval of the Board of Transportation."

SECTION 1.(b)  The Department of Transportation may adopt, amend, or repeal rules to implement G.S. 136‑19(j), as enacted by this section.

SECTION 2.  Reserved

 

Extend sunset for dot minority‑owned/women‑owned businesses program

SECTION 3.  G.S. 136‑28.4(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e)      This section expires August 31, 2017.2019."

 

eliminate annual report on reducing vehicle miles traveled by state employees

SECTION 4.  Subsections (d) and (e) of G.S. 143‑215.107C are repealed.

 

part II. DIvision of motor vehicleS changes

 

clarify that HYBRID VEHICLES with emissions COMPONENTS are subject to emissions inspections

SECTION 5.  G.S. 20‑4.01 reads as rewritten:

"ง 20‑4.01.  Definitions.

Unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply throughout this Chapter to the defined words and phrases and their cognates:

…

(12a)    Fuel cell electric vehicle. – A four‑wheeled motor vehicle that does not have the ability to be propelled by a gasoline engine and that meets each of the following requirements:

a.         Is made by a manufacturer primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways and meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards included in 49 C.F.R. ง 571.

b.         Has not been modified from original manufacturer specifications with regard to power train or any manner of powering the vehicle.

c.         Uses hydrogen and a fuel cell to produce electricity on board to power an electric motor to propel the vehicle.

d.         Is rated at not more than 8,500 pounds unloaded gross vehicle weight.

e.         Has a maximum speed capability of at least 65 miles per hour.

…

(28a)    Plug‑in electric vehicle. – A four‑wheeled motor vehicle that does not have the ability to be propelled by a gasoline engine and that meets each of the following requirements:

a.         Is made by a manufacturer primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways and meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards included in 49 C.F.R. ง 571.

b.         Has not been modified from original manufacturer specifications with regard to power train or any manner of powering the vehicle.

c.         Is rated at not more than 8,500 pounds unloaded gross vehicle weight.

d.         Has a maximum speed capability of at least 65 miles per hour.

e.         Draws electricity from a battery that has all of the following characteristics:

1.         A capacity of not less than four kilowatt hours.

2.         Capable of being recharged from an external source of electricity.

…."

 

MODIFY PROCESS BY WHICH DMV DETERMINES WHETHER TO REVOKE A DRIVERS LICENSE OF A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN ADJUDICATED INCOMPETENT

SECTION 6.(a)  G.S. 20‑17.1(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a)      The Commissioner, upon receipt of notice that any person has been legally adjudicated incompetent or has been involuntarily committed to an institution for the treatment of alcoholism or drug addiction, an alcohol abuse or substance abuse disorder, shall forthwith make inquiry into the facts for the purpose of determining whether such person is competent to operate a motor vehicle. If a person has been adjudicated incompetent under Chapter 35A of the General Statutes, in making an inquiry into the facts, the Commissioner shall consider the clerk of court's recommendation regarding whether the incompetent person should be allowed to retain his or her driving privilege. If a clerk of court, in any incompetency adjudication order under Chapter 35A of the General Statutes, recommends that any person's driving privilege be revoked, the Division shall immediately revoke such person's driving privilege. If the clerk of court, in any such order, recommends that the person retain their driving privilege, or makes no recommendation concerning their driving privilege, the Division shall determine whether the person shall retain their driving privilege, based upon an inquiry of the facts. Unless the Commissioner is satisfied that such person is competent to operate a motor vehicle with safety to persons and property, he the Commissioner shall revoke such person's driving privilege. Provided that if such person requests, in writing, a hearing, he shall retain his license until after the hearing, and if the revocation is sustained after such hearing, the person whose driving privilege has been revoked under the provisions of this section, Any person whose driving privilege is revoked pursuant to this subsection shall have the right to a review by the review board as provided in G.S. 20‑9(g)(4) upon written request filed with the Division."

SECTION 6.(b)  This section becomes effective February 1, 2018, and applies to adjudications on or after that date.

 

REDESIGNATE DMV LICENSE AND THEFT INSPECTORS AS AGENTS

SECTION 7.(a)  G.S. 20‑16.5(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e)      Procedure if Report Filed with Judicial Official When Person Is Present. – If a properly executed revocation report concerning a person is filed with a judicial official when the person is present before that official, the judicial official shall, after completing any other proceedings involving the person, determine whether there is probable cause to believe that each of the conditions of subsection (b) has been met. If he determines that there is such probable cause, he shall enter an order revoking the person's driver's license for the period required in this subsection. The judicial official shall order the person to surrender his license and if necessary may order a law‑enforcement officer to seize the license. The judicial official shall give the person a copy of the revocation order. In addition to setting it out in the order the judicial official shall personally inform the person of his right to a hearing as specified in subsection (g), and that his license remains revoked pending the hearing. The revocation under this subsection begins at the time the revocation order is issued and continues until the person's license has been surrendered for the period specified in this subsection, and the person has paid the applicable costs. The period of revocation is 30 days, if there are no pending offenses for which the person's license had been or is revoked under this section. If at the time of the current offense, the person has one or more pending offenses for which his license had been or is revoked under this section, the revocation shall remain in effect until a final judgment, including all appeals, has been entered for the current offense and for all pending offenses. In no event, may the period of revocation under this subsection be less than 30 days. If within five working days of the effective date of the order, the person does not surrender his license or demonstrate that he is not currently licensed, the clerk shall immediately issue a pick‑up order. The pick‑up order shall be issued to a member of a local law‑enforcement agency if the law enforcement officer was employed by the agency at the time of the charge and the person resides in or is present in the agency's territorial jurisdiction. In all other cases, the pick‑up order shall be issued to an officer or inspector agent of the Division. A pick‑up order issued pursuant to this section is to be served in accordance with G.S. 20‑29 as if the order had been issued by the Division."

SECTION 7.(b)  G.S. 20‑49 reads as rewritten:

"ง 20‑49.  Police authority of Division.

The Commissioner and such officers and inspectors agents of the Division as he the Commissioner shall designate and all members of the Highway Patrol and law enforcement officers of the Department of  Public Safety shall have the power:

...."

SECTION 7.(c)  G.S. 20‑49.1 reads as rewritten:

"ง 20‑49.1.  Supplemental police authority of Division officers.officers and agents.

(a)        In addition to the law enforcement authority granted in G.S. 20‑49 or elsewhere, the Commissioner and the officers and inspectors agents of the Division whom the Commissioner designates have the authority to enforce criminal laws under any of the following circumstances:

(1)        When they have probable cause to believe that a person has committed a criminal act in their presence and at the time of the violation they are engaged in the enforcement of laws otherwise within their jurisdiction.

(2)        When they are asked to provide temporary assistance by the head of a State or local law enforcement agency or his designee and the request is within the scope of the agency's subject matter jurisdiction.

While acting pursuant to this subsection, the Division officers and agents shall have the same powers vested in law enforcement officers by statute or common law. When acting pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection, the Division officers and agents shall not be considered an officer, employee, or agent of the State or local law enforcement agency or designee asking for temporary assistance. Nothing in this section shall be construed to expand the Division officers' or agents' authority to initiate or conduct an independent investigation into violations of criminal laws outside the scope of their subject matter or territorial jurisdiction.

(b)        In addition to the law enforcement authority granted in G.S. 20‑49 or elsewhere, the Commissioner and the officers and inspectors agents of the Division whom the Commissioner designates have the authority to investigate drivers license fraud and identity thefts related to drivers license fraud and to make arrests for these offenses."

SECTION 7.(d)  G.S. 20‑53(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e)      No title shall be issued to an initial applicant for (i) out‑of‑state vehicles that are 1980 model year or older or (ii) a specially constructed vehicle prior to the completion of a vehicle verification conducted by the License and Theft Bureau of the Division of Motor Vehicles. These verifications shall be conducted as soon as practical. For an out‑of‑state vehicle that is 1980 model year or older, this inspection shall consist of verifying the public vehicle identification number to ensure that it matches the vehicle and ownership documents. No covert vehicle identification numbers are to be examined on an out‑of‑state vehicle 1980 model year or older unless the inspector agent develops probable cause to believe that the ownership documents or public vehicle identification number presented does not match the vehicle being examined. However, upon such application and the submission of any required documentation, the Division shall be authorized to register the vehicle pending the completion of the verification of the vehicle. The registration shall be valid for one year but shall not be renewed unless and until the vehicle examination has been completed.

If an inspection and verification is not conducted by the License and Theft Bureau of the Division of Motor Vehicles within 15 days after receiving a request for such and the inspector agent has no probable cause to believe that the ownership documents or public vehicle identification number presented does not match the vehicle being examined, the vehicle shall be deemed to have satisfied all inspection and verification requirements and title shall issue to the owner within 15 days thereafter. If an inspection and verification is timely performed and the vehicle passes the inspection and verification, title shall issue to the owner within 15 days of the date of the inspection."

SECTION 7.(e)  G.S. 20‑108 reads as rewritten:

"ง 20‑108.  Vehicles or component parts of vehicles without manufacturer's numbers.

…

(b)        The Commissioner and such officers and inspectors agents of the Division of Motor Vehicles as he has designated may take and possess any motor vehicle or component part if its engine number, vehicle identification number, or manufacturer's serial number has been altered, changed, or obliterated or if such officer or agent has probable cause to believe that the driver or person in charge of the motor vehicle or component part has violated subsection (a) above. Any officer or agent who so takes possession of a motor vehicle or component part shall immediately notify the Division of Motor Vehicles and the rightful owner, if known. The notification shall contain a description of the motor vehicle or component part and any other facts that may assist in locating or establishing the rightful ownership thereof or in prosecuting any person for a violation of the provisions of this Article.

(c)        Within 15 days after seizure of a motor vehicle or component part pursuant to this section, the Division shall send notice by certified mail to the person from whom the property was seized and to all claimants to the property whose interest or title is in the registration records in the Division of Motor Vehicles that the Division has taken custody of the motor vehicle or component part. The notice shall also contain the following information:

(1)        The name and address of the person or persons from whom the motor vehicle or component part was seized;

(2)        A statement that the motor vehicle or component part has been seized for investigation as provided in this section and that the motor vehicle or component part will be released to the rightful owner:

a.         Upon a determination that the identification number has not been altered, changed, or obliterated; or

b.         Upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of the ownership of the motor vehicle or component part if no other person claims an interest in it within 30 days of the date the notice is mailed. Otherwise, a hearing regarding the disposition of the motor vehicle or component part may take place in a court having jurisdiction.

(3)        The name and address of the officer or agent to whom evidence of ownership of the motor vehicle or component part may be presented; and

(4)        A copy statement of the text contained in this section.

(d)       Whenever a motor vehicle or component part comes into the custody of an officer, officer or agent, the Division of Motor Vehicles may commence a civil action in the District Court in the county in which the motor vehicle or component part was seized to determine whether the motor vehicle or component part should be destroyed, sold, converted to the use of the Division or otherwise disposed of by an order of the court. The Division shall give notice of the commencement of such an action to the person from whom the motor vehicle or component part was seized and all claimants to the property whose interest or title is in the registration records of the Division of Motor Vehicles. Notice shall be by certified mail sent within 10 days after the filing of the action. In addition, any possessor of a motor vehicle or component part described in this section may commence a civil action under the provisions of this section, to which the Division of Motor Vehicles may be made a party, to provide for the proper disposition of the motor vehicle or component part.

...

(j)         An officer or agent taking into custody a motor vehicle or component part under the provisions of this section is authorized to obtain necessary removal and storage services, but shall incur no personal liability for such services. The person or company so employed shall be entitled to reasonable compensation as a claimant under (e), and shall not be deemed an unlawful possessor under (a)."

 

LIMIT ISSUANCE OF 10‑DAY TEMPORARY VEHICLE REGISTRATION TAGS

SECTION 8.(a)  G.S. 20‑50(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b)      The Division may issue a temporary license plate for a vehicle. A temporary license plate is valid for the period set by the Division. The period may not be less than 10 days nor more than 60 days. Except for a vehicle that is model year 1980 or older and is being transported directly to or from a vehicle show or exhibition, the Division shall not issue more than two 10‑day temporary license plates to a person for a particular vehicle during an annual registration period.

A person may obtain a temporary license plate for a vehicle by filing an application with the Division and paying the required fee. An application must be filed on a form provided by the Division.

The fee for a temporary license plate that is valid for 10 days is ten dollars ($10.00). The fee for a temporary license plate that is valid for more than 10 days is the amount that would be required with an application for a license plate for the vehicle. If a person obtains for a vehicle a temporary license plate that is valid for more than 10 days and files an application for a license plate for that vehicle before the temporary license plate expires, the person is not required to pay the fee that would otherwise be required for the license plate.

A temporary license plate is subject to the following limitations and conditions:

(1)        It may be issued only upon proper proof that the applicant has met the applicable financial responsibility requirements.

(2)        It expires on midnight of the day set for expiration.

(3)        It may be used only on the vehicle for which issued and may not be transferred, loaned, or assigned to another.

(4)        If it is lost or stolen, the person who applied for it must notify the Division.

(5)        It may not be issued by a dealer.

(6)        The provisions of G.S. 20‑63, 20‑71, 20‑110 and 20‑111 that apply to license plates apply to temporary license plates insofar as possible."

SECTION 8.(b)  This section becomes effective January 1, 2018, and applies to applications received on or after that date.

 

REMOVE SIGNATURE LINE FROM MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION CARD

SECTION 9.  G.S. 20‑57(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b)      The registration card shall be delivered to the owner and shall contain upon the face thereof the name and address of the owner, space for the owner's signature, the registration number assigned to the vehicle, and a description of the vehicle as determined by the Commissioner, provided that if there are more than two owners the Division may show only two owners on the registration card and indicate that additional owners exist by placing after the names listed "et al."  An owner may obtain a copy of a registration card issued in the owner's name by applying to the Division for a copy and paying the fee set in G.S. 20‑85."

 

MODIFY CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR INDEPENDENT MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS

SECTION 10.(a)  G.S. 20‑288(a1) reads as rewritten:

"(a1)    A used motor vehicle dealer may obtain a license by filing an application, as prescribed in subsection (a) of this section, and providing the following:

...

(2)        Proof that the applicant, within the last 12 months, has completed a 12‑hour licensing course approved by the Division if the applicant is seeking an initial license and a six‑hour course approved by the Division if the applicant is seeking a renewal license. The requirements of this subdivision do not apply to a used motor vehicle dealer the primary business of which is the sale of salvage vehicles on behalf of insurers or to a manufactured home dealer licensed under G.S. 143‑143.11 who complies with the continuing education requirements of G.S. 143‑143.11B. The requirement of this subdivision does not apply to persons age 62 or older as of July 1, 2002, who are seeking a renewal license. any person who is seeking a renewal license, who is age 60 or older, and who has been licensed for at least 10 consecutive years beginning on or after the person's fiftieth birthday. This subdivision also does not apply to an applicant who holds a license as a new motor vehicle dealer as defined in G.S. 20‑286(13) and operates from an established showroom 20 miles or less from the established showroom for which the applicant seeks a used motor vehicle dealer license. An applicant who also holds a license as a new motor vehicle dealer may designate a representative to complete the licensing course required by this subdivision.

...."

SECTION 10.(b)  This section becomes effective January 1, 2018, and applies to renewals on or after that date.

 

ALLOW REMOTE CONVERSION OF CERTAIN FULL PROVISIONAL LICENSES TO CLASS C LICENSES

SECTION 11.(a)  G.S. 20‑7(f)(1) reads as rewritten:

"(1)      Duration of license for persons under age 18. – A full provisional license issued to a person under the age of 18 expires on the sixtieth day following the person's twenty‑first birthday."

SECTION 11.(b)  G.S. 20‑7(f)(6) reads as rewritten:

"(6)      Remote renewal.renewal or conversion. – Subject to the following requirements and limitations, the Division may offer remote renewal of a drivers license license, or remote conversion of a full provisional license, issued by the Division:

a.         Requirements. – To be eligible for remote renewal or conversion under this subdivision, a person must meet all of the following requirements:

1.         The license holder (i) possesses a valid, unexpired valid Class C drivers license that was issued when the person was at least 18 years old.or (ii) possesses a valid full provisional license and is at least 18 years old at the time of the remote conversion request.

2.         The license holder's current license includes no restrictions other than a restriction for corrective lenses.

3.         The license holder attests, in a manner designated by the Division, that (i) the license holder is a resident of the State and currently resides at the address on the license to be renewed, renewed or converted, (ii) the license holder's name as it appears on the license to be renewed or converted has not changed, and (iii) all other information required by the Division for an in‑person renewal under this Article has been provided completely and truthfully. If the license holder does not currently reside at the address on the license to be renewed or converted, the license holder may comply with the address requirement of this sub‑sub‑subdivision by providing the address at which the license holder resides at the time of the remote renewal or conversion request.

4.         The For a remote renewal, the most recent renewal was an in‑person renewal and not a remote renewal under this subdivision.

5.         The license holder is otherwise eligible for renewal or conversion under this subsection.

b.         Waiver of requirements. – When renewing or converting a drivers license pursuant to this subdivision, the Division may waive the examination and photograph that would otherwise be required for the renewal.renewal or conversion.

c.         Duration of remote renewal.renewal or conversion. – A renewed drivers license issued to a person by remote renewal or conversion under this subdivision expires according to the following schedule:

1.         For a person at least 18 years old but less than 66 years old, on the birthday of the licensee in the eighth year after issuance.

2.         For a person at least 66 years old, on the birthday of the licensee in the fifth year after issuance.

d.         Rules. – The Division shall adopt rules to implement this subdivision.

e.         Federal law. – Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to supersede any more restrictive provisions for renewal or conversion of drivers licenses prescribed by federal law or regulation.

f.          Definition. – For purposes of this subdivision, "remote renewal" renewal or conversion" means renewal or conversion of a drivers license or full provisional license by mail, telephone, electronic device, or other secure means approved by the Commissioner."

SECTION 11.(c)  Subsection (a) of this section becomes effective March 1, 2018, and applies to full provisional licenses issued on or after that date. The remainder of this section becomes effective March 1, 2018.

 

TEMPORARY REGISTRATION PLATES/EXTEND TIME LIMIT FOR DELIVERY OF SALES DOCUMENTS

SECTION 12.(a)  G.S. 20‑79.1(d)(3) reads as rewritten:

"(d)      A dealer shall:

...

(3)        Within 10 20 working days, mail or deliver the application and fees to the Division or deliver the application and fees to a local license agency for processing. Delivery need not be made if the contract for sale has been rescinded in writing by all parties to the contract."

SECTION 12.(b)  This section is effective when it becomes law and applies to sales made on or after that date.

SECTION 13.  Reserved.

 

SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS/MODIFY ISSUANCE PROCESS AND ALLOW REMOTE RENEWAL

SECTION 14.(a)  G.S. 20‑37.7 reads as rewritten:

"ง 20‑37.7.  Special identification card.

...

(d)       Expiration and Fee.Duration. – A special Special identification card issued to a person for the first time under this section expires when a drivers license issued on the same day to that person would expire. A special identification card renewed under this section expires when a drivers license renewed by the card holder on the same day would expire.cards shall be issued and renewed pursuant to the provisions of this subsection:

(1)        Duration for persons under age 18. – A special identification card issued to or renewed by a person under the age of 18 expires on the birthday of the holder in the fifth year after issuance.

(2)        Duration for persons age 18 and older. – A special identification card issued to or renewed by a person at least 18 years old expires on the birthday of the holder in the eighth year after issuance.

(3)        Duration for certain other drivers. – The durations listed in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection are valid unless the Division determines that a special identification card of shorter duration should be issued when the applicant holds valid documentation issued by, or under the authority of, the United States government that demonstrates the applicant's legal presence of limited duration in the United States. In no event shall a special identification card of limited duration expire later than the expiration of the authorization for the applicant's legal presence in the United States.

(4)        When to renew. – A person may apply to the Division to renew a special identification card during the 180‑day period before the special identification card expires. The Division may not accept an application for renewal made before the 180‑day period begins.

(d1)     Fee. – The fee for a new or renewed special identification card is the same as the fee set in G.S. 20‑14 for a duplicate license. The fee does not apply to a special identification card issued to a resident of this State as follows:

...

(7)        The applicant has a developmental disability. To obtain a special identification card without paying a fee pursuant to this subdivision, an applicant must present a letter from letter, or a form approved by the Division, signed by his or her primary care provider certifying that the applicant has a developmental disability. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "developmental disability" has the same meaning as in G.S. 122C‑3.

(d2)     Remote Renewal. – Subject to the following limitations and requirements, the Division may offer remote renewal of a special identification card issued by the Division:

(1)        Requirements. – To be eligible for remote renewal under this subsection, a person must meet all of the following requirements:

a.         The special identification card holder possesses a valid special identification card that was issued when the person was at least 18 years old.

b.         The special identification card holder attests, in a manner designated by the Division, that (i) the special identification card holder is a resident of the State and currently resides at the address on the special identification card to be renewed, (ii) the special identification card holder's name as it appears on the special identification card to be renewed has not changed, and (iii) all other information required by the Division for an in‑person renewal under this Article has been provided completely and truthfully. If the special identification card holder does not currently reside at the address on the special identification card to be renewed, the special identification card holder may comply with the address requirement of this sub‑subdivision by providing the address at which the special identification card holder resides at the time of the remote renewal request.

c.         The most recent renewal was an in‑person renewal and not a remote renewal under this subsection.

d.         The special identification card holder is otherwise eligible for renewal under this subsection.

(2)        Definition. – For purposes of this subsection, "remote renewal" means renewal of a special identification card by mail, telephone, electronic device, or other secure means approved by the Commissioner.

(d1)(d3)     Severe Disability. – For a person who has a physician's letter certifying that a severe disability causes the person to be homebound, the Division shall adopt rules allowing for application for or renewal of a special photo identification card under this section by means other than a personal appearance.

(d4)     Special Identification Card to Be Sent by Mail. – The Division shall issue to the applicant a temporary identification certificate valid for 60 days. The temporary identification certificate shall not be valid for identification purposes, except when conducting business with the Division and not otherwise prohibited by federal law. The Division shall produce the applicant's special identification card at a central location and send it to the applicant by first‑class mail at the residence address provided by the applicant, unless the applicant is ineligible for mail delivery by the United States Postal Service at the applicant's residence. If the United States Postal Service documents that it does not deliver to the residential address provided by the applicant, and the Division has verified the applicant's residential address by other means, the Division may mail the special identification card to the post office box provided by the applicant. Applicants whose only mailing address prior to July 1, 2008, was a post office box in this State may continue to receive their license at that post office box, provided the applicant's residential address has been verified by the Division.

...."

SECTION 14.(b)  G.S. 20‑9.2(c) reads as rewritten:

"(c)      This section does not apply to special identification cards issued pursuant to G.S. 20‑37.7(d)(5) or (6).subdivision (5) or (6) of subsection (d1) of G.S. 20‑37.7."

SECTION 14.(c)  G.S. 163‑275(13) reads as rewritten:

"(13)    For any person falsely to make or present any certificate or other paper to qualify any person fraudulently as a voter, or to attempt thereby to secure to any person the privilege of voting, including declarations made under this Chapter, G.S. 20‑37.7(d)(5), 20‑37.7(d)(6),G.S. 20‑37.7(d1)(5), 20‑37.7(d1)(6), 130A‑93.1(c), and 161‑10(a)(8)."

SECTION 14.(d)  Subsections (b) and (c) of this section and subsection (d2) of G.S. 20‑37.7, as enacted by subsection (a) of this section, become effective December 1, 2017. The remainder of this section becomes effective December 1, 2017, and applies to initial applications and renewals on or after that date.

 

DMV OFFICERS/EXPAND LIST OF SITUATIONS WHERE POLICE AUTHORITY MAY BE EXERCISED

SECTION 15.  G.S. 20‑49.1(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

"(3)      When they are responding to an emergency situation that (i) is occurring in their immediate vicinity and (ii) would likely result in bodily harm or loss of property without immediate intervention."

 

ELIMINATION OF DRIVERS LICENSE TECHNOLOGY FUND

SECTION 16.  G.S. 20‑37.01 and G.S. 20‑37.02(e) are repealed.

 

MOTOR VEHICLE DEFINITION/TECHNICAL CORRECTION

SECTION 17.  G.S. 58‑37‑1(6) reads as rewritten:

"(6)      "Motor vehicle" means every self‑propelled vehicle that is designed for use upon a highway, including trailers and semitrailers designed for use with such vehicles (except traction engines, road rollers, farm tractors, tractor cranes, power shovels, and well drillers). "Motor vehicle" also means a motorcycle, as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d., and a moped, as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d1., or G.S. 20‑4.01(27)d1. "Motor vehicle" does not mean an electric assisted bicycle, as defined in G.S. 20‑4.01(7a)."

 

part III. Effective Date

SECTION 18.  Except as otherwise provided, this act becomes effective July 1, 2017.