NC: New vehicle laws coming (without warning)

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20101118/ARTICLES/101119795/1005/NEWS?Title=New-vehicle-laws-coming-without-warnin
New vehicle laws coming (without warning)
By David Bodenheimer The Dispatch
Published: Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 4:15 p.m. Last Modified: Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 4:15 p.m. ( page of 2 )
Consider this your last warning as a handful of new traffic laws will go into effect in two weeks.
Four new laws affecting North Carolina drivers, auto dealers and vehicle owners become effective Dec. 1.
Any driver who still has a license plate frame or cover over their tag that obstructs the state name or number or month on the registration sticker can be fined up to $100. The state Legislature passed the new law this past summer, and law enforcement officers say that grace period between then and now has been plenty of time.
“It will be enforced as of Dec. 1,” said Sgt. J. Ward of the N.C. Highway Patrol. “Folks need to go ahead and get them removed so it won't cause them any problem.”
Ward said the emphasis behind this new law is to ensure that other motorists can clearly read another person's tag in the event of an accident.
“The big push for this is if someone sees a vehicle that has been involved in a wreck or a hit and run, it will be much easier for them to identify the tag. They may even be able to give us a portion of that tag.”
Also effective beginning Dec.1 is commercial driver's licenses will expire five years after issuance because of requirements for meeting hazardous materials regulations. A CDL license formerly expired on the same schedule as a regular Class C license.
As for dealerships, new laws placed on them monitor dealer license plates and transporter plates more closely. The number of dealer plates that can be issued will increase based on previous sales volume and the number of qualified sales representatives working for the dealership. Dealer plates can be used for demonstration purposes with an appropriate permit.
Also, the use of transporter plates will be restricted to motor vehicles being used for business purposes only, and the business operator must have valid insurance. Fines for violating these requirements have been increased to $100 for the driver and $250 per occurrence charged to the dealer or business.
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles will also no longer charge vehicle owners a $1 postage and handling fee for renewing their vehicle registration by mail.
Two more laws will take effect Jan. 1, 2011. Effective then are new terms of issuance for people receiving a driver's license. The term will increase to once every eight years for people between 18 and 65 years of age. A license issued to a person 66 and older expired after five years. Formerly, the law required a five-year license for those 55 and older.
Also Jan. 1 are new regulations on motorcycle permits. A motorcycle learner's permit will only be issued for 12 months, and only one renewal of six months will be allowed. Anyone under 18 applying for a motorcycle permit or a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement must pass a safety course through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or the N.C. Motorcycle Safety Education Program.
David Bodenheimer can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 227, or at david.bodenheimer@the-dispatch.com.
As for dealerships, new laws placed on them monitor dealer license plates and transporter plates more closely. The number of dealer plates that can be issued will increase based on previous sales volume and the number of qualified sales representatives working for the dealership. Dealer plates can be used for demonstration purposes with an appropriate permit.
Also, the use of transporter plates will be restricted to motor vehicles being used for business purposes only, and the business operator must have valid insurance. Fines for violating these requirements have been increased to $100 for the driver and $250 per occurrence charged to the dealer or business.
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles will also no longer charge vehicle owners a $1 postage and handling fee for renewing their vehicle registration by mail.
Two more laws will take effect Jan. 1, 2011. Effective then are new terms of issuance for people receiving a driver's license. The term will increase to once every eight years for people between 18 and 65 years of age. A license issued to a person 66 and older expired after five years. Formerly, the law required a five-year license for those 55 and older.
Also Jan. 1 are new regulations on motorcycle permits. A motorcycle learner's permit will only be issued for 12 months, and only one renewal of six months will be allowed. Anyone under 18 applying for a motorcycle permit or a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement must pass a safety course through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or the N.C. Motorcycle Safety Education Program.