Bill > H275

This bill amends North Carolina law to strengthen penalties for failing to yield the right-of-way to blind or partially blind pedestrians and for causing serious bodily injury while failing to yield. Under the first provision, any person who fails to yield to a blind or partially blind pedestrian at a crossing or intersection, as signaled by a white cane with a red tip or a guide dog, will now be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. The second provision modifies existing law to specify that failing to yield and causing serious bodily injury (defined as an injury involving substantial risk of death, extreme pain, significant disfigurement, or prolonged impairment of bodily function) will result in a Class 2 misdemeanor, a $500 fine, and a 90-day driver's license revocation. The bill will become effective on December 1, 2026, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date, providing enhanced legal protections for blind and partially blind pedestrians and stricter consequences for drivers who fail to yield appropriately.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H275