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Page 1 of 3 AARP Driver Safety Smart Driver™ Course State-Specific Information D20709 – March 2026REV NORTH CAROLINA SMART DRIVER™ COURSE STATE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION: NORTH CAROLINA UNIT 2 – How Do We Navigate Changes? Driving While Impaired - Participant Guidebook Page 14 • Drivers will be automatically considered under the influence if they have a BAC of .08 or more. However, you can still be convicted of a DUI if your BAC is below this level, if there is sufficient evidence that your driving was impaired. • Drivers will be considered under the influence if they operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicating substance. • Drivers consent to chemical tests of their blood, breath, or urine if reasonably suspected of driving under the influence when they operate a motor vehicle. • Drivers will be required to install an ignition interlock device if convicted of multiple DUIs or following a first offense if they had a BAC above .15. UNIT 3 – Are We Ready to Drive? Child Safety Seats - Participant Guidebook Page 37 • Children under the age of 8 or less than 80 pounds must be placed in a child safety seat. Construction Signs and Construction Zones - Participant Guidebook Page 49 • In a construction zone, flaggers have the same authority as a regulatory sign. Drivers must follow a flagger's directions. • Fines for speeding are raised in construction zones. Railroad Grade Crossings - Participant Guidebook Page 56 • It is illegal to drive around a railroad crossing gate, even if there is no train. • Drivers must stop at least 15 feet from the railroad tracks, but no more than 50 feet. UNIT 4 – Are We Smart on the Road? How to Avoid Distractions - Participant Guidebook Page 61 • It is illegal for a driver to use a cell phone for email or text while driving. • Drivers under the age of 18 may not use cell phones while driving. Safe Following Distance - Participant Guidebook Page 64 • A safe following distance must be reasonable and prudent. This means adjusting your speed to the surrounding traffic, condition of the road and speed of the vehicle you are following. • North Carolina recommends a two-second following distance.