UPDATED: November 2, 2021
As of 2021, the bill discussed below has not become a traffic law in North Carolina.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: November 1, 2017
A new controversial bill protecting drivers, HB 330, has passed the NC House. The new law would allow North Carolina drivers to drive through protesters who are blocking the road, as long as they “exercise due care.” Some see the proposed traffic law as taking the “hit“ out of “hit and run“ and leading to dangerous consequences.
According to Republican Justin Burr who introduced the bill, “As we’ve seen, time and time again, folks run out in the middle of the streets and the interstates in Charlotte and attempt to block traffic. Now drivers don’t have to fear driving through Charlotte or anywhere in North Carolina.” The bill is now heading to the NC Senate for final approval.
There's no doubt that protests have increased in Charlotte and throughout the United States, and many of the protesters have been known to block traffic. Charlotte saw several roads blocked after the death of Keith Lamont Scott and the protests that followed last year. This new North Carolina bill would provide motorists the ability to travel through such protests on roads and highways safely, without the fear of being sued.
Burr puts it this way: “[The bill] provides that a person driving an automobile while exercising due care is immune for civil liability for any injury to another if the injured person was participating in a demonstration or protest and blocking traffic.”
Compared to traffic violations like speeding, DWI, and many others, the proposed traffic law seems to allow a lot of room for interpretation. Whether HB 330 becomes law or not, there will continue to be protests, impatient drivers, and conflict over “sharing the road.”
We hope all drivers and protesters interact safely and cautiously, regardless of the laws. But if you get a traffic ticket for this new traffic law, a speeding ticket, DUI, or any other traffic violation, the Jason Reece Law Firm is just a phone call away. Need to contact us right away? Use this quick form to get in touch.
