North Carolina § 136-72 - Load limits for bridges; penalty for violations.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 136-72 — Load limits for bridges; penalty for violations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 136-72. Load limits for bridges; penalty for violations.
The Department of Transportation shall have authority to determine the safe load-carrying capacity for any and all bridges on highways on the State highway system. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to drive, operate or tow on any bridge on the State highway system, any vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross weight exceeding the safe load-carrying capacity established by the Department of Transportation and posted at each end of the said bridge. Any person, firm, or corporation violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. History (1931, c. 145, s. 16; 1933, c. 172, s. 17; 1957, c. 65, s. 11; 1973, c. 507, s. 5; 1975, c. 373, s. 1; 1977, c. 306; c. 464, s. 7.1; 1993, c. 539, s. 985; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2019-231, s. 4.11, provides: "Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Department of Transportation shall designate the bridges described in the subdivisions below as follows: "(1) The bridge over Stanley Creek on Black Snake Road between Millman Road and Chestnut Street Extension located in the Town of Stanley in Gaston County as the ‘Lance Corporal Nicholas S. O'Brien, U.S.M.C. Bridge.' "(2) The bridge over Deep River on S. Carbonton Road between Harrington Road and Alston House Road located in Moore County as the ‘Corporal J. Ralph Holder Bridge.'" Session Laws 2019-231, s. 5.3, provides: "Except for statutory changes or other provisions that clearly indicate an intention to have effects beyond the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium, the textual provisions of this act apply only to funds appropriated for, and activities occurring during, the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium." Session Laws 2019-231, s. 5.5, is a severability clause.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 136-72
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 136-72 cover?
Section 136-72 ("Load limits for bridges; penalty for violations.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 136-72?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 136-72" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 136-72 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.