North Carolina § 143-601 - Applicability of Article; local government may enact.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 143-601 — Applicability of Article; local government may enact., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 143-601. Applicability of Article; local government may enact.
This Article shall not supersede nor prohibit the enactment or enforcement of any otherwise valid local law, rule, or ordinance enacted prior to October 15, 1993, regulating the use of tobacco products. However, no local law, rule, or ordinance enacted and placed in operation prior to October 15, 1993, shall be amended to impose a more stringent standard than in effect on the date of ratification of this Article. Any local ordinance, law, or rule that regulates smoking adopted on or after October 15, 1993, shall not contain restrictions regulating smoking which exceed those established in this Article. Any such local ordinance, law, or rule may restrict smoking in accordance with this subsection and pursuant to G.S. 143-597 only in the following facilities that are not owned, leased, or occupied by local government: Repealed by Session Laws 2007-193, s. 3, effective January 1, 2008. A public meeting. The indoor space in an auditorium, arena, or coliseum, or an appurtenant building thereof. A library or museum open to the public. Repealed by Session Laws 2007-193, s. 3, effective January 1, 2008. If any of the facilities listed in this subsection are owned, leased as lessor, or the area leased as lessee and occupied by local government, then the local ordinance, law, or rule restricting smoking shall be governed by Article 23 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes. History (1993, c. 367, s. 1; 2007-193, s. 3.) Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2007-193, s. 3, effective January 1, 2008, in subsection (b), in the second sentence of the introductory paragraph, inserted "and pursuant to G.S. 143-597 " and substituted "that are not owned, leased, or occupied by local government" for "pursuant to G.S. 143-597 " at the end, deleted subdivision (b)(1), which read: "Buildings owned, leased or occupied by local government" and deleted subdivision (b)(5), which read: "Any place on a public transportation vehicle owned or leased by local government and used by the public," and added the last paragraph.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 143-601
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 143-601 cover?
Section 143-601 ("Applicability of Article; local government may enact.") 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 § 143-601?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 143-601" (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 § 143-601 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.