North Carolina § 20-149 - Overtaking a vehicle.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 20-149 — Overtaking a vehicle., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-149. Overtaking a vehicle.
The driver of any such vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at least two feet to the left thereof, and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until safely clear of such overtaken vehicle. This subsection shall not apply when the overtaking and passing is done pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 20-150(e) or G.S. 20-150.1. Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle while being lawfully overtaken on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. Is a Class 1 misdemeanor when the failure is the proximate cause of a collision resulting in serious bodily injury. Is a Class 2 misdemeanor when the failure is the proximate cause of a collision resulting in bodily injury or property damage. Is, in all other cases, an infraction. Failure to comply with this subsection: History (1937, c. 407, s. 111; 1955, c. 913, s. 3; 1959, c. 247; 1973, c. 1330, s. 15; 1995, c. 283, s. 1; 2016-90, s. 5.5(b).) Local Modification. - Durham, Mecklenburg (except as to City of Charlotte), Vance and Wake, as to subsection (a): 1953, c. 772; City of Charlotte: 2001-79. Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2016-90, s. 5.5(d), made the substitution of "G.S. 20-150(e) or G.S. 20-150.1 " for "G.S. 20-150.1" at the end of the last sentence in subsection (a) of this section by Session Laws 2016-90, s. 5.5(b), applicable to offenses committed on or after October 1, 2016. Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2016-90, s. 5.5(b), effective October 1, 2016, in subsection (a), substituted "G.S. 20-150(e) or G.S. 20-150.1 " for "G.S. 20-150.1." See editor's note for applicability.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 20-149
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 20-149 cover?
Section 20-149 ("Overtaking a vehicle.") 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 § 20-149?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 20-149" (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 § 20-149 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.