North Carolina § 20-169 - Powers of local authorities.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 20-169 — Powers of local authorities., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-169. Powers of local authorities.
Local authorities, except as expressly authorized by G.S. 20-141 and 20-158, shall have no power or authority to alter any speed limitations declared in this Article or to enact or enforce any rules or regulations contrary to the provisions of this Article, except that local authorities shall have power to provide by ordinances for any of the following: Regulating traffic by means of traffic or semaphores or other signaling devices on any portion of the highway where traffic is heavy or continuous. Prohibiting other than one-way traffic upon certain highways. Regulating the use of the highways by processions or assemblages. Regulating the speed of vehicles on highways in public parks. Authorizing law enforcement or fire department vehicles, ambulances, and rescue squad emergency service vehicles, equipped with a siren to preempt any traffic signals upon city streets within local authority boundaries or, with the approval of the Department of Transportation, on State highways within the boundaries of local authorities. The Department of Transportation shall respond to requests for approval within 60 days of receipt of a request. Signs shall be erected giving notices of the special limits and regulations under subdivisions (1) through (4) of this section. History (1937, c. 407, s. 131; 1949, c. 947, s. 2; 1955, c. 384, s. 2; 1963, c. 559; 1973, c. 507, s. 5; 1979, c. 298, s. 2; 1991, c. 530, s. 5; 1999-310, s. 1.) Local Modification. - City of Greensboro: 1953, c. 1075.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 20-169
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 20-169 cover?
Section 20-169 ("Powers of local authorities.") 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 § 20-169?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 20-169" (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 § 20-169 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.