North Carolina § 20-171 - 15. Age restrictions.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 20-171 — 15. Age restrictions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-171. 15. Age restrictions.
It is unlawful for any parent or legal guardian of a person less than eight years of age to knowingly permit that person to operate an all-terrain vehicle. Repealed by Session Laws 2015-286, s. 3.13(a), effective October 22, 2015. It is unlawful for any parent or legal guardian of a person less than 16 years of age to knowingly permit that person to operate an all-terrain vehicle in violation of the Age Restriction Warning Label affixed by the manufacturer as required by the applicable American National Standards Institute/Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (ANSI/SVIA) design standard. It is unlawful for any parent or legal guardian of a person less than 16 years of age to knowingly permit that person to operate an all-terrain vehicle unless the person is under the continuous visual supervision of a person 18 years of age or older while operating the all-terrain vehicle. Subsection (c) of this section does not apply to any parent or legal guardian of a person born on or before August 15, 1997, who permits that person to operate an all-terrain vehicle and who establishes proof that the parent or legal guardian owned the all-terrain vehicle prior to August 15, 2005. History (2005-282, s. 2; 2015-286, s. 3.13(a).) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2005-282, s. 3, made this section effective December 1, 2005, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date. Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2015-286, s. 3.13(a), effective October 22, 2015, deleted former subsection (b); rewrote subsection (c); and substituted "Subsection (c) of this section does not apply" for "Subsections (b) and (c) of this section do not apply" in subsection (e).
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 20-171
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 20-171 cover?
Section 20-171 ("15. Age restrictions.") 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 § 20-171?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 20-171" (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 § 20-171 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.