North Carolina § 20-313 - Operation of motor vehicle without financial responsibility a misdemeanor.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 20-313 — Operation of motor vehicle without financial responsibility a misdemeanor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-313. Operation of motor vehicle without financial responsibility a misdemeanor.
On or after July 1, 1963, any owner of a motor vehicle registered or required to be registered in this State who shall operate or permit such motor vehicle to be operated in this State without having in full force and effect the financial responsibility required by this Article shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. Evidence that the owner of a motor vehicle registered or required to be registered in this State has operated or permitted such motor vehicle to be operated in this State, coupled with proof of records of the Division of Motor Vehicles indicating that the owner did not have financial responsibility applicable to the operation of the motor vehicle in the manner certified by him for purposes of G.S. 20-309, shall be prima facie evidence that such owner did at the time and place alleged operate or permit such motor vehicle to be operated without having in full force and effect the financial responsibility required by the provisions of this Article. History (1957, c. 1393, s. 5; 1959, c. 1277, s. 3; 1963, c. 964, s. 5; 1975, c. 716, s. 5; 1993, c. 539, s. 388; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2013-360, s. 18B.14( l ).) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2013-360, s. 18B.14(n), provides: "This section becomes effective December 1, 2013. Prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date of this section are not abated or affected by this section, and the statutes that would be applicable but for this section remain applicable to those prosecutions." Session Laws 2013-360, s. 1.1, provides: "This act shall be known as the 'Current Operations and Capital Improvements Appropriations Act of 2013.'" Session Laws 2013-360, s. 38.5 is a severability clause. Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2013-360, s. 18B.14( l ), effective December 1, 2013, substituted "Class 3 misdemeanor" for "Class 1 misdemeanor" in subsection (a). For applicability, see Editor's note.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 20-313
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 20-313 cover?
Section 20-313 ("Operation of motor vehicle without financial responsibility a misdemeanor.") 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 § 20-313?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 20-313" (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 § 20-313 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.