North Carolina § 20-79 - 1A. Limited registration plates.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 20-79 — 1A. Limited registration plates., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 20-79. 1A. Limited registration plates.

Eligibility. - A limited registration plate is issuable to any of the following: A person who applies, either directly or through a dealer licensed under Article 12 of this Chapter, for a title to a motor vehicle and a registration plate for the vehicle and who submits payment for the applicable title and registration fees but does not submit payment for any municipal corporation property taxes on the vehicle. A person who submits payment for municipal corporation property taxes receives an annual registration plate. A person who applies for a plate for a vehicle that was previously registered with the Division but whose registration has not been current for at least a year because the plate for the vehicle was surrendered or the vehicle's registration expired over a year ago. Form and Authorization. - A limited registration plate must be clearly and visibly designated as "temporary." The plate expires on the last day of the second month following the date of application of the limited registration plate. The plate may be used only on the vehicle for which it is issued and may not be transferred, loaned, or assigned to another. If the plate is lost or stolen, the vehicle for which the plate was issued may not be operated on a highway until a replacement limited registration plate or a regular license plate is received and attached to the vehicle. Registration Certificate. - The Division is not required to issue a registration certificate for a limited registration plate. A combined tax and registration notice issued under G.S. 105-330.5 serves as the registration certificate for the plate. History (2007-471, s. 2; 2009-445, ss. 24(b), 25(a); 2010-95, ss. 22(c), (d); 2013-414, s. 70(b), (c); 2014-3, s. 14.24.) Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2009-445, s. 24(b), rewrote this section. See Editor's Note for applicability and effective date provisions. Session Laws 2014-3, s. 14.24, effective May 29, 2014, added the subsection and subdivision designations; added the subsection headings; inserted present subdivision (a)(2); and made related changes.

Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 20-79

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 20-79 cover?

Section 20-79 ("1A. Limited registration plates.") 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 § 20-79?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 20-79" (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 § 20-79 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.