North Carolina § 20-86 - Penalty for engaging in a "for-hire" business without proper license plates.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 20-86 — Penalty for engaging in a "for-hire" business without proper license plates., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-86. Penalty for engaging in a "for-hire" business without proper license plates.
Any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of transporting persons or property for compensation, except as otherwise provided in this Article, shall, before engaging in such business, pay the license fees prescribed by this Article and secure the license plates provided for vehicles operated for hire. Any person, firm or corporation operating vehicles for hire without having paid the tax prescribed or using private plates on such vehicles shall be liable for an additional tax of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each vehicle in addition to the normal fees provided in this Article; provided, that when the vehicle subject to for-hire license has attached thereto a trailer or semitrailer, each unit in the combination, including the tractor, trailer and/or semitrailer, shall be subject to the additional tax as herein prescribed; provided, further that the additional tax herein provided shall not apply to trailers having a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less. History (1937, c. 407, s. 50; 1965, c. 659.)
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 20-86
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 20-86 cover?
Section 20-86 ("Penalty for engaging in a "for-hire" business without proper license 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 § 20-86?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 20-86" (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 § 20-86 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.