A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT making it unlawful to operate a vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area while engaging in distracted behavior.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  This act shall be known as "The Hands Free NC Act."
SECTION 2.  Article 3 of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 20‑137.3A.  Distracted driving prohibited.
(a)	Offense. – It shall be unlawful for a person to operate a vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area while using the person's hands to engage in distracted behavior that impairs or otherwise restricts the proper operation of the motor vehicle and results in operation that is careless, reckless, or heedless under the conditions then existing. For purposes of this section, distracted behavior includes use of a handheld mobile telephone and use of an electronic device.
(b)	Penalty. – A violation of this section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) and the costs of court. No insurance surcharge shall be assessed as a result of a violation of this section."
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2019, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date. For the six months immediately after the effective date of this act, law enforcement shall only issue warning tickets for offenses committed.