All Roll Calls
Yes: 700 • No: 28
North CarolinaSB 3912025-2026 SessionSenateWALLET
AN ACT TO REVISE LAWS CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
Sponsored By: Michael A. Lazzara (Republican), Bill Rabon (Republican), Vickie Sawyer (Republican)
Signed by Governor
BOARDSCOASTAL RESOURCESCOMMERCECONSTRUCTIONDMVDRIVERS LICENSESEDUCATIONEMINENT DOMAINEMPLOYMENTFEESFERRIESID SYSTEMSINFORMATION TECHNOLOGYINFRASTRUCTUREINTERNETLANDOWNERSLICENSES & PERMITSMOTOR VEHICLESNOTIFICATIONPERSONNELPRESENTEDPROPERTYPUBLICRATIFIEDREPORTINGROADS & HIGHWAYSSHIPPINGSTATE EMPLOYEESTOLL ROADS & BRIDGESTRANSPORTATIONTRUCKSVOCATIONAL EDUCATIONTURNPIKE AUTHORITY BOARDELECTRONIC GOVERNMENTGOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
22 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 14 mixed.
Yearly report on DOT spending
By March 1 each year, DOT sends lawmakers a detailed printed report on the prior year’s spending. The report shows state and federal funds, maintenance and construction costs, receipts and disbursements, and project details by county. Records are open to inspection by the Governor or county road authorities.
New window tint rules and fees
Starting December 1, 2025, if your car has aftermarket tint, a $10 fee applies when the mechanic uses a light meter to test it. Mechanics do not perform this test on vehicles with a DMV medical exception permit. Medical tint permits now last five years (unless your provider sets less) and you can hold up to four at once, with medical recertification on renewal. You must display the DMV sticker on the lower left rear window or face a $200 fine. Also starting December 1, 2025, if you have tinted windows, you must roll down the window on the side where an officer approaches.
School speed cameras with $250 fines
Beginning October 1, 2025, cities and counties can enforce school‑zone speeds with approved cameras. Each camera ticket is a $250 civil penalty with no license points. Devices must be on the State’s approved list and be calibrated and tested to standards. The vehicle owner can avoid liability by filing an affidavit within 30 days naming the driver or reporting the car stolen. Unpaid penalties can lead DMV to refuse your vehicle registration.
New rules for driver training schools
If you run a driver training school, you must be licensed and meet State rules on location, equipment, instructors, fees, finances, and insurance. Courses for limited learner’s permits must follow the public‑school driver‑education curriculum. Certified commercial schools may give required road tests and charge a reasonable fee; proof of passing counts with DMV.
DMV modernization timeline and reports
DMV must select a vendor to manage its new cloud system by January 1, 2026. DMV and the Department of Information Technology send quarterly progress reports to lawmakers. By October 1, 2025, DMV also reports on vendor evaluation and selection status.
DMV roles move to Highway Patrol
Effective July 1, 2025, listed DMV License and Theft Bureau positions, pay, and funds move to the State Highway Patrol. The State sets new budget funds in the Highway Fund and within the Patrol to support these transfers and recurring payments.
Stricter oversight of toll road projects
The Turnpike Authority is limited to 11 toll projects. For new projects, it must consult lawmakers at least 180 days before starting the finance process and meet planning and local approval steps before contracts. Each year, the Authority makes a work plan and budget, and sends an annual report and audit by October 31. It must consult lawmakers before letting construction contracts.
More private delivery and new methods
Most State bridge‑program work goes to private contractors. DOT keeps inspections, planning, contract prep and oversight, and small culvert or structure jobs under $500,000 on low‑volume roads, and emergencies. DOT and the Turnpike Authority may now have up to six public‑private agreements. Starting December 1, 2025, Progressive Design‑Build uses two phases and at least two contracts, with a guaranteed maximum price if agreed.
Stronger DOT cash balance rules
DOT must keep at least 45 days of Highway Fund and Highway Trust Fund spending in cash at month‑end. It cannot sign new project contracts that would drop cash below that level. DOT also aims to keep the average cash between 75 and 120 days of yearly spending, not counting federal funds.
Election signs allowed on state roads
From 30 days before early voting until 10 days after Election Day, people may place compliant political signs in State highway rights‑of‑way. DOT does not schedule mowing where signs are allowed during that time. Signs left more than 30 days after the period are abandoned and may be removed.
Expired licenses valid up to two years
A Class C driver’s license that expires on or after the law’s effective date still proves your driving privilege for up to two years. This does not apply if the license is canceled, revoked, or suspended. This temporary rule ends December 31, 2027.
Toll bills due within 90 days
For unpaid Turnpike tolls, the Authority must send your bill within 90 days of the trip. If it misses 90 days, it cannot collect. Each bill must cover at least a 15‑day period of unpaid trips.
DOT help when land is unavailable
Beginning July 1, 2025, if DOT requires offsite road work and you cannot get needed right‑of‑way after a good‑faith effort, DOT must help change the plan so no extra land is needed. You must show proof, like certified letters to all affected owners and their responses.
Dealer licenses protected after co-owner dies
The death of a co‑owner in a licensed dealer, manufacturer, or similar business is not treated as a new owner if no new owners or structural changes occur. Renewals continue if any new owner is qualified and approved.
Litter first, no May mowing
DOT removes litter before mowing on primary roads and, when possible, on secondary roads. DOT does not schedule mowing in May. Contractors must follow these schedule rules in their contracts.
Study native plants on roadsides
DOT and Natural and Cultural Resources study native plants and invasive species for roadsides and parks. They will list suitable native grasses and plants, name high‑threat invasives, and make a removal plan. They report to the 2026 Regular Session when it convenes.
Heavy trucks banned from left lane
Starting December 1, 2025, vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more may not use the leftmost lane on six‑lane controlled‑access highways. Exceptions apply when entering or exiting, avoiding a hazard, or passing.
Sets boundaries where road deeds missing
Beginning July 1, 2025, for DOT‑maintained roads without a recorded deed, the right‑of‑way boundary follows DOT’s usual maintenance limits. Property owners and developers must use this rule when settling right‑of‑way lines.
Background checks for contracted school drivers
Starting January 1, 2024, school boards must get a criminal history check before allowing a person to drive under student transportation contracts. Boards may require the driver to pay for the check or fingerprinting. Boards can rely on a prior check done within three years if the person gives written consent and the SBI form is used. These rules apply to contracts that begin in the 2025‑2026 school year.
Stricter rules for buying scrap vehicles
Beginning October 1, 2025, recyclers and salvage yards may buy a vehicle without a title only if it is at least 12 model years old. Buyers must keep DMV‑approved records, including the seller’s ID copy, VIN, price, and signed statements on age, no liens, and scrapping only. If the seller lacks photo ID, the sale cannot proceed.
Tree removal with replanting plan option
Applicants may remove trees and vegetation in a cut zone (not native dogwoods) if they carry out a DOT‑approved beautification and replanting plan. DOT sets rules, picks sites with the applicant, and requires replanting and maintenance. If DOT approves this path, it does not get reimbursement for older trees, and the applicant is not required to remove two nonconforming signs.
State temp hiring through one program
Cabinet agencies must hire non‑IT temporary workers through the State’s Temporary Solutions Program. Council of State agencies may choose to use it. The DOT Ferry Division may hire outside the program for peak season or special skill needs.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Michael A. Lazzara
Republican • Senate
Bill Rabon
Republican • Senate
Vickie Sawyer
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Bobby Hanig
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 6/26/2025
SB 391: DOT Omnibus.
Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 8
House vote • 6/25/2025
SB 391: DOT Omnibus.
Yes: 109 • No: 0 • Other: 10
House vote • 6/25/2025
SB 391: DOT Omnibus.
Yes: 107 • No: 1 • Other: 11
House vote • 6/25/2025
SB 391: DOT Omnibus.
Yes: 105 • No: 4 • Other: 9
House vote • 6/25/2025
SB 391: DOT Omnibus.
Yes: 107 • No: 2 • Other: 10
House vote • 6/25/2025
SB 391: DOT Omnibus.
Yes: 108 • No: 2 • Other: 9
Senate vote • 6/23/2025
SB 391: DOT Omnibus.
Yes: 28 • No: 19 • Other: 3
Senate vote • 6/23/2025
SB 391: DOT Omnibus.
Yes: 47 • No: 0 • Other: 3
Senate vote • 6/23/2025
SB 391: DOT Omnibus.
Yes: 47 • No: 0 • Other: 3
Actions Timeline
Ch. SL 2025-47
7/1/2025SenateSigned by Gov. 7/1/2025
7/1/2025SenatePres. To Gov. 6/30/2025
6/30/2025SenateRatified
6/30/2025SenateOrdered Enrolled
6/26/2025SenateConcurred In H Com Sub
6/26/2025SenatePlaced on Today's Calendar
6/26/2025SenateWithdrawn From Com
6/26/2025SenateRef To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
6/26/2025SenateSpecial Message Received For Concurrence in H Com Sub
6/26/2025SenateSpecial Message Sent To Senate
6/26/2025HouseOrdered Engrossed
6/25/2025HousePassed 3rd Reading
6/25/2025HouseAmend Adopted A2
6/25/2025HouseReconsidered 3rd Reading
6/25/2025HousePassed 3rd Reading
6/25/2025HousePassed 2nd Reading
6/25/2025HouseAmend Adopted A1
6/25/2025HouseAdded to Calendar
6/25/2025HouseCal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
6/25/2025HouseReptd Fav
6/25/2025HouseRe-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
6/25/2025HouseReptd Fav Com Substitute
6/25/2025HouseRe-ref to the Com on Transportation, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
6/24/2025HouseWithdrawn From Com
6/24/2025House
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