House committee substitute makes the following changes to 2nd edition.
Adds new sections to amend the state’s transportation laws as follows.
Amends GS 20-7(s) to require drivers licenses of limited duration to display a mark on the face of the license designating the limited duration. Applies to drivers licenses issued on or after January 1, 2013.
Amends GS 20-51 to exempt a header trailer transported to or from a dealer or after a sale or repair to the farm or another dealership from registration requirements.
Current law prohibits the operation of certain types of farm equipment on a highway that is an access highway or part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Amends GS 20-116(j) to require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop an authorization and approval process for such equipment to operate on the National System, according to listed guidelines. Requires all farm equipment operated on any highway to display red flags, as clarified, or a flashing light (previously required red flags). Makes conforming changes.
Amends GS 20-118(c)(12) to modify the conditions required to exempt a vehicle or vehicle combination from the weight limitations and penalties under GS 20-118. Exempts vehicles transporting any of the listed items within 150 miles from the source (expands items allowing exemption). Also exempts vehicles meeting certain vehicle configurations (expands and modifies previous changes). Makes conforming changes. Amends GS 20-118(c)(16) to modify the conditions, under that subdivision, required to be exempted from the weight limitations and penalties.
Amends GS 20-118.4 to also exempt oversize vehicles from the weight and size restrictions during the performance of emergency preparedness and fire prevention duties. Permits orange flags to be used to meet display requirements.
Amends GS 20-127 to require windows in vehicles subject to equipment regulations under 49 CFR 393 to comply with those requirements. Exempts for-hire passenger vehicles and common carriers from specified window tinting restrictions. Enacts new GS 20-137.4A(a1) to make it unlawful for any person to operate a commercial motor vehicle subject to specified federal regulations on a public street or vehicular area while using a mobile telephone or other electronic device. Makes these provisions apply to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2012.
Amends GS 20-383 to clarify that personnel of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety also have the authority to enforce motor carrier regulations and applicable provisions in GS Chapter 62.
Enacts new subsection (c) to GS 136-28.5 to specify that bids and documents submitted in response to requests for proposal under GS Chapter 136 are not public record until DOT issues a decision. Applies to bids and documents submitted for advertisements and requests for proposal advertised or requested on or after July 1, 2012.
Amends GS 136-89.213 to set out provisions related to the confidentiality of information maintained by the Turnpike Authority.
Amends GS 147-86.23 to specify that past-due interest and penalties do not apply to money owed to the Turnpike Authority for tolls.
Provides additional direction to the DOT related to sealed ship containers. Specifies that the provisions of the Clean Coastal Water and Vessel Act, as they apply to ferry vessels operated by the DOT, become effective June 30, 2013. States that prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date of the section of the act modifying the applicable offense are not affected by this act.
Makes other clarifying changes, and changes the bill title to AN ACT TO AMEND THE STATE’S LAWS PERTAINING TO TRANSPORTATION.