Repeals the following statutes: (1) GS 20-137.3 (Unlawful use of a mobile phone by persons under 18 years of age), (2) GS 20-137.4 (Unlawful use of a mobile phone), and (3) GS 20-137.4A (Unlawful use of mobile telephone for text messaging or electronic mail).

Enacts new GS 20-137.3A to prohibit driving while using a mobile telephone or electronic communication device unless it is done using hands free equipment; violations arean infraction with a $200 fine and no court costs. Prohibits a person under age 18 from driving while using a mobile phone or electronic communication device except when communicating an emergency to a specified entity; violations arean infraction with a $50 fine, with no court costs. Prohibits driving a school bus while using a mobile phone or electronic communication device except when communicating an emergency to a specified entity; violations area Class 2 misdemeanor, including a fine of not less than $200 and court costs. Prohibitsoperating a commercial motor vehicle while using a mobile telephone or electronic communication device; however, does not (1) prohibit the use of handsäóïfree equipment or (2) supersede any more restrictive provisions for operators of commercial motor vehicles prescribed by federal law or regulation. Violations while operating a commercial motor vehicle are an infraction with a $200 fine and no court costs. Specifies exceptions to these prohibitions, including usinga global positioning system, navigation system, or portable music player affixed, mounted, or installed in a motor vehicle (although does not authorize a person to manually type or enter text, numbers, or symbols into a global positioning system, navigation system, or portable music player while driving) and use of amobile telephone or electronic communication device by specified public safety officers while in the performance of, and for a purpose related to, their official duties. Creates a rebuttable presumption that aperson holding a mobile telephone or electronic communication device in his or her hand or hands while driving is using a mobile telephone or electronic communication device. Prohibits an insurance premium surcharge or assessment of driver's license points for a violation of the statute. Prohibitslocal governments from passing any ordinance regulating the use of mobile telephones or electronic communication devices while operating a motor vehicle, commercial motor vehicle, or school bus.

Effective December 1, 2017, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date. Does not affect prosecutions for offenses committed before that date, and statutes applicable but for this act remain applicable to those prosecutions.