NC H558

Directs the Department of Public Safety, in consultation with the Department of Transportation, district attorneys, courts, sheriffs, and police chiefs, to study enforcement of laws prohibiting unlawful mobile phone use while operating a motor vehicle.

Study must analyze charges, convictions, and dismissals for mobile phone violations from 2009 through 2016 under North Carolina General Statutes 20-137.3, 20-137.4, and 20-137.4A.

Study must identify barriers to enforcement and prosecution, needed resources and legislative changes, how other states address mobile phone use while driving, and new vehicle technologies causing distraction not covered by existing laws.

Requires Department of Public Safety to submit findings and legislative recommendations to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety and the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee by March 1, 2018.

Effective when the act becomes law.