NC S606

Amends G.S. 136-18(9) to define "acceptable" plants for highway rights-of-way as those that maintain stable and aesthetic roadsides, with strong preference for plants classified as native to North Carolina by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Establishes that the Department of Transportation has authority to determine which plants meet acceptability standards for erosion control, landscaping, and highway protection purposes.

Maintains existing prohibitions on commercial use of roadside parks, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and highway right-of-way, with limited exceptions for welcome centers, authorized vending machines, and local government permitted activities.

Establishes that unauthorized commercial use of highway right-of-way areas constitutes a Class 1 misdemeanor, with each day of use counting as a separate offense.

Becomes effective upon passage; ratified July 11, 2019 and approved July 22, 2019.