NC H285

Requires the driver license handbook to include a section on Emergency Notification Systems (ENS) for reporting unsafe conditions at highway-rail and pathway grade crossings, including unique Department of Transportation crossing inventory numbers and telephone contacts.

Mandates that driver education curriculum in public high schools include instruction on ENS for telephonic reporting of unsafe crossing conditions, such as obstructed crossings, malfunctioning warning devices, or missing/damaged ENS signs.

Creates a new Class 1 misdemeanor offense (G.S. § 14-111.5) for knowingly calling, attempting to call, accessing, or attempting to access ENS for purposes other than emergency communications or authorized ENS services.

Establishes staggered effective dates: driver handbook requirements effective January 1, 2022; criminal misuse provisions effective December 1, 2021; driver education curriculum requirements effective with the 2021-2022 school year.