GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2009

SESSION LAW 2010-146

HOUSE BILL 617

AN ACT to allow All-terrain vehicles to be used by disabled sportsmen to cross public roadways.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Part 10C of Article 3 of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 20-171.26.  Motorized all-terrain vehicle use by disabled sportsmen.

(a) Persons qualified under the Disabled Sportsmen Program, pursuant to G.S. 113-296, are authorized to transverse public roadways using an all-terrain vehicle while engaging in licensed hunting or fishing activities. Use of the all-terrain vehicle shall be limited to driving across the roadway, in a perpendicular fashion, without travel in either direction along the roadway.

(b) This Part and all other State laws governing the operation of all-terrain vehicles apply to the operation of all-terrain vehicles authorized by this section.

(c) An all-terrain vehicle operated pursuant to this section shall be equipped with operable front and rear lights and a horn.

(d) A person operating an all-terrain vehicle pursuant to this section shall observe posted speed limits and shall not exceed the manufacturer's recommended speed for the vehicle.

(e) A person operating an all-terrain vehicle pursuant to this section shall carry evidence of membership in the Disabled Sportsmen Program and the appropriate license to engage in the hunting or fishing activity."

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 8^th day of July, 2010.

                                                                    s/  Walter H. Dalton

                                                                         President of the Senate

                                                                    s/  Joe Hackney

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

                                                                    s/  Beverly E. Perdue

                                                                         Governor

Approved 2:01 p.m. this 22^nd day of July, 2010