10/3/05-Gov. Mike Easley has signed a bill into law that changes the state’s hit-and-run law.
Existing state law now prohibits the driver of a vehicle in an accident from driving away from the scene until police arrive. But it contains a loophole that allows a passenger to switch seats with the driver and drive away – with little threat of punishment.
The new law, previously HB217, outlaws that action. It takes effect Dec. 1.
Under the new rule, if the driver or passenger involved in an accident that results in a death or serious injury move the vehicle before an officer authorizes the vehicle to be moved, they could be charged with a felony. If the accident caused significant property damage without serious injury, offenders would face misdemeanor charges.
Only the driver and the passenger who takes over the wheel could be criminally liable.
Exceptions would be made if someone leaves the scene to get medical attention or emergency help.

8/23/05-The House has unanimously approved a measure that would change the state’s hit-and-run law.
Representatives voted Tuesday, Aug. 23, to back the measure agreed to by House and Senate negotiators. The compromise bill unanimously passed the state’s Senate earlier in the month. It now moves to Gov. Mike Easley for this signature.
State law now prohibits the driver of a vehicle in an accident from driving away from the scene until police arrive. But it contains a loophole that allows a passenger to switch seats with the driver and drive away – with little threat of punishment.
HB217, sponsored by Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, would outlaw that action.
Under the bill, if the driver or passenger involved in an accident that results in a death or serious injury move the vehicle before an officer authorizes the vehicle to be moved, they could be charged with a felony. If the accident caused significant property damage without serious injury, offenders would face misdemeanor charges.
Only the driver and the passenger who takes over the wheel could be criminally liable.
Exceptions would be made if someone leaves the scene to get medical attention or emergency help.

8/17/05-The Senate has unanimously approved a measure that would change the state’s hit-and-run law.
Senators voted Aug. 12 to back the measure agreed to by House and Senate negotiators. The compromise bill now heads back to the House for final approval before going to Gov. Mike Easley for his signature.
State law now prohibits the driver of a vehicle in an accident from driving away from the scene until police arrive. But it contains a loophole that allows a passenger to switch seats with the driver and drive away – with little threat of punishment.
HB217, sponsored by Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, would outlaw that action.
Under the bill, if the driver or passenger involved in an accident that results in a death or serious injury move the vehicle before an officer authorizes the vehicle to be moved, they could be charged with a felony. If the accident caused significant property damage without serious injury, offenders would face misdemeanor charges.
Only the driver and the passenger who takes over the wheel could be criminally liable.
Exceptions would be made if someone leaves the scene to get medical attention or emergency help.

6/23/05-The Senate unanimously approved a bill June 22 that would change the state’s hit-and-run law.
State law now prohibits the driver of a vehicle in an accident from driving away from the scene until police arrive. But it contains a loophole that allows a passenger to switch seats with the driver and drive away – with little threat of punishment.
HB217, sponsored by Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, would outlaw that action.
Under the bill, if the driver or passenger involved in an accident that results in a death or serious injury move the vehicle before an officer authorizes the vehicle to be moved, they could be charged with a felony. If the accident caused significant property damage without serious injury, offenders would face misdemeanor charges.
An exception would be made if someone leaves the scene to seek medical attention or emergency assistance.
The bill now heads back to the House for approval of changes before moving to Gov. Mike Easley for his signature.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779.

6/17/05-A Senate judiciary panel approved a bill June 14 that would change North Carolina’s hit-and-run law.
Sponsored by Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, HB217 would make it a crime if a driver and a passenger switch seats after an accident and flee an accident scene.
Under the bill, if the driver involved in an accident that results in a death or serious injury allows or agrees to have the vehicle moved before an officer authorizes the vehicle to be moved, they could be charged with a felony. If the accident caused significant property damage without serious injury, offenders would face misdemeanor charges.
An exception would be made if someone leaves the scene to seek medical attention or emergency assistance.
North Carolina law now only punishes the driver of a vehicle in a hit-and-run accident.
The House-approved bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
Senators are scheduled to take up the bill on the Senate floor Tuesday, June 21.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779.