Don’t Drive and Text
August 4, 2009 by Gary Sides
How many times have you pulled up to a stop light and looked over to the next vehicle only to see someone texting away on their cell phone?
That will soon be illegal in NC.
Gov. Bev Perdue has signed a bill to prohibit the use of cell phones for texting while driving. The measure is set to go into effect Dec. 1 of this year.
Proponents claim that texting while driving diminishes your reaction time as much as being under the influence of alcohol. I think we all agree that is certainly can be a distraction.
Drivers caught texting would be subject to a $100 fine but no insurance points. Just about everyone agrees enforcement will be difficult.
Gary Sides
NC Auto Insurers May Raise Rates on Jan 1, 2009
January 7, 2009 by Gary Sides
Auto insurers may increase premiums on NC drivers by up to 9.4& starting Jan. 1, 2009, but a court ruling will determine whether they can keep the extra money.
The NC Rate Bureau, which represents 144 auto insurers that operate in the state, had asked for its largest rate increase in 14 years–12.9%. Insurance Commissioner Jim Long turned the tables, instead ordering a 16 percent cut.
Long ruled that the insurers submitted data to back their positions that didn’t justify the increase they sought. The Insurance Department also argued that the companies skewed their depiction of NC’s market by including claims from riskier drivers who are inexperienced or who rack up insurance points against their license and other decisions. Those drivers are assigned to the NC Reinsurance Facility.
Insurers revamped their requested rate increase in their appeal to the state Court of Appeals and are now seeking 9.4%.
Under state law, insurers can charge the higher rate beginning Jan .1, but any amount collected above the 16% cut ordered by Long must be placed into escrow accounts. If insurers win their appeal, they can keep the money. If they lose, they will have to refund the money to policyholders, plus pay interest at the prime rate plus 3 percent.
A court hearing on the appeal has not been scheduled.
Changes to NC Auto Safety Inspections
December 31, 2008 by Gary Sides
NCDMV has announced changes to the safety inspection process to go into effect 1/1/09
- The safety inspection sticker will go away in 2009. Instead you will be required to have your vehicle inspected prior to your registration renewal. If the vehicle is not inspected prior to the renewal date the system will not allow you to renew your tag.
- If any repairs are required in order to pass the safety inspection you will have 60 days instead of the previous 30 days to complete repairs and pass the inspection.
For more information go to the NC DMV website;