North Carolina has been host to colonists, pirates, rebels, and tobacco farmers, so you may guess that the state also has a rich legal history.

You may only be visiting North Carolina for some good BBQ or planning to put down roots in Raleigh-Durham, but either way, you need to know the laws of the land.

While in the Tar Heel State, be sure to know these 10 laws:

Don’t be a heel in the Tar Heel State. Learn more about North Carolina by visiting FindLaw’s section on North Carolina’s laws.

  • DUI threshold. Drunken driving in North Carolina is much the same as anywhere else in the country – illegal, and there’s a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.
  • Using your cell phone while driving. The North State barred drivers from texting while driving back in December 2009.
  • Getting a divorce. North Carolina is a “no-fault divorce” state, but you can’t exactly get divorced immediately. You may have to be legally separated for one year before pursuing your no-fault divorce.
  • Marital property division. Like many East Coast states, North Carolina does not recognize marital property as community property. This means without an agreement like a prenup in place, each spouse will only get what’s “fair” upon divorce.
  • Injuries: Who’s at fault? Even the professors at Duke University can do something stupid, but if you’re even partially at fault for an accident, you cannot recover in a negligence lawsuit in North Carolina.
  • Gun Laws. The Tar Heel State is the birthplace of Krispy Kreme and many gun owners. But if you want to carry a concealed firearm there, you’ll need to wait 30 days to get a permit.
  • Statutes of limitations. Planning to sue your neighbor for smashing your mailbox? In North Carolina you have up to three years to file a personal property damage claim; the time limits are different for other types of injuries and crimes.
  • Income tax. Personal income tax in North Carolina will be fairly simple starting in the 2015 tax year – a flat tax of 5.75 percent for all filers.
  • Gambling. North Carolina is pretty tight on restrictions for gambling, but you may do it legally if you’re on an Indian reservation.
  • Age restrictions. Those under 18 can’t legally consent to much without a parent or guardian, but they can consent to drug rehab or pregnancy care.

Related Resources:

  • Browse North Carolina Lawyers, Attorneys, and Law Firms (FindLaw)
  • 10 Laws You Should Know If You’re in Pennsylvania (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)
  • 10 Laws You Should Know If You’re in Florida (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)
  • 10 Laws You Should Know If You’re in Ohio (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)

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