North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 20

G.S. 20-318. Federal, State and political subdivision vehicles excepted

The full text of G.S. 20-318 (Federal, State and political subdivision vehicles excepted), with plain-English commentary from North Carolina DWI defense attorneys Chris Adkins and Chris Purkey in the side column. Article 13: The Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act of 1957.

Attorney commentary

This one-sentence section exempts government-owned vehicles from Article 13’s compulsory insurance rules. Vehicles owned by the State of North Carolina, by a political subdivision such as a county, city, or school system, or by the federal government do not have to meet the Article’s financial responsibility and registration requirements.

The exemption turns on who owns the vehicle, not who is driving it. A private vehicle used for government work is still covered by the Article. And the exemption does not mean injuries caused by a government vehicle go uncompensated: claims against public bodies are handled under separate laws, such as the State Tort Claims Act and local insurance or immunity rules. The general insurance requirement is in G.S. 20-309.

Commentary by Attorney Chris Adkins & Attorney Chris Purkey, Adkins & Purkey, PLLC · Reviewed November 2026 · General information, not legal advice.

§ 20-318. Federal, State and political subdivision vehicles excepted.

This Article does not apply to any motor vehicle owned by the State of North Carolina or by a political subdivision of the State, nor to any motor vehicle owned by the federal government.

(1957, c. 1393, s. 10.)

Official text of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-318 as published by the North Carolina General Assembly (Chapter 20 PDF, retrieved November 10, 2026). Verify the current version on ncleg.gov ↗.

G.S. 20-318. Federal, State and political subdivision vehicles excepted

§ 20-318. Federal, State and political subdivision vehicles excepted.

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