G.S. 20-354.4. Charges for motor vehicle repair estimate; requirement of waiver of rights prohibited
The full text of G.S. 20-354.4 (Charges for motor vehicle repair estimate; requirement of waiver of rights prohibited), with plain-English commentary from North Carolina DWI defense attorneys Chris Adkins and Chris Purkey in the side column. Article 15B: North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act.
§ 20-354.4. Charges for motor vehicle repair estimate; requirement of waiver of rights prohibited.
(a) Before proceeding with preparing an estimate, the shop shall do both of the following:
(1) Disclose to the customer the amount, if any, of the charge for preparing the estimate.
(2) Obtain a written authorization to prepare an estimate if there is a charge for that estimate.
(b) It is a violation of this Article for any motor vehicle repair shop to require that any person waive his or her rights provided in this Article as a precondition to the repair of his or her vehicle by the shop or to impose or threaten to impose any charge which is clearly excessive in relation to the work involved in making the price estimate for the purpose of inducing the customer to waive his or her rights provided in this Article. (1999-437, s. 1.)
Official text of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-354.4 as published by the North Carolina General Assembly (Chapter 20 PDF, retrieved November 10, 2026). Verify the current version on ncleg.gov ↗.
ADKINS & PURKEY, PLLC
Your next move starts here.
Talk with the firm about your charge, your license, and the path ahead.