Resources / NC Chapter 20 / Article 3 / Part 9. The Size, Weight, Construction and Equipment of Vehicles

North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 20

The full text of G.S. 20-123.2 (Speedometer), with plain-English commentary from North Carolina DWI defense attorneys Chris Adkins and Chris Purkey in the side column. Article 3: Motor Vehicle Act of 1937.

Attorney commentary

Every self-propelled motor vehicle on the highway must have a speedometer that works. A violation is an infraction with a penalty of no more than $25.

The statute also says that no driver’s license points, insurance points or premium surcharge can be assessed for a violation of this section.

Practical note: a broken speedometer is not a defense to speeding under G.S. 20-141. The driver is still responsible for the vehicle’s actual speed. Because this charge carries no points, it sometimes comes up when people discuss how a traffic ticket might be resolved. Whether any outcome is available depends on the facts and the prosecutor.

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

§ 20-123.2. Speedometer.

(a) Every self-propelled motor vehicle when operated on the highway shall be equipped with a speedometer which shall be maintained in good working order.

(b) Any person violating this section shall have committed an infraction and may be ordered to pay a penalty of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00). No drivers license points, insurance points or premium surcharge shall be assessed on or imputed to any party on account of a violation of this section. (1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 822, s. 2.)

Official text of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-123.2 as published by the North Carolina General Assembly (Chapter 20 PDF, retrieved November 10, 2026). Verify the current version on ncleg.gov ↗.

§ 20-123.2. Speedometer.

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