G.S. 20-171.25. Motorized all-terrain vehicle use by certain employees of natural gas utilities permitted on public highways and rights-of-way
The full text of G.S. 20-171.25 (Motorized all-terrain vehicle use by certain employees of natural gas utilities permitted on public highways and rights-of-way), 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.
§ 20-171.25. Motorized all-terrain vehicle use by certain employees of natural gas utilities permitted on public highways and rights-of-way.
(a) Natural gas utility employees and contractors engaged in pipeline safety, leak survey, and patrolling activities, acting in the course and scope of their employment, may operate motorized all-terrain vehicles owned or leased by the utility on public highways and rights-of-way only to the extent necessary to perform those activities.
(b) This Part and all other State laws governing the operation of all-terrain vehicles apply to the operation of all-terrain vehicles authorized by this section.
(c) An all-terrain vehicle operated pursuant to this section shall be equipped with operable front and rear lights and a horn.
(d) A person operating an all-terrain vehicle pursuant to this section shall observe posted speed limits and shall not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended speed for the vehicle.
(e) A person operating an all-terrain vehicle pursuant to this section shall carry an official company identification card or badge. (2008-156, s. 2.)
Official text of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-171.25 as published by the North Carolina General Assembly (Chapter 20 PDF, retrieved November 10, 2026). Verify the current version on ncleg.gov ↗.
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