Resources / NC Chapter 20 / Article 3 / Part 7. Title and Registration Fees

North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 20

The full text of G.S. 20-86.1 (International Registration Plan), 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

This short section ties North Carolina to the International Registration Plan, an agreement among jurisdictions for registering vehicles that travel across state lines. It lets the registration fees in this Article be divided up, or “proportioned,” for vehicles that qualify and are licensed under the Plan, rather than charging a full fee in every jurisdiction.

It also gives the Commissioner authority to adopt and enforce rules needed to carry out any agreement made under the Plan.

Practical note: this mainly affects interstate trucking and bus operators. Vehicles registered under the Plan cannot carry North Carolina specialty plates under G.S. 20-79.4. Related: G.S. 20-88 and G.S. 20-83.

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

§ 20-86.1. International Registration Plan.

(a) The registration fees required under this Article may be proportioned for vehicles which qualify and are licensed under the provisions of the International Registration Plan.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Chapter, the Commissioner is hereby authorized to promulgate and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of any agreement entered pursuant to the International Registration Plan. (1975, c. 767, s. 2; 1981, c. 859, s. 77; c. 1127, s. 53.)

Official text of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-86.1 as published by the North Carolina General Assembly (Chapter 20 PDF, retrieved November 10, 2026). Verify the current version on ncleg.gov ↗.

§ 20-86.1. International Registration Plan.

Your next move starts here.