Transportation

HB 948, the P.A.V.E. Act, amends North Carolina law to allow Mecklenburg County to levy an additional 0.5% local sales tax specifically for public transportation systems. The bill defines "public transportation system" broadly to include buses, transit facilities, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, and automated transport tunnels, while excluding general roads. Funds collected must supplement, not replace, existing public transit funding and can only be used for financing, building, operating, or maintaining these systems. The tax proceeds would be distributed monthly to Mecklenburg County and its public transportation authorities per a financial plan, with the bill taking effect only if Mecklenburg levies this tax.

HB 822 modifies North Carolina laws governing moped operation, directly affecting moped operators. The bill presumes a moped is designed for one person unless manufacturer documentation indicates otherwise. It restricts mopeds to the right-hand side of the right-hand lane on highways with speed limits over 35 mph, except when preparing for a left turn. Furthermore, it prohibits operating a moped on any highway where the posted speed limit is greater than 35 miles per hour. Violations of these provisions would constitute an infraction, with the changes becoming effective on December 1, 2025.