§ 20-49. Police authority of Division. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 20‑49.  Policeauthority of Division.

The Commissioner and suchofficers and inspectors of the Division as he shall designate and all membersof the Highway Patrol and law enforcement officers of the Department of CrimeControl and Public Safety shall have the power:

(1)        Of peace officersfor the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Article and of any otherlaw regulating the operation of vehicles or the use of the highways.

(2)        To make arrests uponview and without warrant for any violation committed in their presence of anyof the provisions of this Article or other laws regulating the operation ofvehicles or the use of the highways.

(3)        At all time todirect all traffic in conformance with law, and in the event of a fire or otheremergency or to expedite traffic or to insure safety, to direct traffic asconditions may require, notwithstanding the provisions of law.

(4)        When on duty, uponreasonable belief that any vehicle is being operated in violation of anyprovision of this Article or of any other law regulating the operation ofvehicles to require the driver thereof to stop and exhibit his driver's licenseand the registration card issued for the vehicle, and submit to an inspectionof such vehicle, the registration plates and registration card thereon or to aninspection and test of the equipment of such vehicle.

(5)        To inspect anyvehicle of a type required to be registered hereunder in any public garage orrepair shop or in any place where such vehicles are held for sale or wrecking,for the purpose of locating stolen vehicles and investigating the title andregistration thereof.

(6)        To serve allwarrants relating to the enforcement of the laws regulating the operation ofvehicles or the use of the highways.

(7)        To investigatetraffic accidents and secure testimony of witnesses or of persons involved.

(8)        To investigatereported thefts of motor vehicles, trailers and semitrailers and make arrestfor thefts thereof.

(9)        For the purpose ofdetermining compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, to inspect allfiles and records of the persons hereinafter designated and required to be keptunder the provisions of this Chapter or of the registrations of the Division:

a.         Persons dealing inor selling and buying new, used or junked motor vehicles and motor vehicleparts; and

b.         Persons operatinggarages or other places where motor vehicles are repaired, dismantled, orstored. (1937,c. 407, s. 14; 1955, c. 554, s. 1; 1975, c. 716, s. 5; 1979, c. 93; 2002‑159,s. 31.5(b); 2002‑190, s. 5.)