ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A wide-ranging North Carolina transportation law signed by Gov. Josh Stein will bring several changes affecting drivers, teenagers, cyclists and local governments across Buncombe County over the next year, including a new default speed limit on many unpaved and unmarked roads, expanded local authority over e-bikes and the elimination of a long-standing school requirement for teen drivers.

Although House Bill 1094 is titled as a bill ordering a performance audit of the state Ferry Division, lawmakers used it to make dozens of changes to North Carolina transportation and Division of Motor Vehicles laws. Stein signed the measure July 8, making it Session Law 2026-46.

For Western North Carolina, one of the most significant changes takes effect Dec. 1, when the default speed limit on any unpaved road or roadway without a painted centerline drops to 25 mph unless another speed limit is posted.

The change could affect many rural roads throughout Buncombe County, including roads in communities such as Fairview, Leicester, Sandy Mush and Riceville, where narrow roads without centerlines are common.

The law does not require the North Carolina Department of Transportation or local governments to install new speed limit signs. Instead, the 25 mph limit becomes the statewide default on qualifying roads. Existing posted speed limits will continue to take precedence where signs are already in place.

Beginning Oct. 1, North Carolina teenagers will no longer need a driving eligibility certificate from their school to obtain a learner’s permit or provisional driver’s license. The law also repeals the state’s “Lose Control, Lose License” provisions, which tied driving eligibility to certain school disciplinary actions. The DMV is also directed to restore permits or licenses revoked solely because of driving eligibility requirements, provided drivers meet all other licensing requirements.

The legislation also gives cities and counties explicit authority to regulate electric bicycles on sidewalks and multiuse paths. Beginning Dec. 1, Asheville, Buncombe County and other local governments may establish e-bike speed limits, restrict where e-bikes may operate and require riders younger than 18 to wear helmets.

Several DMV-related changes will also affect local drivers.

Starting Oct. 1, motorists will have 30 days instead of 10 to respond to insurance lapse notices before facing registration penalties. Drivers also will be able to renew licenses at any time before expiration instead of waiting until the final 180 days.

The law also allows the Division of Motor Vehicles to electronically provide unredacted crash reports to people directly involved in a crash, eliminating the need for many drivers to obtain reports in person or by mail. That provision took effect immediately.

The law immediately eliminates North Carolina’s requirement that license plates be replaced every seven years. License plates will now be replaced as needed if they become damaged, faded or otherwise unreadable.

Commercial truck drivers also will see changes beginning Dec. 1. Trucks weighing more than 26,001 pounds will no longer be allowed to use the left lane to pass on controlled-access highways with six or more lanes unless otherwise authorized by NCDOT. The restriction does not currently affect Interstate 40 or Interstate 26 through Buncombe County.

House Bill 1094 passed the General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support before being signed into law July 8. Many of its provisions take effect on different dates between now and July 2027.

Key changes for Asheville and Buncombe County residents

  • Dec. 1, 2026: Default speed limit drops to 25 mph on unpaved roads and roads without a painted centerline unless another speed limit is posted.
  • Oct. 1, 2026: Teens no longer need a school-issued driving eligibility certificate to receive a learner’s permit or provisional license.
  • Dec. 1, 2026: Asheville and Buncombe County gain explicit authority to regulate e-bikes on sidewalks and multiuse paths.
  • Oct. 1, 2026: Drivers have 30 days to respond to DMV insurance lapse notices.
  • Oct. 1, 2026: Driver’s licenses may be renewed any time before expiration.
  • Immediately: Drivers directly involved in crashes can receive unredacted crash reports electronically from the DMV.
  • Immediately: The state’s seven-year mandatory license plate replacement requirement has been eliminated.