No. Applying makeup while driving is illegal in North Carolina under distracted driving laws, as it constitutes manual and visual distraction. Law enforcement may cite drivers under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-137.4 for operating a vehicle unsafely due to inattention. Local jurisdictions, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, have intensified enforcement ahead of 2026’s anticipated updates to distracted driving penalties.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in North Carolina
- Primary Offense Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-137.4 prohibits driving while distracted, which includes any activity that diverts attention from the road, such as applying cosmetics. Violations are punishable by fines up to $100 and court costs.
- Local Enforcement Trends: Cities like Raleigh and Durham prioritize distracted driving crackdowns, with officers issuing citations for visible makeup application (e.g., mascara, lipstick) under municipal ordinances mirroring state law.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The N.C. Department of Transportation’s upcoming distracted driving initiative will expand penalties to include license points for repeat offenders, heightening risks for habitual offenders.
Violators may also face liability in civil court if their actions contribute to an accident. Courts have upheld such citations under the “careless and reckless driving” statute (§ 20-140), reinforcing the prohibition.