Driverless cars are no longer sci-fi. In February 2026, Waymo officially announced their expansion to Charlotte, bringing autonomous ride-hailing services to North Carolina streets.
However, people cannot ride these cars yet. Waymo is taking a phased approach, starting with human drivers operating these vehicles to map roads and collect location data. Over time, they will transition to fully driverless rides.
While the company has not set a firm timeline, these vehicles will soon share our streets. This raises an important question for local drivers: how will North Carolina laws keep us safe?
North Carolina laws for autonomous vehicles
State lawmakers set clear rules under House Bill 469 (N.C.G.S. Chapter 20, Article 18). Here is what this means for you:
- No license needed: Passengers do not need a driver’s license while the system drives the car.
- DMV registration: Companies must register these vehicles with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) specifically as fully autonomous units.
- Safety rules: The system must pull the vehicle over safely if a breakdown occurs.
- Statewide rules: Local cities cannot create their own bans or extra taxes. One state law applies everywhere.
These statutory rules give tech companies a clear framework while ensuring public roads stay regulated and safe across all municipalities.
What happens in an autonomous vehicle crash?
As driverless technology expands, lawmakers are actively updating state statutes to handle real-world accidents.
A recent update to the law specifically addresses crash scenes. If an autonomous vehicle gets into an accident, the system or its human representative must keep the vehicle at the scene. It must stay put until law enforcement arrives and occupants exchange insurance and registration details. The vehicle cannot simply drive away on autopilot.
Protecting yourself after an accident with a driverless car
State laws will continue to evolve as private self-driving vehicles and commercial robotaxis become common.
If an autonomous car hits you, treat it like a normal accident. Stay calm, call the police and gather all information you can. Before speaking with any insurance adjuster – even your own – it is always wise to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney first.
Insurance companies focus on their bottom line, not your well-being. An experienced lawyer can help ensure your recovery comes first.