Is ‘Rat Running’ Legal in North Carolina Traffic? Here’s What Drivers Should Know
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sitting in traffic often tempts drivers to cut through a gas station or parking lot to avoid a red light, but in North Carolina this shortcut — known as “rat running” — can come with legal consequences.
Statewide Traffic Law
North Carolina law does not have a statute specifically prohibiting rat running. However, General Statute 20-158 requires vehicles to stop at a red light or stop sign and prohibits entering the intersection until permitted.
That means drivers who bypass the signal by darting through private property may still be violating traffic rules.
City Ordinances Add Restrictions
Some cities have adopted their own ordinances.
In Charlotte, for example, municipal code Section 14-128 makes it unlawful for drivers to cut across parking lots, gas stations, or business property solely to avoid stopping at a red light.
Raleigh’s city code also treats failure to obey signals as an infraction with fines up to $250.
Penalties and Enforcement
According to Trooper Christopher Casey of the N.C. State Highway Patrol, drivers caught rat running could face charges such as:
- Careless and reckless driving, if the shortcut involves speeding or unsafe maneuvers.
- Standard fines for failure to stop at a traffic signal.
Casey noted enforcement often comes down to officer discretion, but the practice increases the risk of collisions in parking lots and confusion for pedestrians and other vehicles.
What Drivers Should Remember
While not explicitly banned statewide, rat running can still lead to fines or reckless driving charges, particularly in cities where ordinances directly prohibit it.
Have you noticed rat running at busy intersections in your community? Should North Carolina adopt a statewide law against the practice? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
