A new bill filed by State Rep. Frank Iler in the North Carolina House seeks to prevent unsafe behaviors by drivers involving children and animals to enhance road safety, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 394 on March 13 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Distracted Driving/Children and Animals.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill makes it illegal for drivers to interact unsafely with children or animals while operating a motor vehicle on public streets, highways, or vehicular areas. It specifically prohibits drivers from having an animal in their lap or engaging with children or animals in a way that results in careless, reckless, or heedless driving. Fully autonomous vehicles operating under specific statutes are exempt. Violators will face an infraction punishable by a $100 fine and court costs, with no insurance surcharge. The bill becomes effective Dec. 1, 2025, with a six-month grace period for issuing warning tickets instead of fines.
Iler proposed another three bills during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Ller graduated from Campbell University with a BA.
Ller, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2009 to represent the state’s 17th House district, replacing previous state representative Bonner Stiller.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Iler | HB 394 | 03/13/2025 | Distracted Driving/Children and Animals. |
| Frank Iler, Brenden H. Jones, Karl E. Gillespie, and Steve Tyson | HB 295 | 03/05/2025 | Req. DOT to Install Prop. Corner Markers. |
| Frank Iler and Charles W. Miller | HB 140 | 02/17/2025 | Authorize Gullah Geechee Heritage Trail. |
| Frank Iler | HB 117 | 02/12/2025 | Ocean Isle Beach/Sunset Beach/Parking Fees. |
