Morganton, North Carolina, December 14, 2025
A 17-year-old driver in Morganton is facing multiple charges after allegedly running a red light and colliding with a patrol car. The crash occurred late at night, but fortunately, no serious injuries were reported for either the driver or the officer. The teenager has been charged with several offenses, including driving while impaired and lack of a valid operator’s license, highlighting strict underage driving laws in North Carolina.
Morganton Teenager Faces Numerous Charges After Crash with Patrol Car
Morganton, North Carolina – A 17-year-old driver is facing a substantial list of charges following an incident on Friday night, December 13, 2025, where their vehicle allegedly ran a red light and collided with a City of Morganton patrol car. The teenager is also accused of driving while impaired. No serious injuries were reported for either the juvenile driver or the officer involved in the crash.
Details of the Incident
The collision occurred shortly after 11 p.m. at the intersection of East Union and North Green streets, located near Marquee Cinemas in Morganton. According to the Morganton Department of Public Safety, the 17-year-old’s vehicle struck a Morganton public safety officer’s vehicle as the officer was proceeding through the intersection. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from Burke County responded to the scene, but neither the juvenile nor the officer sustained serious injuries.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol conducted the crash investigation. Following their assessment, troopers determined that the teenager was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Charges Filed
A Burke County magistrate found probable cause for the arrest, and the 17-year-old now faces eight specific charges. These charges include no operator’s license, driving after consuming alcohol while under age 21, fictitious registration plate, open container after consuming, driving while impaired, underage consumption of beer or wine, failure to stop for a steady red light, and no insurance. Following the arrest, the juvenile was transported to the Alexander Juvenile Detention Center in Taylorsville.
North Carolina’s Underage Driving Laws and Penalties (State-level)
This incident highlights North Carolina’s stringent laws concerning underage driving and alcohol consumption. The state enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 years old regarding alcohol. This means that if an underage driver is found with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system, they can face driving while impaired (DWI) charges. If an underage driver is convicted of driving after consuming alcohol or drugs, their driver’s license must be revoked for one year. However, for individuals aged 18, 19, or 20 with no prior convictions for this specific charge, a limited driving privilege may be available after a mandatory waiting period and a fee, allowing driving for essential activities like work or school.
Driving by a person less than 21 years old after consuming alcohol or drugs is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina. Penalties for such a misdemeanor can include a maximum of 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00. Additionally, there are court costs, potential community service requirements, and mandatory participation in alcohol and substance abuse courses. Insurance premiums can also significantly increase, potentially by 400 percent.
Regarding the charge of failure to stop for a steady red light, this is considered an infraction in North Carolina. Penalties for this offense can include a fine of up to $100, along with 3 points added to the driver’s record and 3 points to their insurance record. Accumulating 12 or more points within a three-year period can lead to a driver’s license suspension. Furthermore, a criminal record, even for moving violations, can impact a minor’s educational and future job opportunities.
In cases where a minor causes a car accident in North Carolina, the parents or legal guardians, typically through their insurance company, may be responsible for paying for the damages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What was the main incident described in the article?
A: A 17-year-old driver in Morganton, North Carolina, allegedly ran a red light and crashed into a City of Morganton patrol car on Friday night, December 13, 2025, and is accused of driving while impaired.
Q: When and where did the crash occur?
A: The crash happened after 11 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2025, at the intersection of East Union and North Green streets near Marquee Cinemas in Morganton.
Q: Were there any serious injuries reported?
A: No serious injuries were reported for either the juvenile driver or the officer involved in the crash.
Q: What charges is the 17-year-old facing?
A: The 17-year-old faces eight charges: no operator’s license, driving after consuming alcohol while under age 21, fictitious registration plate, open container after consuming, driving while impaired, underage consumption of beer or wine, failure to stop for a steady red light, and no insurance.
Q: What is North Carolina’s policy on underage drinking and driving? (State-level)
A: North Carolina enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 years old, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol in an underage driver’s system can result in driving while impaired (DWI) charges.
Q: What are the potential penalties for underage DWI in North Carolina? (State-level)
A: Underage DWI is a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina, punishable by a maximum of 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000.00, and an automatic one-year driver’s license revocation.
Q: Can parents be held responsible for damages caused by a minor driver in North Carolina? (State-level)
A: Yes, in most cases, the parents or legal guardians, typically via their insurance company, may be responsible for paying for damages caused by a driver under the age of 18 in North Carolina.
Key Features of the Morganton Crash and North Carolina Driving Laws
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Incident Location | Intersection of East Union and North Green streets near Marquee Cinemas, Morganton, NC | Local |
| Incident Date/Time | After 11 p.m., Friday, December 13, 2025 | Local |
| Driver’s Age | 17 years old | Local |
| Key Accusation | Driving while impaired (DWI), running a red light | Local |
| Number of Charges | Eight | Local |
| Injuries Reported | No serious injuries for juvenile or officer | Local |
| Underage DWI Policy | Zero-tolerance for any detectable alcohol | State-level |
| Underage DWI Classification | Class 2 misdemeanor | State-level |
| Underage DWI License Revocation | One year (automatic) | State-level |
| Running Red Light Classification | Infraction | State-level |
| Parental Responsibility for Damages | Parents/legal guardians may be responsible for damages caused by a minor | State-level |
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