NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina Statutes, Chapter 168, Article 1,
Sections 168-1 through 168-9 (last amended 1985)
(Amendments to the current law are under review by
legislature as of the date of publication of the
booklet.  We suggest an interested party check with
the governor's office in North Carolina for a copy of
the amended legislation.)

North Carolina statutes guarantee a blind person the
right to be accompanied by a dog guide in all public
accommodations and on all transportation.  No extra
charge can be levied because of the dog's presence,
but the dog guide user is liable for any damage the
dog might cause to the premises.  A dog guide user has
a legal right to equal housing accommodation.  Also,
state policy insures a blind person equal employment
opportunity in state service, or in the service of its
political subdivisions and public schools, and all
other public and private employment, except when the
visual impairment prevents performance of the work
involved.

Public accommodations include hotels, restaurants,
stores, places of resort and amusement, and all other
places to which the public is invited.  (*168-2, *168-
3, 168-4.2, *168-4.4)

Public transportation includes airplanes, trains,
buses, taxis, and all other forms of conveyance
offered for public use.  (*168-3, *168-4.2, *168-4.4)

Housing includes leased or rented properties and
specifically covers residential communities, homes and
group homes.  (*168-9)

Violation: Any person, firm, corporation or agent
thereof who interferes with the above enumerated
rights is guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by
imprisonment of not more than 10 days and a fine not
to exceed $200.  (*168-4.5)