This Week

RALEIGH – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department's weekly newscast.

REAL ID Update

Don’t have your REAL ID yet? Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. officials have pushed back the date for when you’ll need one. Now, beginning May 3, 2023, federal agencies will enforce the REAL ID Act, which requires a REAL ID, U.S. passport or another federally approved identification to board commercial flights and enter secure buildings.

While the federal law won’t take effect for another two years, anyone can get a REAL ID now. To do so, make an appointment at a N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles driver license office and make sure to bring documents from this list.

National Bike and Motorcycle Safety Month

May is National Bike and Motorcycle Safety month. 

With warmer weather, it’s time to remind everyone to be alert and share the road with bicyclists and motorcyclists. There are many ways to celebrate, whether you’re riding for fun, fitness or taking essential trips to work or shop. But whether or not you get on bike or motorcycle, make sure to obey the rules of the road and always wear protective gear.

For more information, go to ncdot.gov/bikeped.

National Wildflower Week

It’s National Wildflower Week. Driving along state-maintained roads and highways, you’ll see several species of wildflowers, like the red poppy, daisy and sunflower.

This spring, department roadside environmental crews will plant 9 or more acres in each of the 14 highway divisions. Not only is the NCDOT trying to bring seasonal color and aesthetics to our roadsides, but now, more than ever, pollinator habitats are crucial – and roadside flower plantings do just that.