Vehicular manslaughter is a criminal offense defined as the unintentional killing (homicide) of another person as a result of criminal negligence or recklessness while operating a motor vehicle—often while the operator is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, engaged in a high risk activity such as street racing, or committing a misdemeanor or infraction offense (speeding) with ordinary negligence.

Vehicular manslaughter is usually a felony offense and often includes significant jail or prison time as potential punishment. Vehicular manslaughter laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In North Carolina, vehicular manslaughter, also known as death by vehicle, is addressed under the state's motor vehicle laws. The offense is categorized based on the level of negligence involved. Misdemeanor death by vehicle occurs when a person unintentionally causes the death of another while violating a state traffic law, such as speeding, but not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Felony death by vehicle, also known as felony death by impaired driving, occurs when the unintentional death is caused by an impaired driver who was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. The penalties for vehicular manslaughter in North Carolina can be severe, with felony charges carrying significant prison time, fines, and a suspension of driving privileges. The specific statutes detailing these offenses and their punishments can be found in the North Carolina General Statutes, particularly in the sections related to motor vehicles and criminal law.