How to Get Your Driver's License Back After a North Carolina DUI Conviction

 

In the state of North Caroline, a first DUI offense will result in a one year driver’s license suspension. For a second North Carolina DUI conviction, you will have your driver’s license suspended for 4 years. And if you have a third offense after that, your driver’s license will be suspended permanently. You have the right to a hearing in the judicial district where you live. To request a hearing, you will need to call or write to the Raleigh DMV:

3148 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-3148
 

You can appeal the decision made at this hearing within 30 days to the Superior Court of the County where you live.

 

Procedure to Get Your Driver’s License Reinstated after Suspension

 

Each suspension comes with different fines and penalties, but here is the general procedure for DWI cases. You must serve your suspension period, provide proof of enrollment in an alcohol safety school if necessary, and pay all court fees and fines. Then go to your local DMV office to reapply for your license. It will cost a $100 reinstatement fee.

 

If you have questions, you can send an email or visit a Driver License Office.

 

Limited Driver’s License in North Carolina

 

In some cases, the North Carolina DMV will give out limited driver’s licenses to those who can show a hardship. If you are granted one of these driver’s license, you will be able to drive legally before your suspension period is over, but only in limited circumstances, such as to and from work, school, or medical treatments.

 

Liability Insurance

 

In some cases, you will be require to show proof of financial responsibility, which means that you have the required minimum of car insurance. You can learn more about it on the Liability Insurance Services page.

 

Restrictions after Driver’s License Restoration and Ignition Interlock Device

 

After you get your driving privileges back, or if you are granted limited driving privileges, you will have a stricter BAC restriction than others. After a first conviction, the restriction is .04%, and after subsequent convictions, it is 0.00% -- you cannot have an alcohol in your blood at all.

 

And in some cases, such as those where your BAC was .15% or higher, you may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle. You must pay from the installation as well as maintenance. This device works by asking you to pass a breathalyzer test before the car’s engine will start. Then it will ask you to pass “rolling” tests as you drive. If you fail one of these tests, your car will sound an alarm. Once you have pulled over and stopped the engine, the alarm will stop. The device will record any failed breathalyzer tests as well as any attempts to tamper or disable it. This can be used against you when it comes time to get your driver’s license fully restored, can result in an additional driver’s license suspension, and can also incur additional penalties.

 

Learn More about Driver’s License Reinstatement after a North Carolina DUI

 

Every case is a little different, so you may still have questions about the process you need to follow to get your driver’s license reinstated. You can get information specific to your situation from a North Carolina DUI attorney. He or she will work with you to ensure that you get your driving privileges restored as fast as possible.

 

You can also contact the DMV with questions at (919) 715-7000 on Monday thru Friday between 8 am and 5 pm. You can also visit your local DMV, or visit the Raleigh location: 1100 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27697.