REASONS FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA

There are a variety of reasons why your North Carolina driver’s license might be suspended. Some of these are related to specific driving violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws. A driver’s license suspension becomes part of your official, permanent North Carolina driving record. The following are some of the most common reasons for a North Carolina driver’s license to be suspended or revoked.

• Excessive Moving Violations: The state of North Carolina operates on a point system, in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. Once you receive 7 points, you may be required to attend a Driver Improvement Clinic. Completing this clinic will remove 3 points from your license. You can only attend a Driver Improvement clinic 1 time in a 5-year period. In order to reduce your points, you will need to qualify and complete a conference with a driver’s license hearing officer. If you accumulate 12 or more points in any 3-year period of your driver record (or 8 points or more in the 3 years following a license suspension), your license will be suspended. Suspension length is dependent upon the number of suspensions you’ve had:
  • 1st suspension: 60 days maximum.
  • 2nd suspension: 6 months maximum.
  • Subsequent suspensions: 1 year.

For more information regarding points and NC driver’s licenses, please see our NC points page.

• Driving Under the Influence: Your North Carolina driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for a term of 1 year for a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (0.04% or higher if you are driving a commercial vehicle). For your 2nd offense you face a 4-year suspension. A 3rd offense will mean a permanent suspension. Refusal to take a blood or breath test will result in a 30-day suspension and 12-month revocation of your license. Note that you may also be subject to additional criminal penalties and fines, imposed by the court. Other alcohol-related violations include lending your driver’s license or ID to an underage person using it to buy or try to buy alcohol or giving alcohol to an underage person. If you are convicted, these violations carry a revocation period of 1 year. For more information about the penalties of driving while intoxicated, please see our NC DUI & DWI page.
• Manslaughter: with or without the influence of alcohol or drugs. Your North Carolina’s driver’s license will be suspended for 1 year if you cause manslaughter. This suspension becomes permanent if you were additionally under the influence.
• Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in North Carolina must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended.
• Driving with a Suspended License or No License: Driving with a suspended license will lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned for up to 5 years. The duration of the additional suspension varies depending on the reason for the underlying suspension. Your driver’s license may also be suspended if you do not have your license with you while you are driving.
• Physical or Psychological Disqualification: The DMV can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual’s driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or psychologically unable to drive safely.
• Other Driving-Related Violations: Your North Carolina driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving. If you receive 2 charges in 1 year you will face a 1-year suspension. Additionally, you may face suspension if you are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway. Engaging in mutually agreed racing on a highway, placing bets, watching, or loaning out a car for racing will result in a 3-year suspension.
• Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include not responding to a Division of Motor Vehicles notice or not appearing in court, obtaining a license or learner’s permit under false pretense (1 year suspension), betting or loaning a car for the purpose of racing (3 year suspension), refusal to submit to a breath test, failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges and not paying child support.
• Speeding: Speeding above 55 mph by at least 15 mph will result in a 30-day suspension for the 1st offense. Speeding and driving recklessly (same incident) will carry a 60-day suspension. The 2nd reckless driving offense will result in a 60-day suspension. Additionally, speeding above 55 mph by at least 15 mph while avoiding arrest will entail a 1-year suspension. If you manage to accrue 2 charges of speeding above 55 mph by at least 15 mph in a 1-year period, your license will be suspended. Your license can also be suspended for having 1 conviction of speeding (over 55 mph) and 1 conviction of reckless driving in 12 months. If you are caught speeding over 75 mph, this will increase the severity of the suspension.
• Alcohol Violations and Minor Drivers: North Carolina has stricter DWI regulations for drivers under 21 years old, including suspensions for other alcohol-related violations. Drivers under 21 years old can be charged with a DWI violation for driving with ANY alcohol in their blood. A conviction results in a 1-year revocation of your driver’s license. Other convictions resulting in 1-year revocations for underage drivers include:
• Buying or trying to by alcohol.
• Using a fake license or ID to buy or try to buy alcohol.
• Helping another underage person buy or try to buy alcohol.
• If you are younger than 18 years old, you face suspension of up to 6 months.

ACTIONS TO TAKE IF YOUR NORTH CAROLINA DRIVER’S LICENSE IS SUSPENDED

Having your North Carolina driver’s license suspended is a serious matter and it is essential to adhere to State law in the event that your license is suspended. If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is prudent to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer. The 3 most important things to be aware of following a license suspension are:

• If your license has not already been taken away from you in court, you must surrender it to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. You can surrender your license in person at a DMV District Offices, or mail it to: NC Division of Motor Vehicles

Driver License Section

Information Services Branch

3114 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, N.C. 27699-3114

• While your license is suspended, you are not permitted to drive. If you are found driving with a suspended license, you may be imprisoned for up to 5 years, and the length of your suspension may be increased.

After your suspension is over, you will receive a written notice of restoration, with instructions on how to restore your license. Do not drive until you have completed the necessary steps and received a valid, replacement license from the North Carolina DMV.

CHECK YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

NORTH CAROLINA SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

If you wish to challenge the suspension, you may request a hearing in court. If you request a hearing, you will retain your license and driving privileges until the hearing. An administrative law judge will hear your case, and determine whether your driver’s license should be suspended or not. You can request a hearing by phone: (919) 715-7000 or by filling out the online form or writing to the DMV at:

NC Division of Motor Vehicles

Driver License Section

Information Services Branch

3114 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, N.C. 27699-3114

You are also able to appeal the decision of the first hearing to the NC Superior Court. Appeals must be made within 30 days. In addition, drivers whose license may be suspended due to accumulating excessive points may be eligible to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program. Completing a Driver Improvement Program removes three points from the current driving record if you have 7 points, and in some cases can enable an individual to avoid having his license suspended. It is also a good idea to seek the advice of a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer, based on the reason for the suspension.

REINSTATE YOUR NORTH CAROLINA DRIVER’S LICENSE

You will receive a notice from the DMV after you have completed your suspension period. The notice will include complete instructions regarding how to get your license back. Generally, you will need to:

• Pay a restoration fee of $50. If the suspension occurred because you were driving under the influence, the fee increases to $75. Additionally, if you did not submit your license at the time of suspension, you will be charged.
• Apply for a new NC driver’s license.
• Depending on the reason(s) for your suspension, you may have to take the written test and/or driving test.

Once your license is reinstated, any driver’s license points leading to your suspension are canceled. If your license has been suspended as part of a criminal court sentence or non-driving-related reasons (e.g., failure to pay child support), you may have to take additional steps before you can have your license reinstated. These extra steps may include paying court fees, paying fines, or acquiring paperwork from a court or agency showing that you are eligible for reinstatement.

For questions, you can call the DMV’s customer service at (919) 715-7000.

FEES TO REINSTATE YOUR NORTH CAROLINA DRIVER’S LICENSE

• Restoration of driver’s license: $50.
• Restoration following a DWI conviction: $100.
• Service fee: $50. (Does not apply if you surrendered your license to the DMV prior to the effective date of suspension.)

Restoration and service fees are payable by any of the following: cash, money order, personal check.

HARDSHIP LICENSES IN NORTH CAROLINA

Certain drivers whose licenses have been revoked are eligible to request limited driving privileges. To apply for a hardship license, you must file a petition with the district court in your county of residence.

The following drivers CANNOT apply for limited driving privileges in NC:

• Drivers suspended for DWI convictions.
• Drivers with multiple concurrent suspensions.
• Drivers who have requested a limited license with the last 3 years.
• Drivers facing pending charges in NC or any other state.

If you are eligible for a hardship license, you can request it after you’ve complied with your revocation for a certain amount of time:

• 1-year revocation period: apply after 90 days.
• 2-year revocation period: apply after 1 year.
• Permanent revocation: 2 years.

Additional requirements for a limited license are:

• A valid and permissible reason to drive, such as to and from work, to maintain your household, or to provide emergency medical care.
• Proof of current NC car insurance.

A limited license is valid for 1 year or for the remainder of your revocation, whichever is shorter. If you violate the terms of the hardship license, your limited privileges will be suspended.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) SUSPENSIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA

CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. Your North Carolina commercial drivers license (CDL) can be suspended whether you violate traffic laws or commit crimes in North Carolina or out of state. Additionally, Your CDL may be disqualified for violations committed in both commercial and non-commercial vehicles. Depending on your offense, you may face both state and federal suspensions and charges. You MUST also notify your employer if you were convicted of any traffic violation within 30 days. Your CDL will be disqualified if you commit any of the following:

• Major Offenses:
  • DWI offenses include: Driving a CMV with any detectable blood alcohol concentration (BAC): This will result in an out-of-service order for 24 hours; driving a CMV with a BAC over 0.04%; driving any vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher; refusing to take a BAC test while driving any vehicle. Please see our DUI & DWI in North Carolina page for more information.
  • Leaving an accident scene.
  • Use of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to commit a felony.
  • Vehicular manslaughter while operating a CMV.
  • Driving a CMV without an invalid CDL (revoked, suspended, or disqualified): If you drive a CMV while your North Carolina CDL is suspended, your license will be suspended again for at least 1 year. This suspension will be longer if you have previous suspensions for DUI, leaving an accident, using a CMV in a felony, or driving a CMV with a hazardous materials placard.
  • Using a commercial vehicle to manufacture, to distribute, or dispense controlled substances: This will result in a lifetime disqualification.
• Major Offense Penalties:
  • 1st offense: 1-year suspension, 3 years if carrying hazardous materials
  • 2nd offense: Lifetime suspension
• Serious Traffic Violations:
  • Excessive speeding.
  • Excessive points: Your CDL will be suspended if you get 12 points or more in 3 years.
  • Reckless driving.
  • Erratic lane changing.
  • Driving without your CDL.
  • Driving a CMV that you are not endorsed to drive.
• Serious Traffic Violation Penalties:
  • 2 violations in 3 years: 60-day suspension
  • 3 violations in 3 years: 120-day suspension
• Railroad Crossing Violations:
  • Failing to stop at tracks.
  • Failing to clear tracks.
  • Failing to ensure space or undercarriage clearance.
• Railroad Crossing Violation Penalties:
  • 1st offense: 60-day suspension
  • 2nd offense in 3 years: 120-day suspension
  • 3rd offense and subsequent offenses within 3 years: 1-year suspension
• Out-Of-Order Service Violation Penalties:
  • 1st offense: 90-day suspension
  • 2nd offense in 10 years: 1-year suspension
  • 3rd offense in 10 years: 3-year suspension
• Out-of-Service Order Violations (carrying HAZMAT or Operating a vehicle designed to carry 15 passengers or more):
  • 1st offense: 180-day suspension
  • 2nd offense and subsequent offenses within 10 years: 3-year suspension

In some cases, a lifetime suspension may be reduced to 10 years for second offenses.

CHECK YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUS

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

NORTH CAROLINA CDL SUSPENSION HEARINGS & APPEALS

The NC DMV offers hearings for drivers who’ve had their licenses suspended. Because a suspension of your regular license can result in CDL suspension, requesting a hearing can save you from CDL disqualification. You can request an administrative hearing by phone: (919) 715-7000 or by mail:

Driver License Hearings, 
3116 Mail Service Center, 
Raleigh, NC 27699-3116

You can also able to appeal the decision of this hearing to the NC Superior Court. Appeals must be made within 30 days.

NOTE: The DMV hearing and/or appeal DO NOT take the place of your criminal court hearing.

REINSTATE YOUR NORTH CAROLINA CDL 

Reinstatement generally involves the following steps:

• Waiting until your disqualification period has ended.
• Paying reinstatement and service fees. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your NC CDL” below.)
• Apply for a new CDL.
• You may have to retake the written test or driving test depending on the reason your CDL was suspended.

Once your license is reinstated, any driver’s license points leading to your suspension are canceled.

Call the DMV at (919) 715-7000 for questions regarding your requirements for reinstatement.

NOTE: You may also need to satisfy requirements handed down by the court.

FEES TO REINSTATE YOUR NORTH CAROLINA CDL

The fees to reinstate your commercial driver license in North Carolina will vary based on your circumstances and your reason for suspension. Note that you may also need to pay additional court fees and penalties. The fees below are general license reinstatement fees exacted by the DMV:

• Restoration of driver’s license: $50.
• Restoration after a DWI conviction: $100.
• Service fee: $50. (Does not apply if you surrendered your license to the DMV prior to the start of the suspension.)

Your fees may differ based on your CDL endorsement; contact your local DMV office for specifics to your case.

Accepted Payment Methods: You can pay your fee by cash, money order, or personal check.

NOTE: These fees DO NOT include federal fines, court fees, course fees, or application fees that may be required for your reinstatement.