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Losing your driver’s license feels like losing your independence. Around Moore and Randolph Counties, we do not have subways or city-wide train systems to get us to work. If you live in Carthage or Asheboro, you know that driving is a necessity for keeping a job and taking care of your family. Whether you are heading down Highway 220 or navigating the bypass in Carthage, you need a valid license to keep your life moving forward.
At Rowland & Yauger, we have helped over 60,000 clients deal with the aftermath of legal trouble. We did not start in high-rise offices; we grew up right here in Moore County and spent years working blue-collar jobs before we ever set foot in a law school.
We understand the value of hard work and the frustration of being sidelined by a DWI conviction. Getting your license back in North Carolina is a multi-step process that requires patience and strict adherence to state law.
Complete Your Substance Use Assessment and Treatment.
The first step toward restoration under North Carolina law is completing a substance use assessment. Per N.C.G.S. § 20-17.6, any person convicted of an impaired driving offense must obtain a certificate of completion from a state-approved substance abuse facility.
This assessment is a face-to-face interview with a counselor who reviews your driving history and alcohol use. Based on this interview, the counselor will recommend either an education program or a treatment program.
- ADETS (Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School): This is a 16-hour program for those who do not have a diagnosed substance use disorder.
- Treatment Levels: Depending on the assessment, you may need to complete short-term (minimum 20 hours) or longer-term (up to 40 hours or more) treatment.
Once you finish the required hours, the facility will issue a Certificate of Completion form and upload it to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) system. You cannot move forward with reinstatement until the NCDMV receives this electronic proof.
Wait Out the Mandatory Revocation Period.
The length of time you must wait to get your license back depends on your specific conviction and prior record. North Carolina uses a tiered system for license revocations:
- First Offense: Typically, a one-year revocation.
- Second Offense: A four-year revocation if the prior offense occurred within three years.
- Third Offense: Permanent revocation if at least one of the prior offenses occurred within the previous five years.
While the term ‘permanent’ sounds final, it often isn’t. Under N.C.G.S. § 20-19(e), individuals with a permanent revocation may be eligible to petition for a restoration hearing after three years, provided they have not had any additional alcohol or drug-related convictions during that time.
Pay the Required NCDMV Fees.
You do not simply start driving the day your revocation ends. You must officially apply for restoration and pay the associated fees. According to the NCDMV fee schedule, these costs typically include:
- DWI Reinstatement Fee: $167.75
- Restoration Fee: $83.50
- Service Fee: $50.00 (Applies if you did not surrender your Driver’s license to the court).
These fees are separate from the cost of the actual physical license. You can pay most of these online through the NCDMV portal or at a local driver’s license office in Asheboro or near Carthage.
Understand Ignition Interlock Requirements.
For many people, the NCDMV will require an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) as a condition of getting their license back. According to N.C.G.S. § 20-17.8, an IID is mandatory if:
- Your Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was 0.15 or higher at the time of the offense.
- You have a prior DWI conviction within the past 7 years.
- The court convicted you of Habitual Impaired Driving.
The duration of the IID requirement varies. If your original revocation was for one year, the IID must stay for one year. For four-year revocations, it remains in effect for three years. If you restore a permanently revoked license, the requirement lasts for seven years. During this time, you must follow strict alcohol concentration restrictions, which the NCDMV sets at 0.00 or 0.04, depending on your history.
Preparing for a DMV Restoration Hearing.
If your license was revoked for more than one year or permanently, you will likely need to attend a formal hearing. This is not a courtroom trial, but it is a legal proceeding before a DMV Hearing Officer.
At this hearing, you must show that you are no longer a risk to public safety. This often involves:
- Providing proof of completed chemical dependency treatment.
- Bringing witnesses who can testify to your character and sobriety.
- Showing a clean criminal record since the date of your revocation.
Preparing for these hearings is where many people run into trouble. Missing a single piece of paperwork or failing to bring the correct type of witness can result in a denial. A denial may bar you from requesting another hearing for a significant amount of time.
Navigating the Local Court Systems.
Whether your case started in the Moore County Courthouse in Carthage or the Randolph County Courthouse in Asheboro, the aftermath is handled by the NCDMV. But local factors still matter. Different counties may have different schedules for when ignition interlock providers are available, or which treatment facilities are most frequently used by the community.
We know these roads because we drive on them every day. We know how a lost license affects a mechanic in Asheboro or a farm worker in Carthage differently than it might affect someone in a city with subways. Our goal is to make sure you have the facts so you can make the best decisions for your future.
How Rowland & Yauger Can Help.
We have over 25 years of experience and have helped thousands of clients. At Rowland & Yauger, Attorneys & Counselors at Law, we do not view you as just another case number. We are Moore County locals who understand the value of a hard day’s work and the necessity of a driver’s license. With more than 650 five-star reviews across our offices, we take pride in being a part of this community. If you are struggling to get back on the road, we are here to help you understand the requirements and walk you through the process.
If you would like us to review your NCDMV driving record to determine your exact eligibility date for restoration, call us in Carthage at 910-621-2991 or in Asheboro at 336-537-5547, and we will ensure you fully understand the legal options pertaining to your unique case.
