Official NCDMV: Driving While Impaired

A driver's license will be revoked, at a minimum, for a year, if they are convicted of driving while impaired.

Refusal to perform a chemical breath or blood test will result in the immediate revocation of a driver license and an additional, minimum one-year revocation by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.

Offense*	Length of Suspension or Revocation	Description Statute(s)	Suspension Statute(s)
DWI (first offense)	1 year	G.S. 20-138.1	G.S. 20-19(c1)
DWI (second offense)	4 years	G.S. 20-138.1	G.S. 20-19(d)
DWI (third or subsequent offense)	Permanent	G.S. 20-138.1	G.S. 20-19(e)
Refusal of chemical analysis	1 year	G.S. 20-16.2	G.S. 20-16.2(d)

*Every driving record is unique and might contain multiple suspensions, which can change eligibility dates for hearings or reinstatements. For current information about an individual driving record, including eligibility dates and any outstanding fines, call (919) 715-7000.

Restoring a License

NCDMV must receive a certificate of completion for a DWI substance use assessment that has been approved by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services for a driver who is subject to G.S. 20-17.6 before the driver's license is retored.

4/17/2019 12:08 PM