North Carolina Driver's License Revocation and Restoration

There are more than 8 million licensed drivers in North Carolina, and there are more than 1 million people whose licenses have been revoked by the DMV. A small number of those people (around 6,000) have been issued a limited driving privilege by the courts that authorizes driving during the period of revocation, subject to certain limitations. Someone whose license has been revoked may have the license reinstated at the end of the revocation period, but in certain circumstances, restrictions are placed on the reinstated license. More than 100,000 drivers licensed by NC DMV have alcohol restrictions on their licenses, and more than 30,000 are permitted to drive only a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device. 

This booklet lists the triggering events and convictions that may result in the revocation of a driver’s license. For each event, it also covers how long the license can be revoked, whether a limited driving privilege may issue, the limitations of any such privilege, and the mandatory conditions that apply when the license is restored.