A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge in North Carolina can have immediate and harsh consequences—including the suspension of your driver’s license. If you rely on driving for work, school, or family responsibilities, losing your license can seriously disrupt your life. Fortunately, North Carolina law allows some DUI offenders to apply for a limited driving privilege, commonly referred to as a restricted license.
In this blog, we’ll break down what a restricted license is, who qualifies for it, how to apply, and what conditions you must follow.
What Is a Restricted License?
A restricted license, or limited driving privilege (LDP), allows someone with a suspended driver’s license to drive under specific conditions. These privileges are limited in scope, time, and purpose—usually allowing travel for:
- Work
- School
- Household obligations (e.g., medical appointments, caring for dependents)
- Court-ordered treatment or community service
A restricted license does not restore full driving privileges, but it can help maintain daily responsibilities while complying with legal consequences.
Can You Get a Restricted License After a DUI?
Yes, in many cases you can. North Carolina allows first-time DUI offenders with a clean driving record and who meet certain criteria to apply for a limited driving privilege 10 days after a civil license revocation or following a conviction.
The eligibility and timing depend on whether your license was suspended before trial (pre-trial civil revocation) or after a DUI conviction.
Pre-Trial Civil Revocation: Limited Driving Privilege
If your license was suspended due to a 30-day civil revocation (which happens immediately after being charged with DUI and testing over the legal limit or refusing a breathalyzer), you may apply for a restricted license after 10 days.
Requirements:
- You had a valid license at the time of the offense
- You had no other pending DUI charges
- You weren’t involved in an accident causing injury
- You wait 10 days and pay a $100 civil revocation fee
This type of restricted license allows driving only during standard business hours (typically 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday), unless the court grants extended hours for special needs.
Post-Conviction: DUI Limited Driving Privilege
After a first-time DUI conviction, you may be eligible for another form of limited driving privilege—assuming your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was below 0.15.
Key Criteria:
- You had a valid license or it expired less than a year ago
- It’s your first DUI conviction in the past 7 years
- You completed a substance abuse assessment
- You’ve served any mandatory license suspension period (usually 30 days)
- You’ve paid all fees and court costs
You’ll need to petition the court and show that the privilege is essential for your employment, education, or other necessary purposes.
What If My BAC Was 0.15 or Higher?
If your BAC was 0.15 or above, you’re considered a high-risk offender and subject to stricter rules. You won’t be eligible for a limited driving privilege until you:
- Install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle
- Complete the mandatory license suspension period, which is longer than for low BAC levels
- File proof of substance abuse assessment and completion (or enrollment)
Even with these steps, getting a restricted license after a high BAC conviction is more complex and may require legal representation to navigate properly.
Applying for a Restricted License
Here’s what the application process typically involves:
- Obtain a substance abuse assessment from a state-approved provider
- Complete any recommended education or treatment
- Gather necessary documents, including:
- Proof of insurance (DL-123 form)
- Certified copy of your driving record
- Court documents related to your DUI
- File a petition with the court in the county where the offense occurred
- Attend a hearing, if required, where a judge will review your eligibility
What Are the Restrictions?
If you’re granted a limited driving privilege, you must follow specific restrictions, such as:
- Driving only during approved hours and for approved purposes
- Staying within geographical limits
- Not consuming any alcohol (zero-tolerance)
- Possibly using an ignition interlock device, especially if your BAC was high
Violating any terms of the restricted license can lead to its revocation and may affect your criminal case or future eligibility.
How Long Does a Restricted License Last?
A restricted license typically lasts for the duration of your license suspension period. After you’ve completed that period and met all other requirements (including DWI school or treatment), you may apply to reinstate full driving privileges.
In some cases, drivers may need to maintain an ignition interlock for a longer period even after license reinstatement.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
Yes—especially if:
- Your BAC was above 0.15
- You have prior convictions
- You’re unsure how to navigate the paperwork or court process
- You need help applying for an interlock exemption or extended driving hours
An experienced North Carolina DUI attorney can streamline the process, protect your rights, and increase the chance of getting your limited driving privilege approved.
Final Thoughts
A DUI charge can seriously disrupt your life—but it doesn’t always mean you’ll be stuck without transportation. If you meet the eligibility criteria, North Carolina’s limited driving privilege offers a way to keep moving forward while serving your legal penalties.
The key is to act quickly, stay compliant, and work with someone who understands the process.