North Carolina DUI Laws

North Carolina has a zero tolerance policy for individuals under the age of 21 and commercial vehicle drivers are considered legally drunk if they have a blood alcohol content level of 0.04%. This doesn’t mean that adults and non- commercial drivers have it any easier. If you get caught driving under the influence in the state of North Carolina, it could cost you thousands of dollars in fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

Under North Carolina's implied consent law, if you are driving on any North Carolina road, you automatically consent to submitting to a blood, breath, or urine test if an officer of the law suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Refusal to submit to testing will result in an automatic suspension of your license for 30 days.

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of North Carolina?

In the state of North Carolina, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. As stated earlier, the BAC for commercial drivers is 0.04% of higher. Sentence enhancements exist for cases involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

In the state of North Carolina what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of North Carolina, if you get arrested for DUI, the administrative license suspension time for a first offense is 30 days. Under administrative license suspension, the drivers’ license will be taken before conviction when he either fails or refuses to be tested for alcohol or drugs. The driver may obtain a limited license after the first 10 days of the revocation period.

In the state of North Carolina, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

In the state of North Carolina, a first DUI conviction will cost $2,000 in fines, license suspension for up to one year, up to 2 years in prison, and community service. For second offenses, you will lose your license for 4 years. The court may also send you to prison for up to 2 years and will have to pay a maximum of $2,000 in fines. If your second offense is within seven years of the first, you will not have the opportunity to apply for a limited license. All other penalties apply if your second offense occurs within 3 years of the first.

For third offenses occurring within 5 years of the second, you could lose your license permanently. You could also be sentenced to 2 years in prison, and you will have to pay $2,000 in fines.