Do you know what happens after a first DWI in North Carolina? Let’s go over a typical timeline for a first DWI, what circumstances can occur and what your next steps are. Keep in mind that below is what usually can happen after a first-time DWI, but every case is at the judge’s discretion. You should also know that North Carolina DWIs fall under both administrative and court penalties.
DWI Arrest
First, you have probably been sentenced to a minimum of 24 hours in jail or 24 hours community service, with a maximum sentence of 120 days. You’ll also receive the following:
- A fine of up to $200
- Court costs
- Some type of probation (normally it is unsupervised)
- A requirement that you complete a substance abuse assessment
- Comply with any recommended treatment or education, and
- Comply with any other conditions of probation the judge may impose.
You will need to complete the substance abuse treatment in order to be eligible for a limited driving privilege (LDP) and prior to full restoration of your driver’s license. Read more about the LDP process below under the administrative side of your DWI case.
Your Driver’s License – Administrative Side
Upon arrest, your driver’s license is immediately revoked for 30 days. If you refused your chemical test, this means a mandatory, one-year license suspension will occur.
You have 10 days from your date of arrest to visit your DMV office and request an administrative hearing. Typically, hearing officers will provide you a restricted license with a curfew if you meet all the qualifications for this license for the next 20 days. After 30 days, you will receive your original driver’s license back until your court date.
Trial and Conviction
If you are convicted for a DWI, the penalties involved depends on various factors in North Carolina. There are generally six sentencing levels. Level A1 is the most serious and Level 5 is the least serious.
If your BAC was at .15 or higher and this is a first DWI, there will be a 45-day license suspension period after conviction before the Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) can take effect.
You may also need to undergo other requirements such as a substance abuse assessment and treatment or education course.
Ignition Interlock Installation
North Carolina requires an Ignition Interlock for first-time DWI cases if your BAC was .15 or higher on all vehicles registered to you. The typical requirement period with an Ignition Interlock is one year. Some aggravating circumstances can change this requirement period and other penalties.
Below is a table that shows the Ignition Interlock and driver’s license circumstances surrounding a first DWI in North Carolina, and how Smart Start can help.
| Record | License Revocation Period | How Smart Start Can Help | Ignition Interlock Device or IID Requirement |
| First DWI conviction and a BAC of .15 or more | One year | When eligible after 45 days, you can obtain an LDP if you have an Ignition Interlock. Or, at end of one year, you become immediately eligible for a license with an Ignition Interlock | One year – for the use of an Ignition Interlock with an LDP, the DMV will issue a credit toward one year |
If you do need to install an Ignition Interlock into your vehicle, Smart Start can get you back on the road the quickest. We provide a discreet and reliable IID with an affordable program and friendly customer service.
Install an Ignition Interlock in North Carolina Now
Schedule your installation appointment at your nearest Smart Start service center today by calling [company_variable name=”Corporate Telephone Number Link”] or by filling out our online form.