What to Do if You’re Caught Driving While License Revoked in North Carolina

Cars are an essential requirement in our everyday lives. Whether commuting to work, dropping your kids off at school, or simply a short trip to the grocery store. Most people use their cars for every commute. Traffic violations can often cause people to either lose their license or have it suspended. Being unlicensed can put you at the mercy of public transport, Uber, and other unreliable means of transportation. This can often force people to carry on driving with a suspended license. Driving with the license suspended however, is a lawful offense. In North Carolina driving while license revoked can have serious implications.

Your license may be revoked if:

• You accumulate too many points on your driving record.

• You are convicted of a serious traffic offense, such as DWI.

• You commit certain offenses, such as hit and run or reckless driving.

A license is only suspended if you neglect to pay a fine, maintain insurance or appear in court for a traffic violation.

The penalty for driving with a suspended license in North Carolina?

The penalties for driving on a revoked license in North Carolina can be severe. First time being caught, you may face significant fines and penalties like :

1. Driving with License Suspended- First Offense

If you are caught driving with a suspended license you can be convicted of this offense. This is Classified as 3 misdemeanor. It includes imprisonment of 1-10 days, a fine of no more than $200, and a further license suspension of 1 year.

      2.  Driving with License Suspended- Second Offense

If you are caught driving while license revoked for the second time, you can face a Class 2 misdemeanor. You may face 60 days jail, a fine, and a further license suspension of 2 years.

      3. Driving with License Suspended- Third or Subsequent Offense

If you are caught driving with a suspended license for the third time, you may face a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties include imprisonment of 150 days-3 years, a fine, and an extended 3 years suspension of your license.

North Carolina Driving Laws: An Overview

North Carolina Traffic Laws are safe for travel on North Carolina roads beyond observing the speed limit and wearing a safety belt. There are several other laws motorists must abide by.

• Parking on Highways: ​Parking on highways is illegal.

• ​Headlights: ​Motorists must use headlights from sunset to sunrise when visibility is reduced to 400 feet or less, or when using windshield wipers during bad weather.

• ​Right Turns on Red​: Right turns at a red light are permitted after a complete stop unless otherwise posted. Left turns on red are not allowed.

• ​Traffic Accidents: Crashes involving death, personal injury, or property damage over $1,000, must be reported to the nearest law enforcement officer or agency.​ Failing to report could result in prosecution & driving while license revoked.

• Cell Phone Use: Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use technology associated with a cell phone while driving except in emergencies. Violators pay a $25 fine but receive no driver license points, insurance surcharge or court costs.

• ​License Suspension: Driver's License Restoration, will have their licenses suspended by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles of minimum one year. Individuals with a prior DWI conviction may face punishment as a criminal, and their vehicles may be confisticated and sold.

To have your license reinstated, you must meet several requirements, including

• Pay a $100 reinstatement fee to the North Carolina DMV.

• Provide proof of insurance if your license was suspended for not having insurance.

• Complete any required driving school or alcohol treatment program.

• If your license was suspended for DWI, you must also install an ignition interlock device on your car.

Once you have met all the requirements and paid the fee, you will be able to get your license reinstated.

In Conclusion

Driving with a suspended license is a serious violation in North Carolina. If you are caught driving on a suspended license you can face (jail time, fines, and a prolonged suspension) of your license. There are ways to avoid jail time if this is your first offense, such as getting a PJC or an intervenor sentence. To have your license reauthorized after it has been suspended, you must pay a fine and meet other conditions.

Maximize your chances of getting your license reinstated by hiring a professional traffic lawyer to assist you through the process. McCall law, PLLC is dealing with license suspensions and can help you get your license reinstated.