Effective December 1, 2024, the law expands eligibility for Limited Driving Privileges (LDPs) for certain offenders who previously would not have been eligible.
Under the revised statute, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-179.3(b)(3):
- Individuals with a Level Two judgment due to a prior DWI conviction within seven years can now seek an LDP under certain conditions.
Previously, if someone had a recent DWI conviction, they were generally barred from obtaining limited privileges until their full revocation period had passed. This change in the law allows some offenders to regain some driving rights earlier. This provides them with the ability to drive themselves to work, school, or essential appointments.
To qualify for an LDP under the revised law, the individual must:
- Be a Level Two offender solely because of a prior DWI conviction;
- Have not been convicted of more than one other DWI in the previous seven years;
- Have held a valid driver’s license or one that was expired less than one year at the time of the offense;
- Have an alcohol concentration below .15 at the time of arrest; and
- Filed a substance abuse assessment with the court in the pending case.
The legislature has recognized that mobility is critical for employment and family responsibilities. However, meeting all eligibility requirements can still be challenging, and judges retain discretion. Call us today at 919-782-8115 to evaluate your eligibility.