North Carolina DUI Laws

Being Convicted of DUI / DWI Can Have Life Changing Consequences

Browse DUI Laws by State or Learn More About Field Sobriety Tests & Ignition Interlock Devices

North Carolina DUI/DWI Laws

North Carolina DUI/DWI law penalties, fines, requirements & information.

North Carolina DUI/DWI Laws Overview and Common DUI/DWI Questions

Will I have to serve jail time if I’m convicted of a DUI in North Carolina?
Yes, If convicted of a DUI offense in North Carolina you may face 24 hours to a year in jail.
I’ve been arrested for DUI in North Carolina, what should I do?
If you’ve been arrested for DUI / DWI in North Carolina, the first thing you should do is talk with an experienced North Carolina DUI lawyer! North Carolina DUI laws are complex and an experienced North Carolina DUI lawyer will be able to negotiate the best possible outcome. Call 1.855.700.0754 for a FREE North Carolina DUI consultation with a local DUI lawyer.
What is the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in North Carlina?
Like all other states in America, the BAC legal limit in North Carolina for individuals over 21 is .08%. North Carolina does have a zero-tolerance law meaning anyone under the age of 21 will be charged with DUI for a BAC greater than .02%. The commercial BAC limit in North Carolina is .04%. Anyone found to have a BAC higher than these limits will be charged with DUI in the state of North Carolina.
Does North Carolina have an aggravated DUI charge if my BAC is extremely high?
Yes, North Carolina does have a enhanced or aggravated DUI charge if your BAC limit is over 0.18%
Do I have to take a field sobriety test or chemical test in North Carolina?
North Carolina DUI laws include “implied consent”, which means you are required to submit to field sobriety tests or chemical testing, or you will face serious consequences.
If I’m convicted of DUI in North Carolina will I lose my car?
It is a possibility that your vehicle could be confiscated if you are charged with a DUI offense in North Carolina.
Can I lose my drivers license if convicted of DUI / DWI in North Carolina?
Yes, license suspension or revocation will occur if you are convicted of DUI / DWI in North Carolina. The duration of a suspension varies by the type of DUI offense in North Carolina.
Will I have to use an ignition interlock device if I’m convicted of DUI in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina DUI laws require the use of ignition interlock devices upon a DUI conviction.
How much does a DUI in North Carolina cost?
A first time DUI conviction in North Carolina can cost between $7,000 – $10,000.
Will an North Carolina DUI conviction increase my auto insurance?
Yes, definitely. If you are convicted of DUI / DWI in North Carolina, your insurance could increase by $3,600 to $6,000.

Overview of North Carolina DUI / DWI Laws: Penalties, Fines, Jail Time & Requirements

Penalties & Fines For First DUI Conviction in North Carolina

Imprisonment – 4 hours (for level 5 offender) (however, if 3 aggravated factors are present — Level 1A — minimum of 12 months)
Fine – $200 (for level 5 offendor)
Mandatory – Alcohol assessment & treatment
Drivers license suspension – 60 days to 1 year

Penalties & Fines For Second DUI Conviction in North Carolina

Imprisonment – 4 days jail (If 3 aggravated factors are present — Level 1A — minimum of 12 months.)
Fine – Ranges depending on level
Mandatory – Alcohol assessment & treatment with ignition interlock device
Drivers license suspension – 1 to 4 years (if previous DWI was within 3 years)

Penalties & Fines For Third DUI Conviction and Subsequent DUI’s Within 10 Years in North Carolina

Imprisonment – 14-30 days jail (up to two years) (If 3 aggravated factors are present — Level 1A — minimum of 12 months.)
Mandatory – Alcohol assessment & treatment with ignition interlock device
Fine – Ranges depending on level
Drivers license suspension – 1 year to permanent (if last previous was within 5 years)

North Carolina DUI Laws Apply To All Counties in North Carolina

Alamance County
Alexander County
Alleghany County
Anson County
Ashe County
Avery County
Beaufort County
Bertie County
Bladen County
Brunswick County
Buncombe County
Burke County
Cabarrus County
Caldwell County
Camden County
Carteret County
Caswell County
Catawba County
Chatham County
Cherokee County
Chowan County
Clay County
Cleveland County
Columbus County
Craven County

Cumberland County
Currituck County
Dare County
Davidson County
Davie County
Duplin County
Durham County
Edgecombe County
Forsyth County
Franklin County
Gaston County
Gates County
Graham County
Granville County
Greene County
Guilford County
Halifax County
Harnett County
Haywood County
Henderson County
Hertford County
Hoke County
Hyde County
Iredell County
Jackson County

Johnston County
Jones County
Lee County
Lenoir County
Lincoln County
McDowell County
Macon County
Madison County
Martin County
Mecklenburg County
Mitchell County
Montgomery County
Moore County
Nash County
New Hanover County
Northampton County
Onslow County
Orange County
Pamlico County
Pasquotank County
Pender County
Perquimans County
Person County
Pitt County
Polk County

Randolph County
Richmond County
Robeson County
Rockingham County
Rowan County
Rutherford County
Sampson County
Scotland County
Stanly County
Stokes County
Surry County
Swain County
Transylvania County
Tyrrell County
Union County
Vance County
Wake County
Warren County
Washington County
Watauga County
Wayne County
Wilkes County
Wilson County
Yadkin County
Yancey County

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State DUI Laws

Welcome to StateDUILaws.net! This site is dedicated to providing DUI information and resources for each state in America. We have compiled the DUI Laws of each state as well as other relevant DUI information for those looking for DUI information in their state.

Our site includes information about DUI penalties, 1st, 2nd and 3rd DUI convictions, Ignition Interlock Devices, field sobriety tests and other DUI arrest information.

If you've been arrested for DUI, then we also offer access to a FREE initial DUI consultation from a local DUI attorney.