You may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Devices (ID) to regain your driving privileges after a DWI in North Carolina. Wondering what to expect? Smart Start is ready to help you start fresh and get back on the road.
Your license may be suspended for at least one year after you’re convicted of DWI in North Carolina. So how can you move past your DWI and get your driver’s license back in NC? In many cases, you can apply for limited driving privileges (also known as a “Cinderella license”) that allow you to meet your work, school, or family obligations.
The following is general information, not legal advice, about the conditions you might have to complete before applying for a reinstated license.
Consult Your Legal Counsel
Apply for Limited Driving Privileges
Schedule Installation
Obtain SR-22 Certificate
Education or Treatment Program
Pay Fees and Complete Forms
Service Appointments
Removal
Information as of March 1, 2025.
Please note that the information in the following sections is for general informational purposes only. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding actions taken or not taken based on any or all content.
We know that navigating a DWI can be overwhelming. Understanding the requirements and process after an alcohol related driving offense in North Carolina is an important step to getting back on the road. We’ve put together some general information to help you get started.
According to North Carolina law, any driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or above is considered Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Your driver’s license will be revoked immediately for at least 30 days. If you refuse a chemical test, your driver’s license will be revoked for at least 30 days, and you may also face an additional revocation of one year.
North Carolina has five levels of misdemeanor DWI with varying consequences depending on whether it’s your first or a repeat offense, as well as other factors. Learn more about each level from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
In North Carolina, many drivers can apply for limited driving privileges (sometimes known as a “Cinderella license”) to meet work, school, or family obligations after a DWI. Depending on how many previous DWI convictions you have had, you may be required to have an administrative hearing to determine your eligibility.
Once you’ve completed the requirements of your DWI suspension, which could include an Ignition Interlock requirement, you may be able to have your full driver’s license reinstated. You can contact the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) at (919) 715-7000 to verify your eligibility and requirements.
Smart Start has an affordable Ignition Interlock solution in North Carolina that’s right for you. We offer:
Instant, custom quotes from our expert Program Advisors
Price match with any competitor in North Carolina For more information on the cost of an Ignition Interlock near you, see our IID cost guide for North Carolina.
Just like North Carolina’s motto, “to be, rather than to seem,” we are exactly who we say we are at Smart Start. We’re an industry leader in Ignition Interlock and alcohol monitoring technology, and we’ve helped thousands of people with DWI charges get their transportation back on track. Choosing Smart Start brings you:
Friendly and knowledgeable technicians
30 convenient service locations for Interlock Devices in NC
24/7/365 multilingual customer support 
As part of your Ignition Interlock requirement and getting your license reinstated, you may be required to complete or reference specific forms. Get quick access to these forms below:
Used by individuals to provide permission to Smart Start to communicate with and release information to the individual’s monitoring authority regarding their Ignition Interlock Device.
Used by individuals to provide consent to Smart Start for the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device system in their vehicle.
Flow chart containing information about the Ignition Interlock Device testing process.
It’s important to thoroughly understand how IIDs work, and what you’ll need to do to stay in compliance with your program. Get fast answers to your most common questions about Interlocks in North Carolina.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
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How Does It Work?
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How Do I Get An Appointment?
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How Can We Help?
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How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program in North Carolina?
Is the Ignition Interlock Device connected to my horn and lights?
What if I have an Interlock requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
When does my program start in North Carolina?
How do I know who my state authority is in North Carolina?
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
How often does my IID need to be serviced in North Carolina?
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
What happens if I violate in North Carolina?
What constitutes a violation in North Carolina?
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment in North Carolina?
What is acceptable as identification in North Carolina?
How can I pay for calibration in North Carolina?
What do I need for removal in North Carolina?
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 3 Topics
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program in North Carolina?
Is the Ignition Interlock Device connected to my horn and lights?
What if I have an Interlock requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
How Does It Work?
Show 8 Topics
When does my program start in North Carolina?
How do I know who my state authority is in North Carolina?
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
How often does my IID need to be serviced in North Carolina?
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
What happens if I violate in North Carolina?
What constitutes a violation in North Carolina?
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 2 Topics
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment in North Carolina?
What is acceptable as identification in North Carolina?
How Can We Help?
Show 2 Topics
How can I pay for calibration in North Carolina?
What do I need for removal in North Carolina?
We’re ready to help!
