North Carolina DUI Record Search

In North Carolina, it is illegal for a driver to operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol to the point that their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of any substance that impairs their ability to drive. These substances could be anything from prescription drugs to illegal drugs. A driver who refuses to take the breath test that determines BAC can also be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). The legal limit for BAC is .08, and the aggravated charges kick in when the drivers BAC reached .15 and higher. North Carolina also has a zero tolerance policy, so it is illegal for any driver under the age of 21 to have a BAC higher than .00.

A drivers firs North Carolina DWI offense earns a mandatory 1 year license suspension. The driver will also be required to attend a substance abuse assessment. If that assessment deems it necessary, then the driver will also have to enroll in a treatment program. There is no mandatory jail sentence for first time offenders. Second time DUI offenders may face some jail time, if their previous DWI was within the last 3 years. Their license will also be suspended for 4 years. An ignition interlock device is required upon restoration of the license.

DUI / DWI facts and statistics in North Carolina

• In 2017, 46 out of the 413 driving fatalities due to DUI / DWI were driven by drivers under the age of 21

• In the same year, 190 out of the 30,277 offenders caught for DUI / DWI were under the age of 18

• In 2018, 38 out of the 421 driving fatalities due to DUI / DWI were driven by drivers under the age of 21

• In the same year, 141 out of the 27,915 offenders caught for DUI / DWI were under the age of 18

source: responsibility.org, fbi.gov