Penalties for Driving with a Revoked License

Anytime you are caught driving when your license is revoked, you will likely have points added to your driving record. Your first offense will also result in an extra year of revocation. Your second offense brings an extra two years, and your third offense is punished by a permanent license revocation.[1]

Revoked vs. Suspended License

A license suspension is a temporary penalty for minor offenses like not paying a fine or failing to maintain car insurance. Once the terms of the suspension are met, like if the set timeframe has passed, then your license will no longer be suspended, and you can drive again.

License revocation is more serious than suspension. When your license is revoked, it is essentially taken away permanently. This may happen if you commit a severe traffic or other offense, like a DWI or hit-and-run. The only way to restore your driving privileges is to get a new license.

Restoring Your Driving Privileges

You must reapply for your license following a license revocation. There are numerous fees that you will likely be required to pay to reinstate your driving privileges. There is a DWI reinstatement fee if you lost your license due to driving while impaired.[2] There are also restoration and service fees.[3]

Some drivers are required to attend a hearing at the DMV to determine if their driving privileges will be reinstated. You can call witnesses to this hearing, and the hearing officer may ask you or your witnesses questions. Be prepared to discuss the reason for your license revocation and what changes you’ve made to improve. For example, if you lost your license because of a DWI, you should expect to answer questions about treatment programs, your sobriety, and whether you’re remorseful for any damage caused by your impaired driving.

If you can satisfy all the necessary requirements established by North Carolina law and the DMV, your driving privileges will be reinstated. Do you need representation at a hearing or want guidance for the reinstatement process? Call Ley Law at 252-612-0007 to schedule a consultation. If you need legal representation but cannot afford a retainer or extensive attorney’s fees, you may qualify for our payment plan. Call us to discuss your options.

[1] N.C.D.O.T. https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/license-suspension/Pages/suspended-revoked-license.aspx

[2] N.C.D.O.T. https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/license-suspension/Pages/driver-license-restoration.aspx

[3] Id.