North Carolina CDL DWI Consequences
With I-85 and I-40 crossing the state and Charlotte's growing distribution hub, NC has many CDL holders. A DWI means federal CDL disqualification plus North Carolina's complex sentencing levels and a 7-year lookback.
Federal + State: You Face Both
As a CDL holder arrested for DWI in North Carolina, you're subject to federal CDL disqualification (1 year minimum) AND NC state criminal penalties with their unique five-level sentencing system based on aggravating and mitigating factors.
North Carolina DWI Sentencing Levels
NC uses a five-level system where Level 5 is least severe and Level 1 is most severe
| Level | Jail Time | Fine | License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 (least severe) | 24 hrs - 60 days | Up to $200 | 1 year revocation |
| Level 4 | 48 hrs - 120 days | Up to $500 | 1 year revocation |
| Level 3 | 72 hrs - 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 1 year revocation |
| Level 2 | 7 days - 12 months | Up to $2,000 | 4-year revocation |
| Level 1 (most severe) | 30 days - 24 months | Up to $4,000 | Permanent revocation |
| Aggravated Level 1 | 12-36 months | Up to $10,000 | Permanent revocation |
NC's Factor-Based System: Your sentencing level depends on "grossly aggravating," "aggravating," and "mitigating" factors. Prior DWIs within 7 years are grossly aggravating. A CDL holder operating a CMV adds aggravating weight.
Commercial Vehicle Impound in North Carolina
Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and the I-85/I-40 corridors are major trucking routes
Towing Costs
- •Base hook-up: $225-$375
- •Per-mile charges: $4-$8/mile
- •Heavy-duty recovery: $450-$1,500+/hour
- •Trailer towed separately
Storage Fees
- •Tractor: $35-$75/day
- •Trailer: $20-$45/day (separate)
- •Administrative fee: $35-$75
- •After-hours release may add fees
NC Impound Release Requirements
To retrieve a commercial vehicle from a North Carolina impound lot:
- • Valid government ID
- • Proof of ownership or registration
- • If carrier sending another driver: Written authorization on company letterhead
- • Full payment of all fees
NC Civil Revocation
North Carolina has an immediate civil revocation that takes effect at arrest—separate from any criminal conviction. CDL holders face this state action AND federal CDL disqualification.
10-Day Deadline
You have 10 days from receipt of the revocation order to request a hearing with DMV. The civil revocation is immediate—your license is revoked at arrest, not conviction.
Finding a SAP in North Carolina
North Carolina has DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professionals in Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro, and the Triad/Triangle areas.
Telehealth SAP evaluations are available statewide, useful for drivers based in the coastal region or western mountain counties.
How to find and work with a SAPFederal CDL Regulations
For information about federal CDL disqualification, the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and the Return-to-Duty process that applies nationwide:
CDL DUI Federal GuideRelated North Carolina DWI Guides
Sources & Official Resources
Information on this page is sourced from North Carolina state statutes and federal regulations.
- NC General Statutes Article 2C - DWI Laws
- 49 CFR § 383.51 - Federal CDL Disqualification
- NC DMV - License Revocation
Last updated: January 8, 2026
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