CRITICAL: You Have Only 10 Days to Request a Civil Revocation Hearing
North Carolina has one of the shortest deadlines in the US. Missing this 10-day deadline results in automatic 1-year license revocation with NO appeal.
North Carolina DMV Hearing
Civil Revocation Hearing
Request your North Carolina Civil Revocation hearing within 10 days to avoid automatic license revocation and protect your driving privileges.
Critical Timeline for North Carolina DWI
DWI Arrest - Clock Starts
Officer gives you a civil revocation notice (DL-123)
DEADLINE - Request Hearing
Must be received by NC DMV within 10 calendar days
TOO LATE - No Hearing
Automatic 1-year revocation, no exceptions
How to Request Your NC Civil Revocation Hearing
Online Request
Phone Request
Mail Request
Address:
NC Division of Motor Vehicles
Driver License Section
1100 New Bern Ave
Raleigh, NC 27697
RISK: Must arrive within 10 days
Fee: $50 (certified check or money order)
Form: DL-123B (hearing request)
North Carolina DWI Levels & Consequences
| DWI Level | Civil Revocation | Criminal Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Level A1 (Aggravated) | 1 year | 60 days jail (min), $4,000 fine, mandatory SCRAM |
| Level 1 | 1 year | 30 days jail (min), $4,000 fine |
| Level 2 | 1 year | 7 days jail (min), $2,000 fine |
| Level 3 | 1 year | 72 hours jail (min), $1,000 fine |
| Level 4 | 1 year | 48 hours jail (min), $500 fine |
| Level 5 | 1 year | 24 hours jail (min), $200 fine |
Level A1 Triggers (Most Severe):
- • DWI while license revoked for prior DWI
- • DWI causing serious bodily injury
- • DWI with child under 18 in vehicle
- • Prior DWI conviction within 7 years
North Carolina Civil Revocation vs. Criminal Case
Civil Revocation (DMV)
- Automatic: Triggered by arrest
- 10-day deadline: Request hearing
- 1-year revocation: If you lose/don't request
- Lower burden: Preponderance of evidence
Criminal Case (Court)
- Separate process: Different from civil
- Jury trial possible: Beyond reasonable doubt
- Additional penalties: Jail, fines, probation
- Second revocation: If convicted
Limited Driving Privilege in NC
Eligibility Requirements
- •Complete substance abuse assessment
- •Install ignition interlock (if required)
- •File SR-22 insurance
- •Pay restoration fee ($130)
- •No pending criminal charges for DWI
Permitted Activities
- •Work/employment
- •School/education
- •Medical appointments
- •Court-ordered treatment
- •Religious services
- •Emergency situations
When Can You Apply?
- • First offense: After 10 days of revocation
- • Refusal: After 6 months
- • Prior DWI: After 45 days to 2 years (depends on history)
North Carolina Ignition Interlock Requirements
When Interlock is Required
- • BAC ≥0.15 (any offense)
- • Refusal to submit to test
- • Prior DWI conviction (any time)
- • Limited driving privilege (most cases)
Interlock Period
- • First offense: 1 year minimum
- • Second offense: 3 years minimum
- • Third+ offense: 7 years minimum
- • A1 level: Permanent (no removal)
Employer Vehicle Exemption
North Carolina allows exemption for employer-owned vehicles with written authorization and court approval. Must still install on personal vehicle.
Civil Revocation Hearing Process
Hearing Location
Office of Administrative Hearings
6714 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-6714
Phone: (919) 431-3000
What DMV Must Prove
- •Valid arrest for DWI
- •Proper chemical test administration
- •BAC ≥0.08 OR refusal
- •Proper notice given
Legal Representation Recommended
With Attorney:
- Can challenge evidence
- Knows technical defenses
- Higher success rate
- Coordinates with criminal case
Pro Se (Self-Represented):
- Complex legal procedures
- Limited knowledge of defenses
- Lower win rate
- Risk to criminal case
Next Steps & Resources
Immediate Actions
North Carolina Resources
County-Specific Info
24/7 Legal Support
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