Why is Your Drivers License Revoked?

by | Aug 27, 2014 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

“How could this have happened,” you ask when you get a letter from the Division of Motor Vehicles informing you that your license has been revoked.  There are many ways that your license can be revoked in North Carolina.  This blog post attempts to explain some of the more common reasons that licenses are revoked.  Keep in mind that this is not intended to be a complete list, and if you have questions, you should contact an attorney to discuss your individual situation.

One common way that people have their license revoked is when they have a DWI.  When you are charged with a DWI, your license is automatically revoked for 30 days after the date of arrest.  If you refuse to submit to chemical analysis (such as a breathalyzer), then your license will automatically be revoked for a year.  Upon a conviction for a first DWI, your license is revoked for one year.  If it is your second or subsequent DWI or refusal, you may have your license revoked for longer periods of time.  You may be eligible for a limited driving privilege under each of your circumstances.  Contact a lawyer to discuss whether you can get a limited driving privilege.

Another common way for people to have their license revoked is to get too many drivers license points.  Typically, if you get 12 points on your license, then you will have your license revoked.  If you have had your license reinstated after a revocation for too many points in the last three years, then you only have to get 8 points on your license for your license to be revoked.  If you have a lot of points, you may be able to opt to do a driving class, and get some of those taken off of your record.

Yet another common reason for your license to be revoked is a failure to appear for a court case, or failure to comply with a fine.  If you do this, then an indefinite hold will be placed on your license.  This means that the hold will be in place until you either deal with the old case, or pay the old fine.  A Charlotte traffic ticket lawyer can get your old case “added on” and can attempt to deal with it, if you have a failure to appear.  If you have old fines or court costs to be paid, by paying those, you are eligible to get your license reinstated.