North Carolina Ignition Interlock Device Laws

Before a driver's license to drive is restored in North Carolina, that driver may be required to have a device known as an ignition interlock device installed in any vehicle which he or she owns. This device is designed to prevent the driver from starting the vehicle unless they can provide a sober sample of their breath to the device.

When are Ignition Interlock Devices required in North Carolina DWI cases?

The device is required if the driver was convicted of impaired driving with a BAC of at least 0.15 or if the driver has been convicted of at least one impaired driving offense within the last 7 years.

What are the North Carolina Ignition Interlock time requirements and how do they work?

The sample must show a BAC of less then 0.04 if the driver was convicted only of impaired driving of a noncommercial vehicle while of legal age to consume alcohol and if the driver did not cause the death of any other person.  Otherwise, the device must show a BAC of 0.00. The interlock device is required to be kept in place for 1 year after the date of restoration if the suspension was for 1 year, 3 years if the suspension was for 4 years, and 7 years if the suspension was longer than that. A driver who does not comply with all the terms of the use of the interlock device can be found guilty of the misdemeanor offense of driving with a revoked license and subjected to penalties for that offense in addition to having their license revoked again.