NORTH CAROLINA DMV LAWS

Driving offenses and vehicle infractions that often seem minor in nature can have serious life-altering ramifications. Offenses that clients believe they have resolved appropriately can remain unresolved in the eyes of the law and often can result in negative consequences far beyond what would normally be anticipated. For example, speeding in excess of 15 mph over the speed limit can often result in not only driver’s license points and insurance points, but also in a suspension of driving privileges.

Driving with a revoked driver’s license in North Carolina can result in criminal fines and punishments even though you are driving in order to address employment and family obligations. You might also find yourself in jail upon being pulled over for such an offense. You need an attorney with an understanding of the laws and practices necessary for license reinstatement and restoration of limited driving privileges even if you are guilty of the traffic offenses charged.

• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Not Using a seat belt
• Parking in a fire lane
• Parking in a handicapped spot
• Not stopping for a school bus
• Reckless driving

There’s nothing minor about driving with a revoked license. It’s a misdemeanor and can result in a several month active jail sentence. Once your license is revoked, one conviction for a moving violation during revocation results in an automatic one-year license suspension, and subsequent convictions result in an even longer suspension, even possible permanent suspension. As soon as your license is revoked, you’ll need to initiate the license reinstatement process.

This requires knowledge of the system and following the correct procedures required by the state. At SeiferFlatow, we will examine the specifics of your case and assist you in a plan for reinstating your driving privileges.

Failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket can result in the judge issuing a warrant for your arrest and a revocation of your license.  If this happens and if a law enforcement officer subsequently stops you, then it is likely that you will be charged with driving with a revoked driver’s license.

Insurance cost increases resulting from traffic offenses mean higher premiums for three full years.  The first moving offense often means an increase of 25% in the premium while second and third offenses can carry with them increases of 60% and 100% in premiums and difficulties in obtaining coverage.

If your driver’s license has a commercial endorsement, convictions for traffic offenses can have major impacts on your commercial driver’s license and the ability for you to address the requirements of your occupation and livelihood.

Driver’s license restrictions can be issued for a number of reasons, including restrictions requiring corrective lenses and restrictions prohibiting night driving for some drivers’ eyesight issues.

If you have been charged with a violation of your license restrictions, then it is important that you consult an experienced Charlotte law firm like SeiferFlatow that can help you in determining your best options in order to preserve your driving privileges and, in some cases, avoid serving time in jail.

LIMITED DRIVING PRIVILEGES

• Has your North Carolina driver’s license been revoked due to a Driving While Impaired (DWI) charge, an excessive speeding case, racing, or another serious moving violation? Then you may be eligible for limited driving privileges (LDP) so you can drive for work, for emergency medical attention, or for maintenance of your household.
• At SeiferFlatow, we will listen to your side of your story and tailor a solution to your specific needs and the circumstances of your arrest.  We understand the legal system and processes involved in obtaining limited driving privileges.

People whose driver licenses have been suspended are sometimes eligible for DMV hearings to restore their privileges. DMV hearings are not automatically scheduled. You must call or write to the DMV, which will notify you by mail of the date and time of your hearing.

However, the sooner you contact an experienced DMV attorney about your hearing, the better your chances are for a successful outcome. If you contact and engage SeiferFlatow, we will make sure that you are informed as to your best options, and we will submit all required forms in a timely manner.

WILLFUL REFUSAL HEARINGS

• Those who refuse to submit to alcohol blood or breath tests for DWI charges in North Carolina can request a willful refusal hearing to challenge the validity of the refusal.  Once the state notifies you of your impending DWI-related driver’s license suspension, you have a limited opportunity to seek a hearing. The hearing request postpones and potentially eliminates your one-year suspension until a DMV hearing officer hears your case.
• At SeiferFlatow, we urge all who have scheduled willful refusal hearings or have been marked as refusing a breath or blood test to hire a knowledgeable DWI attorney so that you are prepared for your hearing.  At your hearing, evidence can be submitted showing that you did not refuse to submit to the tests, or that the tests were done incorrectly or without probable cause.

Limited driving privileges issued to high-risk drivers and driver’s licenses issued after a DWI related suspension sometimes require that the driver’s vehicle be equipped with an ignition interlock system. Sometimes, drivers are accused of an ignition interlock violation and circumvention of the ignition interlock system.

Ignition interlock violation convictions can be reversed for a variety of reasons. Our experienced attorneys have proven results with ignition interlock violations cases. Contact us today.