Founder
If you’re caught driving with a suspended or revoked license in North Carolina, you’re not alone. Thousands of drivers face this charge each year, often because of missed court dates, unpaid fines, or DWI-related suspensions. These charges, officially called “Driving While License Revoked” (DWLR), carry real consequences and can get worse with each offense.
At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, our Carteret County traffic ticket attorney helps North Carolina drivers handle DWLR charges, understand their legal rights, and fight for license reinstatement.
What Is DWLR in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina General Statute § 20-28, Driving While License Revoked means operating a motor vehicle knowing that your license has been suspended or revoked.
A license suspension is usually temporary and occurs for issues like unpaid fines, points on your record, or missed court appearances. A revocation is more serious and can last longer, often triggered by DWI convictions or other criminal traffic offenses.
DWLR charges happen frequently across North Carolina. One study estimates that over 1.2 million people in North Carolina have active suspensions of driving privileges.
Common reasons your license might be suspended or revoked include:
- Missing a court date for a traffic matter
- Unpaid tickets or fines owed to the DMV
- A prior DWI conviction or administrative suspension
- Failing to maintain auto insurance as required by law
Regardless of why you lost your driver’s license, it is important to understand your rights. This begins with understanding the two types of DWLR charges you could face.
Understanding the Two Types of DWLR Charges
There are two different legal categories under DWLR. Which one you’re charged with makes a big difference in your case.
DWLR (Non-Impaired)
This is when your license is suspended or revoked for reasons not involving impaired driving. Common examples:
- Unpaid fines
- Missed court dates
- Speeding violations
Other reasons could also lead to a driver’s license suspension, even though you were not arrested for drunk driving.
DWLR–Impaired Revocation (DWLR-IR)
This charge is more serious. It applies when your license was revoked due to a DWI conviction or alcohol-related administrative suspension. Courts treat this with far more weight due to safety concerns and the state’s DWI policies.
2025–26 Penalties for Driving With a Revoked or Suspended License
In North Carolina, DWLR penalties depend on the specific type of charge:
DWLR (Standard/Non-Impaired Revocation)
You are arrested for driving without a valid driver’s license. The penalties may include:
- Class 3 misdemeanor
- Fines and court costs (2025 fines average $188–$350 per charge)
- Up to 20 days in jail (for repeat offenses)
- Extended suspension periods
The penalties increase if you are arrested for DUI with a suspended license.
DWLR–Impaired Revocation (DWLR-IR)
If you are drunk when you are arrested for DWLR, the penalties may include:
- Class 1 misdemeanor
- Up to 120 days in jail
- Your vehicle may be seized by law enforcement
- No eligibility for limited driving privileges
- Mandatory court costs and DMV reinstatement fees
Penalties continue to rise in 2025 due to added surcharges and fewer options for probation or community service substitution.
Habitual Offender Consequences: Felony Risk
Drivers with repeated DWLR convictions face higher-level punishment. If you have multiple prior revocations or prior habitual DWI charges, you may qualify as a habitual DWLR offender under North Carolina General Statute § 20-28(a). This can expose you to:
- Class H felony charges
- Longer jail or prison time
- Loss of your vehicle permanently
- Limited or no eligibility for license reinstatement
In addition to the above penalties, you also need to worry about what will happen to your vehicle after an arrest for DWLR in North Carolina.
Vehicle Seizure in DWLR-IR Cases
If you’re caught driving under a DWLR-IR charge and the vehicle is registered in your name, law enforcement can seize it on the spot.
Under North Carolina General Statute § 20-28.2, vehicle seizure may occur before you’re even convicted. Here’s what you need to know:
- The state holds the vehicle until your case is resolved
- You (as the defendant) may be unable to retrieve the car without court permission
- Lienholders or co-owners may petition for the vehicle’s release
- Permanent forfeiture can happen if you’re convicted
Having your vehicle seized during an arrest for DWLR can be expensive.
Legal Defenses to DWLR Charges in North Carolina
There are strategies to fight DWLR charges. Having a knowledgeable defense attorney makes a big difference.
Legal defenses may include:
- No proper notice: If the DMV didn’t notify you correctly about your license suspension, the charge may be dismissed
- Administrative errors: Mistakes by the DMV can inaccurately mark your license as revoked
- Procedural errors: If law enforcement failed to follow protocols during the traffic stop or arrest, the case could be challenged
- Valid license at time of stop: Sometimes, clients are charged after resolving their suspension without the records being updated
A DWLR defense attorney in North Carolina can review your DMV history, court records, and police reports for mistakes or dismissible issues.
Steps to Reinstate Your License in North Carolina
Fixing a revoked or suspended license takes time, but it is possible. Many drivers don’t realize they qualify for partial driving privileges or early reinstatement.
To start the process:
- Get your full driving record from the NC DMV
- Complete unresolved court requirements (pay fines, attend court dates)
- Enroll in any required classes (for DWI suspensions)
- Pay reinstatement fees (ranging from $65 to $130, depending on the reason)
- Apply for limited driving privileges if eligible
Reinstating a revoked license in NC isn’t easy, but our firm helps clients through every step.
Get Help from a DWLR Defense Attorney in NC
At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we handle hundreds of license-related cases each year across the state. We know how the courts, the DMV, and the local law enforcement system interact. Whether your license was suspended over a missed date or revoked due to a DWI, we find the clearest path forward.
We offer:
- Personalized case reviews for DWLR charges
- Legal representation in district and traffic courts
- Help with North Carolina driver’s license reinstatement
- Honest advice about your best options for avoiding jail and keeping your vehicle
Charged with DWLR in North Carolina? Let Hancock Law Firm, PLLC help. Call our office today to schedule an appointment with a skilled Carteret County traffic ticket attorney.