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Oct 16, 2026
Facing a North Carolina DWI charge is stressful enough without considering the potential impact of these charges on your daily life. You won’t just be facing possible jail time and fines, though. Your license could also be revoked. If you’re charged with a DWI, it’s vital to know how to get a limited driving privilege in NC so that you can continue going to work or school.
The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., can explain how this process works and advocate on your behalf.
What Is a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP)?
A limited driving privilege lets you operate a motor vehicle during certain hours of the day so you can get to and from school and/or work. That way, you can continue fulfilling your daily obligations within the Tar Heel State while you deal with the repercussions of your arrest.
Only certain activities are allowed under an LDP. You can use this license to:
- Go to work
- Go to school
- Maintain your household
- Go to court-ordered treatments or assessments
- Perform community service as part of your probation
- Obtain emergency medical care
Generally, these licenses are valid only from 6 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday. If you must drive outside these hours, you could obtain a letter that indicates when you go to work or school. Then, the court may allow an extension that accommodates your unique needs.
Eligibility for an LDP
If you have had your license revoked under NCGS 20-16.5, you may obtain an LDP if you can meet all the eligibility criteria outlined in NCGS 20-179.3. These include:
- Having a current driver’s license or having had one that expired within the last 12 months
- Not having other pending DWI charges or new convictions since your arrest
- Having your license revoked for 10 days or more following your arrest if the total revocation time is 30 days
- Having a revoked license for 30 days or more if the total revocation time is 45 days
- Completion of an assessment for substance abuse and registration for recommended treatment or training
You must provide certain documents to the court to prove your eligibility. They include:
- Proof that you are enrolled in treatment
- A DL 123 to prove that you have insurance
- A certified copy of your 7-year driving history
- A Petition and Order
- Proof that you have been assessed for substance abuse
- A cashier’s check to cover the fees
Your DWI attorney can file the petition on your behalf if you supply them with this paperwork.
North Carolina saw 24,694 DWI convictions throughout 2024. Many of those convicted were able to obtain LDPs, and you may also meet eligibility criteria for an LDP under North Carolina DWI laws. We can explore your options.
Hire a DWI Lawyer Today
If you need help getting a limited driving privilege following a North Carolina DWI arrest, you can hire a DWI lawyer to assist you with this process. After more than 30 years of legal practice, William T. Corbett, Jr., our founding attorney, has what it takes to navigate the local court system and North Carolina’s limited driving privilege laws with ease. Contact The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., to schedule a consultation today.
