Can I Get a Limited Driving Privilege After a DUI in North Carolina?

A DUI arrest can seriously disrupt your life—especially when it comes to your ability to drive. Fortunately, many drivers in North Carolina may qualify for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP), even after a license suspension.

At King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law, our local attorneys in Hickory help clients regain limited driving rights so they can work, attend school, or take care of essential needs. Here's what you need to know.

What is a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP)?An LDP is a court order that allows certain individuals to drive during specific hours and for specific purposes while their license is suspended due to a DUI/DWI offense. It is not automatic—you must apply and meet strict eligibility requirements under North Carolina General Statute § 20-179.3.

Eligibility for a Limited Driving PrivilegeTo qualify for an LDP, you generally must:

• Hold a valid driver’s license at the time of the offense (or had one that was recently expired)

• Have no prior DWI convictions within the past 7 years

• Have completed a substance abuse assessment

• Serve a 10-day license revocation period for first-time offenses

• Have proof of car insurance (DL-123 form)

• Be charged with Level 3, 4, or 5 DWI (not Levels 1, 1A, or Aggravated)

Additional requirements may apply depending on your case.

When Can You Apply for the LDP?

If it’s your first DUI offense, you can typically apply for a limited driving privilege after 10 days of your initial civil revocation. However, if you're convicted, you may have to wait longer—or face additional eligibility restrictions depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC):

• BAC between 0.08–0.14: Eligible for standard LDP

• BAC 0.15 or higher: May require ignition interlock device and limited hours for the first 45 days

What Can You Drive For?

A North Carolina LDP only permits you to drive for the following reasons:

• Employment

• School or college attendance

• Court-ordered treatment or assessment programs

• Household maintenance (e.g., grocery shopping, medical appointments)

Driving outside the permitted hours or purposes can result in criminal charges and revocation of the privilege.

How a DUI Attorney Can Help

Applying for an LDP involves gathering proper documentation, filing the petition in the correct court, and attending a hearing.

At King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law, our Hickory-based local attorneys help ensure everything is in order—from the DL-123 form to substance abuse assessment records—so you can legally get back on the road.

Protect Your Driving Rights with King & Rowe

A DUI charge doesn’t have to mean losing your ability to provide for your family or attend school. If your license is suspended, contact King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law today. Our local attorneys in Hickory can help determine your eligibility for a limited driving privilege and guide you through the legal process every step of the way.

📍 11 East A Street, Newton, North Carolina 28658

📞 828.466.3858

🌐 www.kingrowelaw.com