We know that navigating a DWI can be overwhelming. Understanding the requirements and process after an alcohol related driving offense in North Carolina is an important step to getting back on the road. We’ve put together some general information to help you get started.
Smart Start Ignition Interlock: We’re Here for the Tar Heel State
You may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Devices (ID) to regain your driving privileges after a DWI in North Carolina. Wondering what to expect? Smart Start is ready to help you start fresh and get back on the road.
How do you get your license back in North Carolina after a DWI?
Your license may be suspended for at least one year after you’re convicted of DWI in North Carolina. So how can you move past your DWI and get your driver’s license back in NC? In many cases, you can apply for limited driving privileges (also known as a “Cinderella license”) that allow you to meet your work, school, or family obligations.
The following is general information, not legal advice, about the conditions you might have to complete before applying for a reinstated license.
Phase 1: Get Started
Consult Your Legal Counsel
Apply for Limited Driving Privileges
Phase 2: Ignition Interlock Device
Schedule Installation
Obtain SR-22 Certificate
Phase 3: Judicial Requirements
Education or Treatment Program
Pay Fees and Complete Forms
Phase 4: Monitoring and Calibration
Service Appointments
Phase 5: Device Removal
Removal
Information as of March 1, 2025.
×
Disclaimer
Please note that the information in the following sections is for general informational purposes only. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding actions taken or not taken based on any or all content.
Need Ignition Interlock?
Get Started With Our Program Advisors Today!
Get In Touch With A Program Advisor Or Call (800) 831-3299 Now!Understanding North Carolina DWI Requirements
Basic DWI Requirements
According to North Carolina law, any driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or above is considered Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Your driver’s license will be revoked immediately for at least 30 days. If you refuse a chemical test, your driver’s license will be revoked for at least 30 days, and you may also face an additional revocation of one year.
North Carolina has five levels of misdemeanor DWI with varying consequences depending on whether it’s your first or a repeat offense, as well as other factors. Learn more about each level from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
License Reinstatement
In North Carolina, many drivers can apply for limited driving privileges (sometimes known as a “Cinderella license”) to meet work, school, or family obligations after a DWI. Depending on how many previous DWI convictions you have had, you may be required to have an administrative hearing to determine your eligibility.
Once you’ve completed the requirements of your DWI suspension, which could include an Ignition Interlock requirement, you may be able to have your full driver’s license reinstated. You can contact the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) at (919) 715-7000 to verify your eligibility and requirements.
How much does an Ignition Interlock Device cost in North Carolina?
Smart Start has an affordable Ignition Interlock solution in North Carolina that’s right for you. We offer:
-
Instant, custom quotes from our expert Program Advisors -
Price match with any competitor in North Carolina
Instant, custom quotes from our expert Program Advisors For more information on the cost of an Ignition Interlock near you, see our IID cost guide for North Carolina.
Why Choose Smart Start in North Carolina?
Just like North Carolina’s motto, “to be, rather than to seem,” we are exactly who we say we are at Smart Start. We’re an industry leader in Ignition Interlock and alcohol monitoring technology, and we’ve helped thousands of people with DWI charges get their transportation back on track. Choosing Smart Start brings you:
-
Friendly and knowledgeable technicians
-
30 convenient service locations for Interlock Devices in NC
-
24/7/365 multilingual customer support
North Carolina Forms
As part of your Ignition Interlock requirement and getting your license reinstated, you may be required to complete or reference specific forms. Get quick access to these forms below:
3rd Party Release Form
Used by individuals to provide permission to Smart Start to communicate with and release information to the individual’s monitoring authority regarding their Ignition Interlock Device.
Ignition Interlock Consent to Install Form
Used by individuals to provide consent to Smart Start for the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device system in their vehicle.
IID Operation Flow Chart
Flow chart containing information about the Ignition Interlock Device testing process.
North Carolina FAQs
It’s important to thoroughly understand how IIDs work, and what you’ll need to do to stay in compliance with your program. Get fast answers to your most common questions about Interlocks in North Carolina.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 3 Topics
How Does It Work?
Show 8 Topics
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 2 Topics
How Can We Help?
Show 2 Topics
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program in North Carolina?
Smart Start is a certified Ignition Interlock Device provider in the state of North Carolina. Our devices have been tested and certified to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), ensuring our compliance with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) restricted driving program.
Is the Ignition Interlock Device connected to my horn and lights?
Yes. North Carolina law requires that the Ignition Interlock Device be connected to your horn and lights.
What if I have an Interlock requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
If you do not have a vehicle registered in your name, then you will need to either borrow a vehicle from someone else (in which case a letter of permission from the owner is required) or purchase a vehicle of your own.
When does my program start in North Carolina?
Your program starts when you have an active North Carolina driver’s license or limited driving privilege.
How do I know who my state authority is in North Carolina?
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
After installation, Smart Start will provide a Certificate of Installation, which you will need to send to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) as proof that you have installed the required Ignition Interlock Device.
How often does my IID need to be serviced in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires that your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) be serviced every 60 days.
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
North Carolina law states that all Ignition Interlock Device services must be conducted in the state of North Carolina. Smart Start offers many convenient locations in North Carolina.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start will send a record of your service appointments to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) on your behalf.
What happens if I violate in North Carolina?
If Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Device records a violation after it has been installed, then you will enter a 5-day grace period. This means that you have 5 days to return to your nearest Smart Start service center to pay a violation fee and calibrate your device.
What constitutes a violation in North Carolina?
A violation occurs if the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) detects any type of alcohol above your fail set-point level. You will either have a fail set-point level of 0.040, 0.020 or 0.000; this level is determined by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). You will get a letter from DMV (which you will bring to your Smart Start installation appointment) detailing to which fail set-point level your Ignition Interlock should be set. If you do not have the letter telling Smart Start what fail set-point level to use, then Smart Start will default to 0.020. Any detection of alcohol (environmental or ingested), a skipped test, missed service appointment, tampering with the device, or starting the car without providing a breath test will incur a violation and require that you return to the service center for calibration.
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment in North Carolina?
Once you have scheduled your installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring a photo identification (ID) and your vehicle registration.
What is acceptable as identification in North Carolina?
A photo ID is preferred. However, two forms of ID with your name on them are acceptable. (For example, two credit cards with your name on them.)
How can I pay for calibration in North Carolina?
You must pay for your calibration before or at the time of service. Payments can be made by card through our Client Portal before your appointment or at your service center location at the time of service. Service center locations do not accept cash or checks.
What do I need for removal in North Carolina?
No North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) documentation is required to remove your Ignition Interlock Device in North Carolina. You can have the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) removed at any time. Smart Start is a month-to-month lease program and does not require that a set term be completed before removal. You can submit a Smart Start Device Removal Request online. However, if you do remove your IID before your requirement is complete, you may not receive credit from the NCDMV for the time you have spent with your IID, and you may not get your unrestricted license back.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 3 Topics
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program in North Carolina?
Smart Start is a certified Ignition Interlock Device provider in the state of North Carolina. Our devices have been tested and certified to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), ensuring our compliance with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) restricted driving program.
Is the Ignition Interlock Device connected to my horn and lights?
Yes. North Carolina law requires that the Ignition Interlock Device be connected to your horn and lights.
What if I have an Interlock requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
If you do not have a vehicle registered in your name, then you will need to either borrow a vehicle from someone else (in which case a letter of permission from the owner is required) or purchase a vehicle of your own.
How Does It Work?
Show 8 Topics
When does my program start in North Carolina?
Your program starts when you have an active North Carolina driver’s license or limited driving privilege.
How do I know who my state authority is in North Carolina?
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
After installation, Smart Start will provide a Certificate of Installation, which you will need to send to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) as proof that you have installed the required Ignition Interlock Device.
How often does my IID need to be serviced in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires that your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) be serviced every 60 days.
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
North Carolina law states that all Ignition Interlock Device services must be conducted in the state of North Carolina. Smart Start offers many convenient locations in North Carolina.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start will send a record of your service appointments to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) on your behalf.
What happens if I violate in North Carolina?
If Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Device records a violation after it has been installed, then you will enter a 5-day grace period. This means that you have 5 days to return to your nearest Smart Start service center to pay a violation fee and calibrate your device.
What constitutes a violation in North Carolina?
A violation occurs if the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) detects any type of alcohol above your fail set-point level. You will either have a fail set-point level of 0.040, 0.020 or 0.000; this level is determined by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). You will get a letter from DMV (which you will bring to your Smart Start installation appointment) detailing to which fail set-point level your Ignition Interlock should be set. If you do not have the letter telling Smart Start what fail set-point level to use, then Smart Start will default to 0.020. Any detection of alcohol (environmental or ingested), a skipped test, missed service appointment, tampering with the device, or starting the car without providing a breath test will incur a violation and require that you return to the service center for calibration.
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 2 Topics
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment in North Carolina?
Once you have scheduled your installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring a photo identification (ID) and your vehicle registration.
What is acceptable as identification in North Carolina?
A photo ID is preferred. However, two forms of ID with your name on them are acceptable. (For example, two credit cards with your name on them.)
How Can We Help?
Show 2 Topics
How can I pay for calibration in North Carolina?
You must pay for your calibration before or at the time of service. Payments can be made by card through our Client Portal before your appointment or at your service center location at the time of service. Service center locations do not accept cash or checks.
What do I need for removal in North Carolina?
No North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) documentation is required to remove your Ignition Interlock Device in North Carolina. You can have the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) removed at any time. Smart Start is a month-to-month lease program and does not require that a set term be completed before removal. You can submit a Smart Start Device Removal Request online. However, if you do remove your IID before your requirement is complete, you may not receive credit from the NCDMV for the time you have spent with your IID, and you may not get your unrestricted license back.
See What Everyone Says About Our Ignition Interlock
Excellent TrustScore Rating
June 20, 2025
"Follow up to make sure their contractors can do the job "
Dale S.
United States
June 20, 2025
"Very cordial. Easy appointment made."
Kathy Embry.
United States
June 20, 2025
"I mean fast action service, Bill was very swift in explaining the program. Easy to use platform. Installed app within mins, appointment set. Hoping the chosen shop will be as easy as the sign up for this has been."
Marcos T.
United States
