North Carolina Drunk Driver Reinstatement Bill Goes to Governor

The North Carolina Legislature has agreed that repeat drunken-drivers should get a chance one day to have their license restored.

The House agreed 88-28 this week to create a procedure whereby someone convicted of habitual impaired driving can ask the Division of Motor Vehicles to get reinstated.

The Senate already approved the measure, which now goes to Gov. Beverly Perdue’s desk.

The applicant for a revoked license would need a clean criminal and traffic record for 10 years. If approved, the person must drive for the next seven years without any alcohol in their blood.

Bill sponsor Rep. Ronnie Sutton of Robeson County says some people who make a series of mistakes in their lives should be given the chance to get back on the road.