Did you recently get arrested for a DWI in North Carolina? Need an ignition interlock device (sometimes called a car breathalyzer or IID)? Well, take a breath and keep reading.
Being arrested for a DWI is stressful, and beginning the license recovery process can be confusing. Monitech is here to help you get through all the steps to recover your license successfully.
What are my next steps?
North Carolina has both administrative and criminal sanctions for driving under the influence. If you are arrested for driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of greater than .08 or if you refuse to take a chemical test, your license will be immediately suspended for 30 days. You can apply for a limited driving privilege after 10 days, but you must wait out your full 30-day suspension before driving again. The laws will require you to install an ignition interlock.
Criminal sanctions for DWI are in addition to administrative actions. There are five levels of DWI penalties if you are convicted by a court or plead guilty to DWI in North Carolina. For a first offense, you will be required to complete 24 hours to 60 days in jail and pay a $200 fine. Judges can suspend jail time and order community service after you spend 24 hours in jail, but you must not drive for 30 days.
Full information on all levels of DWI criminal sanctions and a complete explanation of administrative penalties can be found here.
1. Find out what’s required in North Carolina
The easiest way to get started is to call one of our Customer Care Experts at 800-521-4246. They are very knowledgeable about North Carolina laws and can help guide you in the right direction. They’ll go over all the requirements with you and get your installation appointment scheduled too.
2. Complete and submit your paperwork
You will be required to fill out and process paperwork for an Interlock Limited Driving Privilege as part of your IID program. There are also fees to be paid when the paperwork is submitted. This helpful License Recovery Checklist for North Carolina details specific requirements that will help you stay on track.
3. Get your IID installed
So you’ve now completed your paperwork requirements and Monitech has scheduled your installation. Please make sure you keep your appointment so you can get started on the road to license recovery.
If for some reason you need to reschedule, please call a Customer Care Expert at 800-521-4246 at least 24-hours prior to your appointment so you won’t be charged a missed appointment fee.
A Certified Service Technician will install your interlock device and train you on the use of the IID. They will make sure you’re confident using the interlock before sending you on your way.
4. Periodic service appointments
As long as you have your IID, you will need to return to an Authorized Service Center periodically to have it calibrated. This ensures the accuracy of the device is always at its best. During these appointments, the technician downloads data from the device and sends it to the proper monitoring authorities.
At your installation, the technician will program your first calibration appointment into the device and it will remind you when the appointment is coming up. Each time you come in for calibration, the technician will program your next appointment into the device.
Also, you have the option to receive text notifications for upcoming appointments. We want to make it easy for you to keep all your appointments and remain compliant throughout your program.
5. Time to remove your device
When you have successfully completed your interlock program, the IID will be removed and your license will be reinstated. Our Service Technicians are knowledgeable about the requirements in North Carolina and will guide you through this last step in the license recovery process. The device will be removed and your vehicle restored to its original condition.
Ready to get started?
Call Monitech at 800-521-4246. One of our Customer Care Experts will go over the specific North Carolina requirements you need to follow and set up an installation appointment at one of our Quality Service Locations.
At Monitech, our goal is to help you successfully complete your interlock program safely and quickly. For more information about Monitech Ignition Interlock Devices, visit our website at monitech.com.