DWI Defined

The short version

North Carolina’s Safe Roads Act of 1983 did away with all of the state’s previous drug- and alcohol-related driving laws and put everything under a single offense―driving while impaired, or DWI.

Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the most common way NC determines whether you’re legally impaired.

21 or Older: 0.08%
Commercial drivers (CDL): 0.04%
Younger than 21: Any alcohol concentration
Prior DWI: 0.04% *

The state also looks at whether your physical or mental fitness is provably impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

* If you have a prior DWI conviction and license reinstatement, you can’t drive with a BAC of 0.04% or higher; however, this can depend on your driving record and whether you were charged and convicted after July, 1, 2001.

Founding attorney

Chad D. Garrett

Criminal Defense, DWI and Traffic Law

Chad practices criminal defense, DWI and traffic law in Guilford County and across North Carolina. He is the author of ABC's of Traffic Law, ABC's of DWI and DWI Essentials.

Continuing Legal Education Instructor of the Year, North Carolina Bar Association
Former President, Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Board Member, Criminal Justice Section, North Carolina Bar Association

Read Chad's full profile →

Talk to a Greensboro traffic and DWI lawyer today

Bring the citation, any DMV letter and your court date.

Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law
317 South Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 379-0539

Call (336) 379-0539

This article explains North Carolina law in general terms. It is not legal advice about your case, and laws, penalties and court procedures change. Contact an attorney about your specific situation.