Bill > S694

This bill aims to remove barriers to employment caused by court-related driver's license suspensions in North Carolina by making several key changes to how the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles license revocations for motor vehicle offenses. Specifically, the bill introduces an automatic restoration of driver's licenses after 36 months for suspensions related solely to unpaid fines or fees, unless the offense is related to driving while impaired. The legislation requires the DMV to notify individuals whose licenses are restored and provide information about potential legal consequences of continued non-payment. Additionally, the bill allows individuals to petition the court to remit unpaid fines and fees if their license was suspended only for failure to pay, and mandates comprehensive data collection on license suspensions and reinstatements, broken down by demographic characteristics like race, gender, and zip code. The bill also requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to track and report on the total amount of fines and fees imposed, collected, and waived each year. These changes are intended to reduce the disproportionate impact of court debt on individuals' ability to maintain employment and mobility, with the new provisions set to take effect on December 1, 2025.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S694