What happens if a driver refuses to take a chemical test?

If a driver refuses to take a chemical test in North Carolina, they face both an immediate 30-day revocation of their driving privilege and an additional 12-month revocation imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This policy is in place to encourage compliance with testing and to deter driving under the influence.

The immediate 30-day revocation serves as a swift consequence for refusing to comply with a lawful request by law enforcement for a chemical test, which is often used to assess whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The extra 12-month revocation by the DMV is a longer-term penalty that reinforces the seriousness of refusing the test and acts as a deterrent against future infractions.

Together, these penalties demonstrate a strict stance on non-compliance and aim to promote safer driving conditions on the roads.