Lawmakers approved a measure that would ease the penalties associated with driving while intoxicated in North Carolina. Under current NC DWI law, some repeat offenders have their driving privileges revoked for life. The new law would allow a driver who lost his/her license for drunk driving in NC to apply for a new license if they have no traffic or criminal convictions within the prior ten years.
The bill’s supporters say that penalties for DWI should be tempered with opportunities when alcoholics seek help and recover from their illness. Opponents take the position that offenders should be punished without exception, and that the law is only for the convenience of drunks.
The legislation passed the state House by a vote of 89 to 29, and it is now headed to the state Senate.
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