Good news for North Carolina drivers! New law will allow expired licenses for up to two years

North Carolina is considering a pending bill that would allow drivers to operate their vehicles using expired driver's licenses for up to two years without penalty. The bill is presented in an effort to address crippling delays in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which have increased since the recent implementation of the Real ID program.

The bill, which had earlier passed the state Transportation Committee, aims at Class C licenses used by non-commercial drivers. It also proposes lengthening the standard driver's license expiration date from eight years to ten, attempting to reduce renewal frequency and make the administrative burden at the DMV lighter.

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North Carolina will allow expired licenses for up to two years

In North Carolina, legislation has sparked debate regarding the safety of drivers and red tape. House Bill 821 makes a proposal to allow drivers to continue driving on an expired license for two years without sanction.

This is a response to wait times at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), whose facilities have been overwhelmed since the Real ID went into effect.

The bill, which has previously been approved in the state Transportation Committee, will relieve pressure on the system and provide short-term relief to citizens struggling with license renewal. The extension, under the bill, will apply only to Class C licenses, the type used by private drivers.

A measure responding to an operational crisis

"The goal is to offer a more practical alternative to the DMV backlog of services," said lawmakers in the area. In addition to legally permitting the use of expiring licenses, the bill also recommends extending the standard validity period for driver's licenses from 8 to 10 years. This will reduce renewals and prevent administrative backlogs down the road.

There is no date for implementation yet, as the law awaits a final vote. But as a temporary measure, 92 DMV offices have extended weekday hours, and 20 offices have begun opening on Saturdays.

Meanwhile, officials recommend drivers keep their car registration and insurance current and schedule license renewal appointments at their earliest opportunity.