North Carolina drivers gained an extra two years to get licenses renewed, courtesy of a N.C. Transportation Department omnibus bill that Gov. Josh Stein signed into law.
The driver's license renewal pause language took effect when into law on July 1.
SB391 also authorizes cities and counties to use electronic speed-measuring systems in school zones with a potential $250 civil penalty per violation. The violation would carry no insurance points.
Drivers now have two years from the date their driver’s license expires to get it renewed.
The legislation was filed as a response to long lines at Division of Motor Vehicles locations due to the demand for Real IDs, said Rep. Jay Adams, R-Catawba.
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All drivers would have to have their licenses renewed by Dec. 31, 2027. The bill affects Class C licenses, the kind most drivers have.
There would be two exemptions.
Any driver’s license that is currently canceled, revoked or suspended is not eligible.
A Real ID driver’s license that has been valid for eight years or more is also not eligible.
Adams said the bill “is certainly not a solution to the problem. but simply gives the citizens of North Carolina some relief from the fact that they can’t renew their license. What this bill does it is keeps you from getting a ticket (for having an expired license).â€
Adams said the bill “relieves the burden on DMV offices so they can sort out their issues. The study is meant to help figure out what’s the problem with the DMVs.
“This state is growing like crazy, and we can’t have this situation persist,†Adams said.
The bill has been amended to require a study to determine what issues are affecting the DMV.
The audits or studies would look at “staffing shortages, employee retention, outdated technology and any other 17 structural or systemic issues that are contributing to excessive wait times and delays at the Division of Motor Vehicles.â€
Extended DMV office hours
The DMV has extended hours at 92 offices across the state.
In the Triad, some driver’s license offices now open at 7 a.m. weekdays, including two offices in Greensboro and Winston-Salem. Offices also open early in Asheboro, Graham, High Point, Kernersville, Lexington and Wentworth.
Early hours are in place in Boone, Elkin, Jefferson, Mocksville, Mount Airy, Thomasville, Wilkesboro and Yadkinville.
The DMV is also again extending its hours at some offices during the summer. Saturday walk-in service hours run through Aug. 23. The hours are 8 a.m. to noon.
Participating offices in the area are: 2391 Coliseum Blvd. in Greensboro; 111 E. Crescent Square in Graham; 810-A N. Main St. in Kernersville; and 2001 Silas Creek Parkway in Winston-Salem.
