Repeat DWI offenders could get NC licenses back

RALEIGH -- Repeat drunken-drivers in North Carolina who get their license revoked could get their permit back after a clean criminal and traffic record for 10 years in legislation approved by the Senate. The measure approved Wednesday would allow a person convicted of habitual impaired driving to ask the Division of Motor Vehicles to get reinstated. Motorists who obtain their license again can't have alcohol in their blood while driving for the next seven years. Sen. Dan Blue of Wake County said motorists whose licenses are revoked for other reasons already have processes to get them restored. But Sen. Tony Rand of Cumberland County said it's not right to give these offenders another chance. The bill was approved 25-20 and now returns to the House. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)