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Resources / NC Chapter 20 / Article 9A

North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 20

The full text of G.S. 20-279.7 (Duration of suspension), with plain-English commentary from North Carolina DWI defense attorneys Chris Adkins and Chris Purkey in the side column. Article 9A: Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act of 1953.

§ 20-279.7. Duration of suspension.

The license and nonresident’s operating privilege suspended as provided in G.S. 20-279.5 shall remain so suspended and shall not be renewed nor shall any such license be issued to such person until:

(1) Such person shall deposit or there shall be deposited on his behalf the security required under G.S. 20-279.5;

(2) One year shall have elapsed following the date of such suspension and evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner has been filed with him that during such period no action for damages arising out of the accident has been instituted; or

(3) Evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner has been filed with him of a release from liability, or a final adjudication of nonliability, or a duly acknowledged written agreement, in accordance with subdivision (4) of G.S. 20-279.6 or a settlement accepted by the Commissioner as provided in subdivision (5) of G.S. 20-279.6, or a conviction accepted by the Commissioner as provided in subdivision (6) of G.S. 20-279.6; provided, if there is a default in the payment of any installment or sum under a duly acknowledged written agreement, the Commissioner shall, upon notice of the default, immediately suspend the license or nonresident’s operating privilege of the defaulting person and may not restore it until: a. That person deposits and thereafter maintains security as required under G.S. 20-279.5 in an amount determined by the Commissioner; or b. That person files evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner of a new duly acknowledged written agreement or a settlement. (1953, c. 1300, s. 7; 1955, c. 1152, s. 12; 1983, c. 610, s. 1.)

Official text of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.7 as published by the North Carolina General Assembly (Chapter 20 PDF, retrieved November 10, 2026). Verify the current version on ncleg.gov ↗.

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