We already know that going to renew your driver’s license is something we all find a bit tedious… Endless lines, a trip to your nearest DMV… But North Carolina brings a new proposal, under the name House Bill 821 they intend to give a break to thousands and thousands of drivers… allowing them to drive with an expired license!!!
Yes, just as you read, it is a real proposal (although it is still a House Bill) and everything indicates it will be implemented soon. The reason? The long DMV lines make it impossible for those users who need to complete procedures to get a renewal, so this is a way to “give them a break”. But of course, you cannot miss the deadline!
Driving without a license?
Technically, it is not driving without a license, it is driving with an expired license. This is not a whimsical measure, it is that the North Carolina DMV cannot handle it anymore, its workers are living a nightmare and it is almost impossible to get an appointment to renew licenses… And everything got worse with the famous arrival of the Real ID, a document that has been mandatory since May 7 to access domestic flights.
Desperate situations require desperate measures…
The situation is such that the waiting lists seem endless… So much so that many users have opted to drive with an expired license because they are unable to find an appointment on time. Imagine, if the DMV lines are already a test of patience, now that they have added a new mandatory procedure…
What exactly does House Bill 821 propose?
This project, which has already passed the Transportation Committee, would allow drivers to use their licenses for two more years after they expire. All to reorganize the DMV’s internal processes and alleviate the high demand the offices are currently facing.
Isn’t this dangerous?
We repeat that they are not encouraging people to drive without a license, but rather that they have extended the renewal deadline by 2 years, so that the license, instead of being valid for 8 years as usual, will be valid for 10 years.
Who is pushing the measure
Representative Jay Adams is the one who has led this proposal, making it clear that this is not about handing out free licenses or allowing people without a valid license to drive, as we told you before, but that the DMV itself needs a break, and those users who depend on their car, whether for work, for going to the doctor or for anything else, can drive peacefully without fear of fines or license suspensions.
New schedules… And more appointments
That is what the North Carolina DMV has proposed, 92 of its offices will open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, and another 20 offices will open on Saturdays as well. The commitment is clear: to ease the endless line of renewals.
What you need to know
If your license is about to expire and you can’t get an appointment, it is important that you stay alert to how House Bill 821 progresses. If it finally gets approved, you could keep driving without fear of fines for two more years, giving you time until the system gets back to normal. Of course, don’t forget to book your appointment as soon as you can!
But beware: the Real ID is still mandatory
This law will not save you if what you need is the Real ID. That document will remain mandatory no matter what to fly within the United States or to enter federal buildings since May. So if you still don’t have it, don’t procrastinate because it is already mandatory!!!