A Summary of the "Lose Control Lose Your License" Law

When is the Law Effective?
The law is effective July 1, 2000.

What Does the Law Do?
The law will suspend a student's permit or license for one year. The legislation directs public schools, community colleges, and nonpublic schools to notify the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles whenever a student is given an expulsion/suspension for more than 10 consecutive days or an assignment to an alternative educational setting for more than 10 consecutive days for one of the following reasons:

  1. The possession or sale of an alcoholic beverage or an illegal controlled substance on school property.
  2. The possession or use on school property of a weapon or firearm that resulted in disciplinary action under G.S. 115C-391(d1) or that could have resulted in that disciplinary action if the conduct had occurred in a public school.
  3. The physical assault on a teacher or other school personnel on school property.

What is School Property?
The physical premises of the school, school buses or other vehicles under the school's control or contract and that are used to transport students, and school-sponsored or school-related activities that occur on or off the physical premises of the school.

How Will DMV Be Notified?
The State Automated Driver License System (SADLS) will be used to notify DMV.

Who is Affected By This Legislation?

  1. Students who are at least 14 years old or who are rising 8th graders on or after July 1, 2000 are subject to this law.
Note: Students who were issued a N.C. driver's permit or license before 12/1/1997 or students who are 18 years old cannot be charged under this law. However, the year's suspension can go beyond a student's 18th birthday.

Who About Students Who Turn 18?
Unlike the "Dropout Prevention/Driver's License" law that stops when a student turns 18 years old, the "Lose Control" law does not stop at age 18. It is possible for a student to have his or her license suspended as a 17½ year old. If a student is unable to demonstrate exemplary behavior, then he or she will be 18½ before being eligible to drive.