NC H789

Creates a new mitigating factor at sentencing for impaired driving defendants who voluntarily install and use an ignition interlock device for at least six months prior to trial, with no violations above 0.02 alcohol concentration

Eligibility limited to defendants charged under G.S. 20-138.1 who had a valid or recently expired license, no crash causing serious injury or death, no prior impaired driving conviction within five years, no pending impaired driving charges, and blood alcohol below 0.15 at the time of offense

Requires the interlock device be installed within 45 days of being charged and the defendant must only drive the designated vehicle with a valid limited driving privilege or non-revoked license

Extends cost waiver eligibility to qualifying defendants who voluntarily install interlock devices but cannot afford the installation and monitoring costs

Effective December 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date