RALEIGH, N.C.  – 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.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Lawmakers have approved legislation that would ease the lifetime driving ban imposed on habitual drunken drivers in North Carolina.

The House voted 89-29 on Thursday for a bill that would allow someone who lost their driver’s license for life to seek reinstatement after 10 years if they have no traffic or criminal convictions.

Democrat Rep. Verla Insko of Orange County and other supporters said the bill recognizes that many alcoholics recover.

But opponents, including Republican Rep. Edgar Starnes of Caldwell County, said the state should be more concerned about keeping people safe than a habitual drunk driver’s convenience.

The measure now moves to the Senate.