how long does a DUI remain on your record

A DUI conviction stays on your record permanently.  In North Carolina however, by virtue of something known as the "look back period", any prior DUI committed more than 7 years ago, is not considered when imposing a sentence for a subsequent DUI; the latter offense will be treated as your first offense since the court will only "look back" 7 years into your record.

Under North Carolina law, an "Ignition Interlock Device" is mandatory for a 2nd or subsequent offence or for any offender convicted at a BAC level of .16 or above - upon license reinstatement for 1 year if the revocation period was for 1 year; 3 years if the revocation period was for 4 years; and 7 years if the license was permanently revoked but was able to be restored.