Operating a Commercial Vehicle While Intoxicated

Driving under the influence is never a good idea, but when you’re operating a commercial vehicle, it can lead to even more serious consequences. As a truck driver, bus driver, or anyone else behind the wheel of a big rig, you have a huge responsibility to drive safely. Getting busted for DUI can completely derail your career.

Let’s talk about what happens if you’re accused of operating a commercial motor vehicle while intoxicated. This includes semi-trucks, buses, limos, taxis, and anything that requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate. Even if your blood alcohol content is below the 0.08% limit for regular drivers, as a commercial driver you can be charged with DUI at 0.04% BAC or higher. The laws are stricter for good reason – when you’re commanding a 40-ton big rig, even a little impairment can be dangerous!

DUI charges for commercial drivers work mostly the same as for regular licenses. You’ll be arrested, charged, and have to appear in court to answer the accusations. But the potential penalties are much more severe…

Consequences for Commercial DUI Conviction

A first-time offense comes with stiff penalties:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $5,000
• CDL suspended for 1 year

It gets worse if you have prior DUIs on your record. With multiple offenses, you could face:

• 5 years in prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Permanent CDL revocation

Not only that, but most trucking companies will fire you immediately if they find out you got busted for drunk driving on the job. Good luck finding another carrier to hire you with a DUI conviction. You’ll be virtually unemployable as a trucker.

Some other consequences:

• Sky-high insurance rates if you do get re-licensed
• Possible vehicle impoundment
• Court-ordered ignition interlock device
• Mandatory DUI school and substance abuse treatment
• Community service

As you can see, a DUI arrest can really jeopardize your career as a commercial motor vehicle operator. These laws are designed to keep impaired drivers off the road – especially those behind the wheel of rigs that can cause serious damage in a crash.

Fighting Commercial DUI Charges

Because the stakes are so high, it’s imperative to fight the charges with an experienced criminal defense attorney. An aggressive lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal or get charges reduced or dismissed.

Here are some defenses that could beat a commercial DUI:

• Questioning the traffic stop – Was there reasonable suspicion to pull you over in the first place? Any shaky probable cause could lead to evidence getting thrown out.
• Challenging field sobriety/breathalyzer tests – Faulty or inconsistent testing procedures can cast doubt on the results.
• Blood test errors – Mistakes in collecting, storing, or testing blood samples could make results invalid.
• Medical conditions – Some health problems like diabetes or acid reflux can mimic signs of intoxication.
• Prescription meds – Legal Rx drugs in your system might account for impairment vs. illegal intoxication.
• Mouth alcohol – Residue in your mouth can skew breath test results above your actual BAC.

See why it’s so important to have a DUI attorney review the details of your case? An experienced lawyer may spot issues to get charges reduced or dismissed. Don’t leave your career up to chance – get ahead of the accusations immediately.

Commercial DUI Prevention

Better yet, don’t drive impaired, period. But if you ever find yourself questioned or charged, cooperate respectfully with police, but say as little as possible until you have legal counsel. Refusing breath or blood testing can have its own consequences.

As soon as you’re released, contact a lawyer to start building your defense for the best possible outcome. Your career depends on it! DUI convictions can follow you for life, so fight the charges aggressively from the start.

Stay safe out there on the roads. Don’t put your CDL career in jeopardy over a momentary lapse in judgement. Be smart, get consent from your dispatcher if you need to stop and rest. Don’t drive fatigued either – nearly as dangerous as driving drunk! As a professional driver, you know how vital it is to operate your rig sober and alert.

Hopefully you’ll never need this info…but better safe than sorry! Bookmark this page, share it with other drivers, or print it out to keep in your glovebox (do truckers still say glovebox, or is it a different lingo now?) Anyhoo, be smart and drive safe, folks. Oh, and call a lawyer right away if you’re ever accused of driving commercial vehicles under the influence. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!