Why does your commercial driver buddy freak out about having one beer?
Simple. If you need your driving record to survive paycheck to paycheck, you better sit up straight and pay attention. Because DUI laws for professional drivers are not the same…
To repeat that..
Driving for a living means your DUI sentence carries MUCH higher consequences than your average driver. Most CDL drivers, Delivery Personnel, truck drivers, sales reps with company cars – pretty much anyone who needs to drive to earn a living WILL LOSE THEIR JOB. Likely immediately.
Which is why it’s so critical you have a skilled DUI defense lawyer in your corner, someone who understands that your future is on the line..
If your job requires you to drive, you will be judged by a much higher standard than your average driver.
What You’ll Learn
- Why DUI Standards Are Higher for Commercial Drivers
- Why DUI’s Are Devastating For Drivers For a Living
- What Industries Are Most Affected?
- How to Keep Your Job If You Received a DUI
- Prevention Tactics that will Work for You
DUI Standards Are Higher For Commercial Drivers
Did you know the legal limit isn’t .08% for everyone?
Yup.
Commercial drivers have a legal limit of .04%. That’s right. If you’re driving a commercial vehicle, hauling cargo, have a CDL on you at the time of arrest – you only get half the amount of leeway as regular drivers before you’re hammered with DUI charges.
And it’s not just for big rigs.
That same .04% applies to your personal vehicle if you’re a commercial driver. The FMCSA has no issues handing down punishment to drivers who drink and drive recreationally as well as for work.
Why such harsh consequences?
Commercial drivers are regulated by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They don’t take DUI charges lightly when your vehicle holds anywhere from 0-80,000 pounds.
But here’s the real kicker…
It applies at anytime, even when you’re not working. Say you got smashed at brunch and decided to drive your personal Honda Civic home. You still be facing the same DUI penalties as if you were driving your cargo truck. Recent statistics show commercial drivers convicted of DUI will face a ONE YEAR commercial driver’s license (CDL) suspension. Even if you were driving your personal car OFF THE CLOCK.
DUI’s Are Devastating For Drivers For a Living
Here’s what happens when a professional driver gets pulled over for DUI…
Job loss. That’s what happens.
You will likely be terminated on the spot due to your employers ‘zero tolerance’ policy. Most transportation-based companies don’t give drivers a second chance when it comes to DUI convictions.
You do the math…
- Terminated on the spot = Loss of immediate income
- Fines up to $2,000 – $30,000
- Legal fees + court costs on top
- Potential insurance premium increases (if you can even get insurance)
- CDL renewal fees + testing
THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING…
Now you have to go find a new job. But that’s a laughable task considering you’ll be viewed as “high-risk” by most companies.
And you better hope you can find a job that pays well because many companies won’t hire drivers with DUI convictions for at least.. 3-10 YEARS.
Some will never hire you again.
Statistics from 2024 show there were 804,926 people arrested for DUI charges. That’s 11% of total arrests in the United States.
If you were one of the commercial drivers caught in that statistic, your life as you know it would be altered..
Industries That Are Most Affected
Who should be most concerned about getting DUI?
If you drive to turn a paycheck, your risks are high.
- Long-haul truck drivers
- Local delivery services
- School bus & public transit drivers
- Uber/Lyft
- Construction operators
- Emergency vehicles
- Taxi drivers
- Anyone who uses a company vehicle for work
Drivers aren’t the only ones who can be terminated…
Say you’re a Sales Representative who visits clients daily to pitch your product. Your drive is required to earn your paycheck, so you can be terminated if caught DUI.
Home Healthcare workers travel to different patient houses every day. Get caught with a DUI and your job is on the line.
Delivery Pizza drivers can also be terminated from their job if convicted of a DUI.
You don’t even NEED a CDL for your job to be taken away.
Again, if you drive for a living you’re at risk. Most employers will terminate you immediately should you be convicted of driving under the influence.
How To Keep Your Job If You Received a DUI
Ok, so how can YOU protect yourself if you drive to make a living?
Educate yourself. You have 30 days to notify your employer if you were arrested for DUI if you’re a CDL holder. Federal law states CDL drivers MUST notify their employers within that time frame. But you shouldn’t announce your arrest to your boss just yet.
You need an attorney ASAP.
An attorney who will fight for your rights and your career. There are countless defense strategies that could result in your DUI charges being dismissed OR keep you from losing your license.
Could your career survive a DUI?
- Conviction vs. dismissal
- License suspension vs. restricted usage
- Career-ending or second chance
Many drivers don’t realize there are options when facing DUI charges. Appealing the traffic stop, improper reading on the breathalyzer, reduced charges are all things an experienced attorney fights for THEIR clients.
Act quickly.
Especially if you want to keep your license. Administrative hearings for suspending your license will have much shorter deadlines than your actual court case. Fail to request a hearing in time, and you’ve just handed your employer the reason they need to terminate you..
Prevention Tactics That Will Work for You
Here’s a free piece of advice.
The best way to defend against a DUI? Don’t get one!
It’s that simple. If you’re driving for work, don’t drink and drive period.
- Use uber/lyft UNLESS you’re the designated driver.
- Have a buddy system with coworkers to prevent drunk driving.
- Be cautious of medications. Some medications can have you DUI’d if you drink over.
…and Don’t think sleeping it off in your parked car is okay. You can still be arrested for a DUI.
Not sure if you should drive?
You’re not alone.
Statistics show the average person drives while intoxicated 80 TIMES before they get caught. Most professional drivers don’t get “caught” twice.
Men are also 4x more likely to be arrested for DUI than women.
Drivers age 21-34 are MOST likely to be arrested for DUI.
If you fall into these demographics AND drive for work… You’re putting yourself at risk every time you turn a key.
Wrapping Up
When you need your driving record to pay bills and feed your family, you don’t have the privilege of driving drunk (or driving period, really…)
Driving under the influence is nobody’s fault but your own. But when you’re a commercial driver that decides to drive drunk – you’re not only putting your life at risk, but your livelihood.
Commercial drivers are instantly judged tougher than regular drivers when pulled over for DUI. And for good reason – they’re driving 18-wheelers, trucks, buses, etc.
While the average driver might get off lucky with just a DUI charge on their record – DUI convictions for drivers with jobs that require driving are immediately handed a pink slip.
Don’t become another statistic. Be safe, and pay attention to this post if you’re a professional driver. You need an attorney that knows how to protect your future should you find yourself in a pinch.
Because your CDL is your life-line.. Don’t lose it over one stupid mistake.
