DUI charges are always serious, but for those with commercial driver’s licenses, these accusations could endanger their entire livelihoods. The national drunk driving laws concerning commercial drivers are much more strict than other drunk driving laws.

Whereas the legal Blood Alcohol Content limit for an ordinary driver in most states, including California, is 0.08%, commercial drivers cannot drive if their BAC is above 0.04% in any state. This means commercial drivers can drink half as much as an average driver before receiving a DUI. This rule still applies when these drivers are operating passenger vehicles.

Those commercial drivers convicted of a DUI will lose their license for a full year and if they are convicted of the crime again, they will permanently lose their right to drive a freight vehicle. If the arrest occurred while the person was operating a hazardous materials truck, the first-time license suspension will last a full three years.

While you can still apply to receive a restricted driver’s license during this period, you cannot drive any vehicle requiring a commercial license.

If you are a commercial license holder who has been arrested for drunk driving, do not let this charge destroy your livelihood. Contact an experienced Vista DUI attorney like Peter M. Liss at (760) 643-4050 as soon as possible.

Creative Commons Image by Seth W.