Anyone who drives professionally is likely anxious about any possible traffic citation. Too many tickets can lead to driver’s license suspensions and significant increases in insurance costs. Particularly when a career requires that a driver maintain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a professional must make concerted efforts to avoid flagrant traffic violations.
Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are among the most serious traffic violations regularly prosecuted in Georgia. People can get arrested while operating their own vehicles or while in control of a commercial vehicle on the job. DUI violations, for example, can have inspire consequences for those who drive professionally.
What do motorists with CDLs need to know about impaired driving charges?
Commercial drivers are subject to strict rules
Most people are at risk of DUI offenses when they drive poorly or have an illegally high blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Adults who are old enough to drink legally are at risk of DUI charges if they have a BAC of 0.08% in most cases.
Professionals operating commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks and buses, are subject to a stricter standard. They could face DUI charges if BAC test results reach 0.04% or higher when they are in control of a commercial vehicle.
People who do not feel any degree of impairment could be at risk of prosecution based solely on chemical test results. Additionally, commercial drivers do not need to be on the job for a DUI offense to endanger their driving privileges. While standard rules apply if a professional gets arrested in their own vehicle, their professional licensing could be at risk.
DUIs affect CDL eligibility
Obviously, impairment at the wheel is risky. When the vehicle in question is a large commercial vehicle that requires more skill to operate safely, the risk to the public is higher. As such, state and federal authorities have a zero-tolerance approach to DUI convictions.
Even a first DUI conviction that occurs on personal time can cost a professional their CDL eligibility for a full year. Repeat convictions can potentially lead to permanent ineligibility. That penalty is in addition to any personal driver’s license consequences imposed by the courts.
Professionals who drive for a living have much more to lose when accused of drunk driving. Fighting back successfully against pending DUI charges can help professionals continue their careers by avoiding penalties that affect their driving privileges and commercial licensing.
