If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you know how important driving is to every aspect of your life. It is not only a means to get around or run your errands, but it is also directly attached to your livelihood. If you get a DUI as a regular driver, you could have someone else drive you to work until your driver’s license suspension is lifted. However, if you get a DUI as a CDL holder, you may not be able to perform your job as a truck driver, bus driver, etc. This can directly impact your job and have serious implications for you and your family. On this page, learn more about the impact that a Bridgeport DUI conviction has on a CDL holder and what you can do to avoid this issue.
Commercial driver’s license holders are held to a higher standard on the road than regular driver’s are. This is because the vehicles that they operate are usually much larger than your average vehicle and can therefore cause more damage if the driver loses control. The cargo that is transported is also precious – oftentimes CDL holders transport people and in some cases they might transport hazardous material. Because of these factors, the state tries to deter CDL holders from doing things that would cause them to be reckless on the roads, such as drinking and driving. They do this by making the penalties for DUI more severe for those who hold CDLs.
If you are convicted of a first offense DUI and you have a CDL, the CDL will be suspended for one year. Your license would also be suspended for a year if you refuse to take a BAC test or if you take the test but fail. Also keep in mind that the BAC limit for those operating commercial motor vehicles is stricter. The limit is .04% if you are driving a commercial vehicle, while it is .08% if you are driving a regular vehicle. If you are transporting hazardous material when the DUI arrest takes place, your license will be suspended for three years.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation with my team. Hope will not fix your Connecticut DUI charge. Contacting us can!
The suspension of a commercial driver’s license after a DUI conviction, failure to take a BAC test, or failure to pass a BAC test is automatic. If you do lose your license for issues related to a DUI, you will only have one more chance to get your license back. If you are convicted for a second DUI or face BAC test issues again, your CDL will be revoked by the DMV. You can apply to have this license reinstated 10 years after the second DUI incident, but it is at the DMV’s discretion to grant or deny your request. In addition to waiting the 10 year period, you need to participate in a substance abuse treatment program as well to be considered for license reinstatement.
Even if you are not convicted of a DUI, simply being pulled over and having an issue with a breath test or another BAC test can mean that your CDL is disqualified for a significant period of time. This is in addition to the other penalties that you can face if you are convicted of a Bridgeport DUI. You should not take any chances if you have a CDL and want to keep it! If you find your CDL in jeopardy, contact our team for help.
Get your free copy of Teresa's eBook on surviving a Connecticut DUI. Delivered right to your inbox.