For some people, getting a DUI can affect their career. This is the case for people who drive for a living. People that fall into this category include truck drivers, bus drivers, and taxi drivers. As a taxi driver with a DUI, you need to understand how this charge affects your job. Here, you can get this information in order to prepare for what is ahead.
Becoming a Taxi Driver
In order to be a taxi driver in the state of Connecticut, you need to have a basic driver’s license. In addition, you must have Class F and Class S endorsements. These endorsements give you the right to operate a commercial vehicle. A commercial vehicle is defined as any vehicle that carries goods or passengers for a fee. You must maintain this type of license if you want to work legally as a taxi driver. Getting a DUI can mean that this license gets revoked.
Getting a DUI While on Duty
If you receive a DUI while you are on duty as a taxi driver, it means that your DUI is linked to driving a commercial vehicle. This arrest can result in penalties such as fines, jail time, and the suspension of your license. If your license is suspended, it means that you will not be able to work as a taxi driver.
Getting a DUI While Off Duty
Even if you receive your DUI while operating a personal motor vehicle, your license can still be suspended. If this is the case, you will not legally be able to operate a commercial vehicle, meaning that you will not be able to work.
The License Suspension
Your ability to work as a taxi driver depends more on if your license is suspended than if you were on duty or off duty at the time of your arrest. Unfortunately, there are two opportunities for your license to be suspended if you receive a DUI – the first is through the criminal court, and the second is through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Even if you are found not guilty of a DUI in court, or if you use a pretrial diversion program and your license is not suspended by the court, the DMV can still suspend your license. This is because the DMV imposes its own rules and penalties for driving related offenses. Unlike the court system, the DMV will assume that you are guilty until you can prove your innocence. This fact makes it difficult for many drivers to win their DMV hearing and avoid a DMV driving suspension.
If your license has been suspended related to a DUI, it is in your best interest to comply with the suspension. Don’t try to drive your personal vehicle or a taxi while your license is suspended. If caught, the penalties will become more severe. In some cases, you might be able to apply for a work permit so that you can drive to and from (or during) work. For more information, you can contact my office.
