No one wants to get a New London DUI, but facing a DUI can be more problematic for some than others. For the average person, a first-time DUI charge can be a hassle and can be a frightening experience, but in many cases the situation will work out without too much damage to their reputation, freedom, and career. However, this is not always the case for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. This is because these people rely on their driver’s licenses for their livelihood. In this way, a suspended driver’s license is more than just an inconvenience – it can prevent them from being able to work. CDL holders are held to a higher standard than other driver’s on the road, so the circumstances for DUI penalties and the penalties themselves will differ for them. You can learn more about how a DUI can impact a CDL holder below.
As mentioned above, CDL holders are held to a higher standard than your average driver on the road. This is because CDL holders generally operate extremely large vehicles that can do a lot of damage if the driver loses control. This might include tractor trailers, buses, large trucks, and more. In addition, CDL holders generally transport precious cargo. Whether that is schoolchildren on a bus or hazardous materials in a tractor trailer, an accident can have serious consequences to many people and other property. Because of this, regulations have been put in place to deter CDL drivers from drinking and driving or generally driving recklessly.
The law are a little different for CDL holders than they are for regular drivers, especially when it comes to DUIs. The legal BAC limit for most drivers is .08%, but for CDL holder operating commercial motor vehicles, the limit is half that, at just .04%. This means that there is not a lot of wiggle room for consuming alcohol and driving without breaking the law for those with commercial licenses.
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In addition to facing the legal penalties that other driver’s face for a DUI charge, CDL holders face more significant driver’s license suspensions. A CDL license can be suspended in one of three ways – first, if the driver is convicted of DUI, second, if the driver refuses a BAC test, third, if a driver fails a BAC test. This means that you could potentially not be convicted for New London DUI but still have your driver’s license suspended.
The license suspension period for a first offense is three years. This is much longer than the 45 day license suspension for regular drivers. If the driver’s CDL is reinstated after a first offense, this is really their only chance to keep it. Upon a second offense, the CDL will be permanently revoked. While a driver can apply to have this license reinstated, they must wait at least 10 years to do so, and there is no guarantee that their application will be accepted.
As you can see, the stakes are high when it comes to New London DUIs and CDLs. Protect your license and your livelihood with working with a DUI defense lawyer who is familiar with CDL cases. At our law firm, we can help. Contact us today to set up a free consultation and defend yourself against a DUI charge.
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