Being a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder comes with certain responsibilities. This is because those with CDLs tend to operate heavy machinery or vehicles that transport a lot of people at once. CDL drivers may also transport hazardous material. All of these factors make driving a commercial motor vehicle more potentially dangerous than driving a regular motor vehicle. A crash could be catastrophic and could result in serious property damage, harm to multiple individuals, or harm to the environment. For these reasons, regulations on Torrington CDL holders are strict. While you might have a general idea of what to expect when charged with a DUI, the charge itself and the penalties are greater if you are a CDL holder. You can learn more on this page.
There are a few differences to keep in mind when dealing with a DUI if you have a CDL. For example, for the general public, the legal limit for blood alcohol content when operating a motor vehicle is .08%. For those operating commercial motor vehicles, the limit is .04%. This is a considerable difference, designed to deter CDL holders from consuming any amount of alcohol when operating a commercial motor vehicle.
If convicted of a DUI, you face the same penalties as the general public. This includes potential jail time, fines, and a driver’s license suspension. However, the license suspension is more severe for CDL holders. For a regular driver, the driver’s license suspension for a first offense is 45 days. For a CDL holder, it is a year. In addition, you could face this suspension without ever being convicted of DUI. While a DUI conviction is one way to face this suspension, you can also face it if you refuse to take a BAC test or fail the test.
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A driver’s license suspension when you are a commercial motor vehicle driver can have serious implications. This is because it could effectively prevent you from doing your job if you drive for work. You may face a probationary period at work in which you are suspended without pay. You could also face the loss of your job entirely.
Upon a second DUI incident, you face the loss of your CDL permanently. You could apply to have your CDL reinstated 10 years after the suspension begins, but you will have to prove that you attended substance abuse treatment and show good cause for reinstatement. There is no guarantee that you can get your license back at this point, and you will have to wait at least 10 years to perform a job involving a commercial driver’s license.
Even just one DUI can have serious ramifications if you hold a commercial driver’s license. You should do everything that you can to protect your license in this situation. Contact a Torrington DUI lawyer who has worked with CDL cases in the past and knows how to best defend you. At our law firm, we are here to help. Give us a call to set up a free consultation today. We will fight for your license.
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