Commercial truck drivers should know the DOT regulations regarding driving under the influence. A DUI is a serious offense, especially for Colorado commercial drivers. Those caught driving under the influence may face severe legal consequences and major disruptions to their career.
Federal Law for Commercial Drivers
Commercial truck drivers and DUI charges are a recipe for disaster. Commercial drivers often wonder how trucker DUI laws differ from regular DUI laws.
The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers operating a commercial vehicle is only 0.04%, which is stricter than the national limit of 0.08% for regular drivers. Those under the age of 21 must abide by the federal BAC limit of 0.02% to avoid an underage DUI charge. Anyone with a BAC of 0.15% or higher automatically faces harsher penalties.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates this limit to protect public safety and prevent intoxicated accidents. On top of the federal restrictions, many trucking companies have a zero-tolerance policy for DUIs. Drivers convicted of a DUI will immediately lose their position.
A felony DUI conviction can involve harsh penalties, including up to one year in jail and $600-$1000 in legal fines. The penalties are more severe for repeat offenders or those who cause an accident (especially if the incident injures or kills someone).
Commercial Driving Penalties After a DUI
Commercial drivers convicted of a DUI will face CDL suspension of at least one year. They may also face suspension of their personal driver’s license. These consequences apply to incidents during work and DUIs obtained in a personal vehicle during non-working hours.
If the DUI occurs while a driver is transporting dangerous materials or people, the suspension can last longer (three years), and additional legal penalties may apply.
Those who refuse an in-situ BAC test may still face CDL revocation for a year or more. Those with a revocation on their record may struggle to find trucking companies willing to hire them.
The Consequences for Repeat DUIs
Those convicted of a second DUI face lifetime revocation of their CDL. This permanently prevents them from working as a commercial driver, ending their career and potentially making it harder to find similar work.
Second offenders face harsher legal consequences and must install ignition interlock devices on their personal vehicles for two years after their license is reinstated.
It is essential for commercial drivers facing DUI charges to work with a qualified legal representative. Without an attorney providing a thorough defense, the charges and impact on a driver’s career may be more severe.
Consult DUI Criminal Defense
Churchill DUI Defense offers legal counsel to commercial truck drivers facing DUI charges in Colorado. We can assist drivers whether they were pulled over in their personal vehicles or while on the job. Pursuing robust legal support may make the consequences of a DUI less severe and improve the plausibility of drivers resuming their careers.
Commercial truck drivers and DUI charges do not mix. Protect your career by requesting a free consultation online or calling (303) 832-9000 to get started on a legal defense today.