Operating a commercial vehicle requires a high level of responsibility, skill, and attention. People who drive large trucks, buses, or other commercial vehicles are held to strict standards to ensure public safety. When a commercial driver faces a charge of driving under the influence (DUI), they may face several serious penalties, including the potential loss of their driver’s license, the requirement to pay hefty fines, and even a potential jail sentence. However, beyond the immediate legal penalties related to a DUI case, a commercial driver may encounter issues that could have lasting effects on their livelihood and career.

The Risks of Impaired Driving in Commercial Vehicles

Driving while intoxicated is dangerous under any circumstances, but when it involves a large truck or bus, the risks increase significantly. Commercial vehicles can weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger cars, and they often require much longer stopping distances. A single mistake caused by impairment can result in catastrophic accidents that are likely to endanger not only the driver but also multiple other road users, including drivers and passengers in different vehicles, pedestrians, or bystanders who could be affected by spills of hazardous cargo.

Intoxication can impair a person’s reaction time, reduce their coordination, and affect their decision-making abilities. These impairments can be particularly concerning for commercial drivers, who must maintain focus for extended periods, navigate challenging road conditions, and manage heavy loads. 

Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can interfere with a driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. A momentary delay in braking could cause a truck driver to collide with another car from behind. Blurred vision or issues affecting a driver’s attention could prevent them from seeing other cars, and they could sideswipe someone when changing lanes or making turns. Because 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles are so large and heavy, the dangers of intoxication are much more pronounced for drivers of these vehicles.

Signs That May Indicate Driver Impairment

Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize behaviors that may show that a driver is impaired due to the use of alcohol or drugs. When observing a commercial vehicle, officers may look for indicators such as:

• Erratic Driving Behavior: Swerving, drifting between lanes, or sudden braking may suggest that a driver is not entirely in control of their vehicle.
• Unusual Speed Changes: Driving significantly faster or slower than surrounding traffic can raise suspicions of intoxication.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Ignoring signs, signals, or other traffic rules may lead officers to investigate a driver for suspected impairment.
• Delayed Reactions: A noticeable delay in responding to traffic conditions or signals can be a warning sign of impairment.
• Driver Demeanor: Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol during a traffic stop may be a reason for a police officer to believe that a truck driver is intoxicated.

Unique Factors in DUI Cases Involving Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers face stricter regulations than other motorists. One of the most significant differences is a lower legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In most states, the legal BAC limit for drivers of passenger vehicles is 0.08 percent. However, for those operating commercial vehicles, the limit is reduced to 0.04 percent.

This reduced threshold reflects the greater responsibility that comes with operating large, heavy vehicles. Even minimal impairment can increase the likelihood of serious accidents. In addition, commercial drivers may be subject to random alcohol and drug testing under federal regulations. Failing or refusing such a test can have serious professional consequences, even if no accident has occurred.

Consequences of a DUI Conviction for a Commercial Driver

When a commercial driver is convicted of DUI, nearly every aspect of their career may be affected. Even if a person was operating a non-commercial vehicle at the time of a DUI arrest, they may face penalties that could affect their commercial driver’s license (CDL). The consequences affecting a driver may include:

• Criminal Conviction: DUI is often considered to be a criminal offense, and in many states, it is classified as a misdemeanor. A person who is convicted will not only face serious legal penalties that could include fines and jail time, but they will also have a permanent criminal record that may be accessible to anyone who performs a background check. In many cases, DUI convictions cannot be expunged, and they may continue to affect a person for years or decades after completing a criminal sentence.
• Suspension or Revocation of a CDL: A first-time DUI offense while driving a commercial vehicle can lead to a one-year disqualification of the driver’s CDL. If the driver was transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification may last for three years. A second offense may result in a lifetime CDL disqualification.
• Loss of Employment: Many employers in the transportation industry have zero-tolerance policies regarding the use of alcohol or drugs. A DUI conviction may result in job termination. In some cases, a person may be terminated or face consequences after being arrested for DUI, even if they are acquitted.
• Difficulty Finding New Employment: Even after serving a suspension period, a commercial driver with a DUI conviction on their record may find it challenging to secure future work. Employers are required to review the driving histories of potential employees, and they may be hesitant to hire someone with a record of impaired driving.
• Increased Insurance Costs: Commercial vehicle insurance rates can rise substantially following a DUI conviction. Some employers may be unable to maintain coverage for drivers with DUI arrests or convictions on their records.
• Impact on Personal Driving Privileges: In addition to the consequences affecting a CDL, a person who is arrested for DUI may face the suspension of their regular, non-commercial license. They may be required to use an ignition interlock device in any vehicles they drive, or they may be required to complete alcohol education or treatment programs before their license can be reinstated. These issues may affect their employment opportunities in the future.

Determining How to Respond to a DUI Arrest as a Commercial Driver

Commercial drivers play a crucial role in ensuring the safe movement of goods and passengers across the country. Because of the size and power of the vehicles they operate, even a small degree of impairment can have serious consequences. Because of these risks, DUI or DWI charges for commercial drivers can lead to much more serious penalties than would apply to other drivers. These drivers may need to take steps to defend against DUI charges. Preventing a conviction for DUI may limit the negative effects on a commercial driver. 

A DUI defense attorney with experience representing commercial drivers can provide guidance on the options that may be available. In some cases, representation from an attorney may help a DUI case be dismissed. A lawyer may also be able to have the charges against a driver reduced to a lesser offense that would have less of an impact on a person’s CDL or career.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.