If you have a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), and you are convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) then the state will suspend your CDL for a certain period of time. The length of your suspension depends on a variety of factors, as I discuss in this post.
Length of Time Your CDL Could Be Suspended for DUI
Federal law says that if you are convicted of DUI, a state must suspend your CDL according to the following schedule:
If you are convicted of being under the influence of alcohol while operating any vehicle, commercial or not, your CDL will be suspended for:
1 year, for the first conviction or refusal to be tested
Life, for a second conviction or refusal to be tested
If you are convicted of having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater while operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle, your CDL will be suspended for
1 year, for the first conviction or refusal to be tested
Life, for a second conviction or refusal to be tested
If you are convicted of being under the influence of alcohol while operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Transporting Hazardous Materials, your CDL will be suspended for
3 years, for the first conviction or refusal to be tested
Life, for a second conviction or refusal to be tested
If you are convicted of having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater while operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Transporting Hazardous Materials, your CDL will be suspended for
3 years, for the first conviction or refusal to be tested
Life, for a second conviction or refusal to be tested
If You are Suspended for Life
If the state suspends your CDL for life, you may be eligible for reinstatement after ten years, if you enter into a rehabilitation program approved by the state. If the state suspends your CDL for life, and you are reinstated, and then you are convicted again, the state may not reinstate your CDL privileges.
For more information on CDL suspensions, read my earlier blog post here.
If You are Arrested for DUI
Note that, the state may suspend your CDL only if you are convicted (that is, if a court finds you guilty) of DUI. If you are arrested or charged, but not convicted, then, the state may not suspend your CDL.
So, if you have a CDL, a DUI conviction can result in a loss of your livelihood for at least a year (and possibly for life). Thus, if you have been arrested for DUI, and you believe that you have a valid defense that can prevent you from being convicted, it’s very important that you have quality legal representation. The Persaud Law Office may be able to help you. Contact our office today.