CDL Drivers and DUI Laws (Part 1)
CDL Drivers and DUI Laws (Part 1)
While the legal drinking limit for operating a non-commercial vehicle is, and has been for the longest time, 0.08 BAC, this is not the legal limit for operation a commercial vehicle.
In fact, truckers and all others who are operating commercial vehicles of any kind are subjected to a legal BAC limit of 0.04 in the state of Arizona, and the penalties are much harsher than non-commercial penalties associated with driving while intoxicated and driving under the influence.
For instance, if you are found with a BAC of 0.04 and old a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), then your license will be suspended. Additionally, if you are found with a BAC of 0.08, then not only will your CDL license be suspended, but your regular, non-commercial license will simultaneously be suspended.
Additionally, DUIs and DWIs for commercial drivers are different depending on the extent of intoxication. While there are similar penalties based on drunk driving for commercial and non-commercial drivers, here are some of the differences:
BAC levels between 0.04 and 0.15:
For drivers with a first offense, they will find that they will have to pay a minimum fine of $1,250, as well as spend a minimum of 10 days in a local jail.
If a driver is caught drunk driving subsequent times, the penalties are much harsher. Not only will they have their CDL and potentially regular license suspended for at least one full calendar year, but there is also a minimum fine of at least $3,000 with at least 90 days (3 months) in jail.
BAC levels that are 0.15 or more:
For drivers with a first offense, they will find that they will have to pay a minimum fine of at least $2,500, as well as spend a minimum of 30 days (one month) in a local jail.