Whether you can keep your CDL after a DUI is a common concern for truck drivers. For commercial drivers, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is not just a piece of plastic, it’s your livelihood. A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge can jeopardize your ability to maintain your CDL, even if the offense occurs while you are driving your personal vehicle. Understanding the potential consequences and how to navigate them is critical to protecting your career.
DUI and CDL Laws in Oklahoma
Oklahoma holds commercial drivers to higher standards than non-commercial drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Oklahoma state laws impose strict penalties for DUI convictions to ensure road safety.
While the legal BAC limit for non-commercial drivers is 0.08%, CDL holders are subject to a stricter limit of 0.04% when driving a commercial vehicle. If a DUI occurs in your personal vehicle, the 0.08% limit applies, but the penalties can still impact your CDL.
A first-time DUI conviction can result in a one-year disqualification of your CDL. If the incident involves hazardous materials, the disqualification period increases to three years. A second DUI conviction (regardless of whether it involves a personal or commercial vehicle) results in a lifetime disqualification of your CDL.
Consequences for CDL Holders After A DUI
Upon arrest for DUI, Oklahoma law mandates an administrative license suspension, which includes your CDL. However, you may request a hearing within 15 days to challenge the suspension. A DUI conviction can lead to fines, jail time, and mandatory completion of alcohol education programs.
The conviction stays on your driving record and is reported to the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Employers who access the FMCSA Clearinghouse will see your DUI record, potentially disqualifying you from future commercial driving opportunities.
What to Do After a DUI Arrest
If you’re facing charges, you can take steps to minimize the impact. You should challenge the administrative suspension of your CDL by requesting a hearing within the 15-day window. This step is crucial to preserving your right to drive while the case is resolved. A DUI criminal defense attorney can help build a case to reduce or dismiss the charges, negotiate alternative penalties, or challenge the legality of the traffic stop or arrest.
Some courts may also offer diversion programs or plea agreements that can reduce the severity of the penalties. If your CDL is reinstated, you may need to complete FMCSA-mandated substance abuse programs before returning to commercial driving. Protecting your CDL and career involves avoiding situations that could lead to another DUI charge and cooperating with any court mandates.
Tulsa County DUI Attorneys
A DUI can have devastating consequences for CDL holders, affecting your ability to work and earn a living. Oklahoma’s strict laws and FMCSA regulations make it essential to act quickly and seek professional legal help to mitigate the impact. If you are facing a DUI charge and have a CDL, Tulsa County Lawyers Group is here to help. Contact us today by calling (918) 379-4864 or reach us online for a consultation.
