You cannot get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a DUI right away. If you’ve been convicted of DUI, you will have to wait at least one year before you can get a CDL.
This is the minimum amount of time, and some trucking companies will not employ you at all once you’ve had a DUI on your record. So it’s important to fight any charges of DUI if you seek a career in commercial driving with the help of our Los Angeles DUI lawyers.
Let’s explore whether you can get a CDL with a DUI, the factors that affect your eligibility, and how long you may have to wait before applying for a CDL after a DUI conviction.
CDL Requirements in California
To obtain a commercial driver’s license in California, you must meet several requirements, including:
- Being at least 18 years old for intrastate commerce or 21 years old for interstate commerce.
- Having a valid, non-commercial driver’s license.
- Passing a knowledge test and a skills test.
- Providing proof of identity and residency.
- Passing a medical examination.
- Having a clean driving record.
Getting a DUI conviction will affect your commercial driver’s license. Commercial vehicles are heavy and cause more damage in crashes. Any sign of an unclean driving record, DUI-related or not, can keep you from getting a CDL until you meet certain requirements.
DUIs and CDL Disqualifications
CDL regulations are mostly federal since many commercial drivers cross state lines regularly. Under federal drug and alcohol rules, a DUI conviction can result in a mandatory disqualification of your CDL for a specified period. The length of the disqualification depends on several factors:
BAC Level
The BAC limits for commercial drivers are lower than the ones for non-commercial drivers. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.04 percent or higher while operating a commercial vehicle, you’ll face a one-year CDL disqualification for a first offense.
The standard BAC limit for DUI is 0.08 percent. You will still lose your CDL license for one year if you’re below that limit but above the 0.04 percent mark. A single drink could put you above this limit, so it is best for your career to avoid alcohol on the job.
Repeat Offenses
If you have a second DUI conviction within ten years, you’ll face a lifetime CDL disqualification, regardless of whether the offense occurred in a commercial or non-commercial vehicle.
The government is willing to forgive a single DUI mistake, but it will not forgive two. Therefore, if you’re facing a second DUI charge, you must get legal assistance. You’ll have to switch careers if you lose your case.
Refusal to Submit to Testing
If you refuse to submit to a chemical test for DUI, you’ll face a one-year CDL disqualification for a first offense and a lifetime disqualification for a second offense. These disqualifications apply even if your DUI conviction occurred in a non-commercial vehicle on your own time.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Get a CDL After a DUI?
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you may be wondering how long you’ll have to wait before you can apply for a CDL. The answer depends on several factors:
Disqualification Period
If your CDL has been disqualified due to a DUI, you must wait until the disqualification period has ended before you can apply for a new CDL. For a first offense with a BAC of 0.04% or higher in a commercial vehicle or a BAC above the legal limit in a non-commercial vehicle, the disqualification period is one year.
Completion of DUI Penalties
In addition to the CDL disqualification, you must also complete all court-ordered penalties related to your DUI conviction before applying for a CDL. This may include:
- Serving jail time
- Paying fines and fees
- Completing DUI classes or substance abuse treatment
- Fulfilling probation requirements
Reinstatement of Your Non-Commercial Driver’s License
If your non-commercial driver’s license was suspended or revoked due to the DUI, you must first go through the reinstatement process and obtain a valid license before applying for a CDL.
Employer Policies
Even if you’ve completed your disqualification period and all DUI penalties, potential employers may have their own policies regarding DUIs and CDLs. Some companies may require a longer waiting period or may not hire drivers with DUI convictions at all.
It’s essential to research employer policies in your industry and be honest about your DUI conviction when applying for jobs. It is standard practice in this industry to run background checks on new drivers. Your DUI will be discovered, so it’s better to reveal it early.
Building a Strong Defense Against DUI Charges
If you’re facing DUI charges and are concerned about the impact on your ability to obtain or keep a CDL, it’s crucial to work with an experienced DUI attorney. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we understand the high stakes involved in these cases.
Our skilled attorneys will:
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest.
- Challenge any unlawful police practices or violations of your rights.
- Scrutinize the accuracy and reliability of chemical tests.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges.
- Explore alternative sentencing options that may minimize the impact on your CDL eligibility.
- Represent you at all court proceedings and protect your interests.
By working with a knowledgeable DUI lawyer, you can improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome and preserving your ability to obtain a CDL in the future.
Get Help from Los Angeles DUI Lawyer
If you’re concerned about the impact of a DUI on your ability to get a CDL, contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and develop a tailored strategy to fight for the best possible outcome.
