Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have long-lasting implications on your career. If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, you may be wondering how long it will take before you’re eligible to drive for a company again.
So, how long after a DUI can you drive a company vehicle? The answer will depend on the type of vehicle you drive and your employer’s policies.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, an Anaheim DUI lawyer can help you minimize the consequences on your career.
How Long After a DUI Can You Drive a Company Vehicle?
In California, the answer as to how long after a DUI you can drive for a company depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the employer’s policies.
For commercial drivers, California enforces a one-year disqualification from operating company vehicles. If you drive a non-commercial company vehicle, you may be able to resume driving once your license suspension ends, which could take anywhere from six months to three years. This timeline may be shorter if you qualify for restricted driving privileges.
Employers in California may also impose additional waiting periods based on their specific policies and liability concerns. In addition, repeat DUI offenses can lead to longer suspensions or permanent disqualification from operating commercial vehicles.
What Companies Can You Drive for with a DUI?
Many companies are wary about hiring drivers with DUI records due to liability concerns. However, some employers are more forgiving than others, including:
- Small businesses: Smaller companies may be more willing to hire individuals with a DUI, especially if it occurred years ago and you’ve demonstrated responsibility since.
- Trucking companies: Certain trucking companies may hire drivers with a DUI on their record, though they may require a waiting period of three to five years.
- Rideshare services: Some rideshare companies disqualify drivers with a recent DUI, while others have eligibility windows that range from seven to ten years post-conviction.
Can My Company Fire Me for a DUI?
Employers generally have the right to terminate employees for a DUI, especially if driving is a key part of the job. This decision often hinges on:
- Company policy: Some companies have zero-tolerance policies for DUI convictions.
- Job role: Those who work in positions that require frequent driving are more likely to be terminated after a DUI.
- State laws: In states with at-will employment, employers can terminate an employee for any reason not prohibited by law, including a DUI conviction.
Will I Lose My CDL If I Get a DUI?
In California, a first DUI offense will result in a one-year suspension of your commercial driver’s license (CDL). This suspension applies even if the DUI occurred while you were driving a non-commercial vehicle. A second offense will likely result in a lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL.
How Far Back Can an Employer See a DUI?
In California, a DUI appears on your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) for 10 years. The conviction will remain visible on your criminal record indefinitely unless you have it expunged.
Is It Possible to Get a Driving Job with a DUI?
Yes, it’s possible to secure a driving job after a DUI. Strategies to do so include:
- Completing rehabilitation programs: Many employers view participation in DUI education or rehabilitation programs favorably.
- Clean driving: Emphasize any years of accident-free driving before and after the DUI.
- Second–chance employers: Some companies specialize in hiring individuals with prior convictions.
Will a Trucking Company Hire You with a DUI?
Trucking companies may hire a driver with a DUI, depending on factors such as:
- Time since conviction: Most companies require a waiting period of three to five years.
- Number of convictions: Repeat offenders will face stricter hiring barriers.
- Rehabilitation efforts: Completing alcohol treatment or safety programs may improve your odds.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Get a CDL After a DUI?
If your CDL is suspended due to a DUI, the time you have to wait before applying for reinstatement will depend on these factors:
- First DUI: You can expect to wait at least one year before being eligible to apply for reinstatement of your CDL.
- Second DUI: A second offense typically results in a lifetime ban. However, reinstatement may be possible after 10 years if specific criteria are met.
- Requalification: You will need to pass all required tests and pay reinstatement fees to regain your CDL privileges after the suspension period has ended.
Can You Get a DUI Removed from Your Record?
Yes, it’s possible to get a DUI conviction removed from your record through a legal process called expungement, which allows offenders to petition the court to dismiss their conviction. If your DUI gets expunged, it will no longer appear on most public criminal background checks.
To qualify for expungement, you must complete the terms of your sentence, including probation, and wait a specific period without any new offenses. It’s important to note that expungement does not erase a DUI from your driving record or prevent the DMV from considering it for licensing purposes.
Connect with a DUI Attorney Today
A DUI conviction can complicate your ability to drive professionally, but it doesn’t have to ruin your career. Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with a DUI attorney who can help you get back on the road and explore opportunities for expungement of your conviction.
Schedule a free consultation to take the first step toward reclaiming your career.
