It is common knowledge that drivers of commercial motor vehicles must possess a special license entitled a ‘commercial driver’s license’ (commonly referred to as a ‘CDL’) in order to operate the commercial motor vehicle. What may not be so obvious, however, is that
a DUI can impact a person’s right to possess and retain a CDL. In truth, a DUI may cause a commercial driver to lose her ability to drive a commercial vehicle for at least one year. Thus it goes without saying that commercial drivers have to be especially careful when they choose to drink and drive, even if they are driving their personal vehicle while ‘off duty’.
The legal limit for a person driving a commercial motor vehicle is .04. A first offense for driving a commercial motor vehicle with a .04 or greater will result in a one year revocation of their CDL (three years if transporting hazardous materials). A second offense is (gulp) a lifetime ban. Perhaps even more scary is the fact that unlike a civilian driver, there is no interlock or probationary license available for a CDL holder (an interlock license is, however, still available for regular driving privileges).
As can be seen, an alcohol-related driving license suspension may very well have a severe detrimental impact on CDL drivers. Any person with a CDL accused of DUI or any traffic violation should retain the immediate assistance of a qualified Seattle DUI attorney, or else risk losing their livelihood. A qualified and respected Seattle DUI lawyer, among other things, can quite possibly save the aggrieved thousands of dollars in court and insurance fees, extent of loss of privilege to drive and amount of jail time to be served. Washington traffic laws are far too complicated for any ol’ attorney to handle. Be smart and hire a qualified and skilled Seattle DUI attorney when arrested for an alcohol and/or drug related DUI in Washington State.