As a CDL holder, you are held to an even higher standard when it comes to DUI laws. If convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), several ways can arise that could compromise your license.
Although you have the option to refuse taking a blood or breath test in Georgia, refusing will result in a one-year suspension of your commercial driver’s license.
1. License Suspension
Commercial drivers facing DUI convictions face severe repercussions of their convictions, since their CDL serves as their livelihood. Federal regulations and Georgia law set out specific criteria that disqualify holders from holding onto their CDL privileges, with DUI being one of these criteria.
State lawmakers take an extremely strong stance against repeat DUI offenders in commercial driving. A second offense will automatically lead to lifetime disqualification from operating commercial vehicles – as well as substantial fines, jail time and alcohol education programs – being enforced against them.
Skilled legal professionals may be able to assist in protecting your CDL during a DUI case from arrest to trial, including an administrative license suspension hearing with the DDS and reinstatement once certain requirements have been fulfilled such as taking alcohol/drug awareness courses.
2. Disqualification from Driving
Georgia law makes it illegal to operate a commercial vehicle after having been charged with DUI; any first time offense will incur a one year disqualification and subsequent offenses will lead to lifetime disqualifications of CDL privileges. Refusal to submit to blood, breath or urine tests requested by law enforcement will lead to immediate license revocation and suspension from driving privileges.
One drink could lead to an arrest for commercial drivers in Georgia as their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits are lower than non-commercial drivers’ limits. Furthermore, any criminal record will stay with your driving license and could negatively impact both your career and financial security.
An additional consequence of being charged and convicted could include being ordered to purchase and maintain an SR-22 insurance policy for three years – an expense which highlights the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards repeated offenses in commercial driving.
3. SR-22 Insurance
Commercial drivers bear a special duty to maintain road safety, and Georgia DUI laws recognize this with severe punishments for violations relating to their DUI. One year disqualification after conviction of DUI offense.
Drivers convicted of driving-related offenses must obtain and maintain an SR-22 insurance policy, or FR-44 policy, for a certain length of time after being found guilty. This includes DUI convictions but can also include negligent or reckless driving convictions as well as amassing too many points quickly on your license.
After being charged with DUI, taking steps to demonstrate responsible behavior and commitment to safe driving can help lessen its long-term impact on your career as a CDL holder. Completing alcohol education programs or attending support groups will show employers and insurers that you have addressed the issue and are working towards preventing future incidents.
4. Community Service
DUI offenses are serious offenses for any driver, but commercial drivers face additional scrutiny due to their critical role in road safety. Due to legal and safety regulations that they must abide by in order to earn their livelihoods, any DUI charge could have severe and long-term repercussions for their careers.
Georgia law prescribes a lower Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit for commercial drivers than non-commercial drivers:.04 This lower threshold accounts for their greater levels of responsibility and potential hazards involved with operating large vehicles that carry hazardous cargo.
Georgia’s implied consent laws mandate CDL holders submit to breath or blood testing if suspected of drunk driving; failing to submit can result in one-year license suspensions for commercial drivers.
5. Jail Time
DUI offenses are serious offenses for drivers of all vehicles; however, commercial drivers operating large vehicles require special consideration due to the size and weight of their vehicles which often results in catastrophic injuries or deaths due to accidents.
Georgia and federal regulations enforce strict laws to make driving under the influence of alcohol more serious for CDL holders. A conviction will result in at least 12 months of disqualification from operating any commercial vehicle; any repeat offense can lead to lifetime disqualification and banishment from driving any commercial vehicle altogether.
Some judges may allow commercial drivers who hold regular jobs and are facing jail time to serve it on weekends instead of weekdays in order to reduce its effect on families and employers. This option varies based on factors like severity of crime as well as criminal history of offender.
