Driving under the influence (DUI) is a dangerous activity irrespective of the type of driver you are. However, the dangers are greater for commercial drivers due to the size of the vehicles they command and the number of hours they spend on the road. This is why commercial truck drivers faced stringent DUI laws as compared to private drivers. Here are some of the things you should know as a commercial driver arrested for DUI:
Lower BAC Limits Usually Apply
The blood alcohol level (BAC) refers to the concentration of alcohol in your blood; it is determined as a percentage. For example, a BAC of 0.05 means that 0.05% of your blood is actually alcohol. Generally, the higher your BAC is the more intoxicated you are; though other factors (such as body size) determine your actual impairment
In all 50 states, it is illegal for private motorists to drive with a BAC higher than 0.08 because it has been determined that is the point at which driving is impaired. For commercial drivers, however, states have decided to err on the side of caution and lower their legal BAC limits to 0.04. This makes sense because commercial vehicles have the potential to cause more damage or injury than private vehicles in case of an accident. Therefore, if your BAC is 0.06, you may be arrested while driving a commercial truck but not a private car.
Random Testing May be Required
Many states also have laws that require commercial drivers to undergo regular testing for alcohol content in the blood. Testing may also be required after an accident or after a driving violation. In such cases, the authorities not only test for alcohol but other drugs that may cause driving impairment. Indeed, the authorities have the leeway to conduct spontaneous drug and alcohol tests anytime they have a reasonable suspicion that a commercial driver is intoxicated.
The Potential Penalties and Effects are Harsher
Lastly, as a commercial driver, your DUI penalties are likely to be harsher than that of a private motorist. For example, a commercial driver convicted of DUI may have their driving license suspended for a longer period than a private driver facing the same conviction. Even the long-term consequences of DUI are harsher for commercial drivers than it is for private drivers. For example, you can easily lose your employment or even find it difficult to secure another driving gig if you have been convicted of DUI.
For more information, contact a business like Law Office Of Lori Crystal, LLC.
Share27 January 2018
