Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a severe offense. It can lead to fatal accidents that may take lives and damage property.
It becomes even more fatal for commercial drivers like truck or bus drivers since heavy-duty vehicles may cause more damage and claim more lives. Therefore, while it is illegal for anyone to drive under the influence of drugs, commercial drivers have more adverse consequences for this action.
In the US, drivers are required to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of less than 0.08 percent to legally drive. However, the stakes are higher for truck drivers as their limit is 0.04 percent. This lower limit is because commercial drivers carry thousands of pounds of goods, some of which may be hazardous.
Therefore an accident involving a commercial vehicle could cause severe injuries and damage to goods. Moreover, commercial vehicles, like buses, carry more people than the average private vehicle. Accidents involving such vehicles could lead to catastrophic injuries and loss of lives.
Commercial drivers are therefore required to follow both state and federal laws. This includes obeying loading guidelines and keeping an accurate log of breaks. Like other drivers, they are expected to follow traffic rules and are subject to DUI investigation tests.
Penalties for DUIs for Commercial Drivers
Most of these penalties not only apply to commercial drivers but all drivers in general.
Suspension of License
This is issued to drivers charged with DUI and those refusing to take chemical drug tests. First-time DUI offenders will typically have their licenses suspended for six months.
Commercial drivers refusing to take tests have their licenses suspended for a year. They also face the risk of permanently losing their driving privileges.
Fines
Commercial drivers may be required to pay fines for driving under the influence of drugs. The driver will still be required to pay other fees, such as license reinstatement fees.
Jail Term
First-time offenders could receive a jail term penalty of six months to one year, depending on the jurisdiction. A history of DUI convictions or causing an accident resulting in death or injuries could increase the jail sentence.
Other Consequences
Commercial drivers convicted of DUI face the risk of losing employment. Often, an employer is notified if the authorities are holding their vehicle or driver.
Depending on the agreement between the employer and the employee, they may be temporarily or permanently suspended. Moreover, if the commercial driver charged with DUI caused an accident that resulted in bodily harm or damage to goods, they will be required to compensate for the damages.
Getting Legal Assistance
It is advisable for commercial drivers charged with DUI to hire a criminal lawyer. A lawyer gives you a fighting chance in court and decreases the chances of getting harsh penalties for a DUI conviction.
“By hiring hardworking legal counsel, commercial vehicle drivers can ensure a proper investigation occurs and any legal rights are upheld,” says DUI Lawyer William M Bailey of BK Law Group.
Drinking and driving continue to be a severe offense to all drivers, not just commercial drivers. Statistics have revealed that thousands lose their lives yearly in alcohol-related road accidents. These figures have motivated the implementation of strategies such as zero-tolerance DUI.
As drinking and driving remains an issue, expect the penalties for commercial vehicle DUI charges to supersede the charges for passenger vehicles.
