{"id":286711,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dui\/charges\/commercial-dui-regulations.html"},"modified":"2025-09-02T14:22:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T19:22:53","slug":"commercial-dui-regulations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/charges\/commercial-dui-regulations.html","title":{"rendered":"Do You Lose Your Commercial Driver’s License If You Get a DUI?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Do You Lose Your Commercial Driver's License If You Get a DUI?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Yes, a DUI conviction can lead to loss of a commercial driver’s license, even if the offense occurs in your personal vehicle<\/span>. A first <\/span>DUI<\/span> offense<\/span> results in a one-year CDL suspension<\/span>, while a second offense<\/span> can lead to lifetime <\/span>disqualification<\/span>. Commercial drivers face stricter standards with a 0.04% BAC<\/span> limit<\/span> and must notify employers within 30 days of any traffic violation.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Commercial driver\u2019s licenses (CDLs) allow someone to drive the specialized vehicles that move freight and people across the country. Truck drivers, bus drivers, and professional limo drivers all need CDLs to operate their vehicles.<\/p>\n

Because of the nature of the job, the federal government licenses and regulates all matters related to commercial driving. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration<\/a>\u00a0(FMCSA) sets all standards for commercial drivers, including DUI regulations.<\/p>\n

Driving under the influence, even off duty, can result in longer suspension periods and a permanent loss of the license. If you’re facing a DUI charge and are concerned about how it might impact your CDL, contact a local DUI attorney for advice<\/a>. They can walk you through your options and help you build the strongest defense possible in your case.<\/p>\n

When a Commercial Driver\u2019s License Is Necessary<\/h2>\n

A commercial driver\u2019s license allows drivers to drive specific large vehicles or cargo. Commercial drivers have much higher standards than noncommercial drivers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You must have a CDL if you drive:<\/p>\n