{"id":354237,"date":"2025-06-26T16:01:51","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T21:01:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=354237"},"modified":"2025-06-26T15:55:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T20:55:00","slug":"can-you-get-a-commercial-drivers-license-with-a-dui-record","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/cases\/can-you-get-a-commercial-drivers-license-with-a-dui-record.html","title":{"rendered":"Can You Get a Commercial Driver\u2019s License With a DUI Record?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Can You Get a Commercial Driver\u2019s License With a DUI Record? <\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\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

Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a DUI record can be challenging due to strict federal regulations. For CDL applicants, a DUI conviction can impact eligibility. Those already holding a CDL face severe consequences if arrested for DUI, including suspension or permanent disqualification.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is one of the most common arrests nationwide. Statistics vary, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 1.5 million people receive a DUI citation each year. About half of those result in a DUI conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Underage drinking and driving <\/a>is common in the United States, and most 18- and 19-year-olds don\u2019t think about their DUI arrest until it comes up in a job interview years later. In some states, you can remove a DUI arrest from your record after a certain amount of time. However, a DUI arrest can affect your ability to work in industries regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commercial Driving and Federal Regulations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A commercial driver\u2019s license<\/a> (CDL) is the state driver\u2019s license that lets you drive commercial vehicles like semis and buses. State requirements may differ slightly, but in general, you need a CDL for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n