Driving A Commercial Vehicle While Under The Influence

The state of Florida has different sets of penalties and restrictions for a commercial vehicle DUI versus DUI with a privately owned car or truck.

Commercial vehicles are titled or registered to a corporation and can be used to transport people or goods or exceed a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 lbs. This also includes vehicles designed to transport more than 15 people (including the driver) or transport hazardous materials with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 lbs.

Commercial vehicles can include:

• Construction vehicles
• Semi Trucks
• Buses
• Company vehicles
• Tractor-Trailers
• And Others

What happens if I am convicted of a DUI while driving a commercial vehicle?

According to Florida DUI laws, unlike privately owned vehicles which require a Blood Alcohol Level (BAL) of .08 or higher to qualify as a DUI, a commercial vehicle driver only requires a BAL of .04 to be charged with a DUI. If you are convicted of driving a commercial motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are automatically disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for one year and ineligible for a hardship license.

After the year is complete, the driver must pay a $60.00 fee to reinstate the commercial vehicle license. If you were transporting hazardous materials when convicted, the disqualification will last for three years.

The same penalty applies if you are found to be in possession of a controlled substance at the time of the DUI or refuse to take a test to determine your Blood Alcohol Level.

What are the penalties for other traffic violations while driving commercial vehicles?

If you receive 3 traffic violations within 3 years while driving a commercial vehicle you will be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for 120 days, after which you must pay a $60.00 fee to reinstate your commercial driver’s license.

If you receive 2 traffic violations within 3 years while driving a commercial vehicle you will be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for 60 days, after which you must pay a $60.00 fee to reinstate your commercial driver’s license.

If you have been charged with a commercial vehicle DUI or are in danger of losing your commercial driving privileges, complete this brief questionnaire to choose a professional Florida DUI attorney in your area and learn about your legal options and rights.