Commercial motor vehicle drivers arrested or charged with driving while impaired (DWI) may need to know how a DWI affects CDL holders in Minnesota. You will lose your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for at least a year if you are convicted of DWI for the first time, and forever after a second conviction. The consequences go beyond the immediate legal implications of a DWI conviction. A CDL suspension or revocation will lead to job loss, difficulty finding employment, and serious financial challenges.
Given the harsh consequences, it is important to aggressively fight your DWI charges. You can do that by hiring a lawyer with a stellar record of defending CDL holders charged with drunk driving. The lawyer will explain your rights and take you through available legal options.
At Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand the legal and collateral consequences that CDL holders face following a DWI conviction. Our DWI attorneys will carefully review your legal situation and compile compelling evidence to build a winning defense strategy. Call 952-913-1421 to set up a free consultation.
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Understanding DWI Laws for CDL Holders in Minnesota
Commercial vehicles pose a greater danger on roads than the smaller, non-commercial cars. Their weights, sizes, and lengths make them a safety risk to the public and other motorists. That’s why the state sternly enforces higher standards for commercial heavy haulers. Thus, a CDL holder found guilty of DWI faces harsh legal penalties.
A key difference between DWI laws for regular drivers and commercial vehicle operators is the Breathalyzer Alcohol Content (BAC) limit. The BAC limit for regular DL holders is 0.08. For commercial truck drivers, the limit is 0.04. Commercial drivers must be cautious of the amount of alcohol they consume. A single bottle can get you on the wrong side of the law. It would be best to avoid consuming alcohol when operating a commercial vehicle to protect your license.
All commercial truck drivers must adhere to the 0.04 BAC limit, regardless of the truck size or weight. That applies to drivers operating semi-trucks, public transit vehicles, and delivery vans or trucks.
Consequences of a DWI on Your Commercial Driver’s License
One in every seven drivers in Minnesota has at least one DWI charge. The legal consequences of a DWI charge on your CDL vary based on the number of times you violate the DWI laws. First-time offenders face more lenient consequences than repeat offenders.
First-time DWI Charge
A first-time DWI charge is a fourth-degree criminal offense. The commercial driver DWI penalties may include a 90-day imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. More serious 3rd degree DWI offenses carry a one-year prison sentence and fines of up to $3,000.
Your license may be suspended for a year. The state disqualifies you from operating commercial vehicles for the same period. You may have your CDL suspended for three years if you were transporting hazardous cargo.
Second DWI Charge
A repeat DWI charge comes with harsher consequences for your CDL. A driver convicted of a second DWI charge might face permanent CDL disqualification in Minnesota. This disqualification strips you of your driving privileges without the chance of obtaining a CDL again.
Lost driving privileges aren’t only confined to DWI incidents in Minnesota. Remember, commercial trucking companies are regulated at the federal level. Thus, violations in other states may get your license revoked in Minnesota.
How a DWI Conviction Impacts Your Commercial Driving Career
A DWI charge can have long-term effects on your career in the commercial transport industry. It impacts your employment status in the following ways:
Permanent Disqualification from Commercial Driving
A DUI conviction can cost your CDL privileges. The state may revoke your CDL for one or three years, depending on the circumstances. Repeat offenders face permanent license revocation. It renders them ineligible for taking up jobs as commercial drivers. Convicted truck drivers, delivery professionals, school bus drivers, and public transit operators risk their livelihood and future career prospects.
Work Schedule Disruptions
Although a first-time DUI offense may carry lower legal ramifications, it can impact your current job. First-time offenders may get alternative sentencing, including mandatory rehabilitation programs, court appearances, and probation check-ins. Meeting these obligations can obstruct your work schedules and responsibilities. Frequent absenteeism and disruptions of work schedules may get you dismissed from work temporarily or permanently.
Difficulty Securing Employment
A DWI conviction appears in your criminal record for the rest of your life. It becomes a permanent stain on your professional reputation. Securing a job becomes a challenge if you have priors. Your prospective employer will have access to your record after performing a background check. A company that enforces strict regulatory and ethical standards may deem you a liability. Your chances of getting the job significantly diminish.
An experienced Minnesota DWI attorney can help you fight the charges and protect your CDL. The lawyer can also help minimize the consequences if a conviction is inevitable. The lawyer can achieve that by petitioning for a diversion program or a stay of adjudication, requesting the court to expunge your criminal record, and helping you secure a limited driver’s license.
The DWI defense lawyers at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys are ready to defend you aggressively if you have been arrested or charged for driving a commercial motor vehicle while impaired. Contact us to learn more about how our attorneys can help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I Was Arrested for a DWI, Does That Make Me a Dangerous Individual?
DWI offenses are often committed by individuals without prior criminal history. But it’s advisable not to drink and drive. Minnesota DWI laws on CDL holders are harsh and can hurt your career and livelihood.
I Have Obtained an International Driver’s License after my CDL Revocation. Can I Use my Newly Acquired License to Drive in Minnesota?
Using an international driver’s license after your CDL revocation can land you in bigger legal problems.
Besides Operating Commercial Vehicles, What Other Licenses Are Regulated by Different DWI Laws?
You are subject to stricter DWI laws if you’re licensed to operate other types of vehicles. That includes off-road vehicles and watercraft. Pilots and other plane operators also hold CDLs regulated by special DWI laws.
