Do you drive a commercial vehicle for a living? Are you facing accusations of driving your commercial or personal vehicle while under the influence of alcohol? If so, a lot is riding on how you choose to approach your DUI charge in a Maryland criminal court.
Driving under the influence is a significant violation for any driver. For those who operate commercial vehicles, the consequences can be far greater than they are for the average driver. Why? The damages caused when a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident are usually significant.
CDL DUI regulations
As you know, it takes work to obtain a commercial driver’s license. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration wants to make sure that people who hold these licenses are fit to be on the road, which means receiving proper training, understanding commercial driving guidelines and agreeing to follow them.
Due to the nature of their jobs, CDL holders must live by a much higher standard when it comes to driving under the influence. The average person may face a DUI charge if his or her blood-alcohol level is at .08 percent. A CDL holder can face the same charge with a BAC level of only .04 percent if the measurement is taken while he or she is on the job. There also harsh penalties if a CDL holder refuses to provide a breath or blood sample for testing.
CDL holders must submit to random alcohol testing if they are ever involved in accidents where authorities believe alcohol contributed to the event. A high BAC readout at one of these random screenings is cause for employment termination.
Off-the-job standards
Commercial drivers not only have to watch how they drive while on the job, but they also have to watch how they drive their personal vehicles in their own time. You must inform your employer of any traffic violations within 30 days of their occurrence. If authorities charge you with DUI and you face a conviction, you could lose your professional and personal licenses, which also means the loss of your job.
Who is subject to commercial DUI regulations?
Here are a few examples of who must abide by these guidelines:
- Truck drivers
- Bus drivers
- Owners of commercial vehicles
- Churches
- Governments
- Businesses that utilize commercial businesses
The list can go on, but you get the picture. These regulations affect numerous people across various levels and fields of employment.
Fight for yourself
If you are facing a DUI charge and your commercial license and job are on the line, you can help your situation by choosing to fight. With assistance, you can take the necessary steps to seek the best possible outcome.
