Commercial drivers licenses are quite common today. They can commonly be seen with large eighteen-wheeler trucks, school buses, and even church buses. However, what are the effects of driving while under the influence when holding and in use of a commercial drivers license? In basic terms, if convicted, you can expect to be in a large amount of trouble. Not only have you left yourself at risk to injuries and death, but also leave other motor vehicle operators as well as pedestrians at risk. Currently, The Pennsylvania stature states that when a DUI is committed while holding a commercial drivers license, you can expect the worst penalties of all other drivers. The DUI law in Pennsylvania states that whether you committed a driving while under the influence law either in a personal or commercial vehicle, it is irrelevant and penalties are still maintained either way with severe consequences.
The usually blood alcohol content (BAC) number is .08 when pertaining to a DUI. Yet, all commercial licensed drivers have to hold up to BAC of .04. In addition, whether your blood alcohol content is just a little high than .04 or all the way up to .159, and either is treated as if you had a high rate of alcohol and recorded in all DUI investigation logs. Even with normal penalties, commercial drivers license holder can also expect a full year of commercial drivers license becoming invalid, as well as a possible suspension or invalidation of a non-commercial drivers license. If the DUI investigation was conducted while the driver was operating a commercial vehicle, an additional year is added to the suspension of a commercial drivers license, and if any dangerous, hazardous materials were in transport the suspension instantly increase to three years. After a second offense is made, a lifetime ban will be set upon the driver’s commercial drivers license
Even within the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, any disqualification will not be reduced even if participation within the program has taken place. In addition, trucking or bus companies do not hire anyone with a record that pertains to driving while under the influence of drugs or other substances, which will stay on your record forever. A person who relies upon their commercial drivers license for employment can expect a rough future trying to find a job within the particular field of transportation generally.
Michael Worgul, an experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyer immediately to analyze your case and recommend a sound strategy moving forward.
