Most states punish driving under the influence (DUI) with particularly severe sentences, and there is even less tolerance for any alcohol present in the blood of commercial drivers. Nevada is no different. Bus and truck drivers in Nevada are subject to much stricter DUI laws than non-commercial drivers. If you are caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04% or higher, your commercial driver’s license (CDL) could be suspended for a year or even for life.
Part of the reason the law is much stricter on commercial drivers than non-commercial drivers is their level of responsibility. There is a huge difference between a car and a commercial truck weighing as much as 80,000 pounds. Likewise, a bus driver is often driving many people to and from their destinations, so the potential loss of life in a bus accident would be much higher.
A 1st-time DUI conviction for a commercial driver will result in a CDL being suspended for one year, unless he or she was transporting hazardous materials. If the driver was transporting hazardous material when he or she was pulled over, the suspension will be 3 years. A 2nd conviction will result in a lifelong CDL revocation.
Even if a commercial driver was arrested for a DUI in a personal vehicle, if he or she was found with a BAC of 0.08% or above or was physically impaired by drugs or alcohol, both his or her regular license and CDL license will be suspended. A 1st offense carries a 90 day suspension for a non-commercial driver’s license, and a 2nd offense carries a 1 year suspension. Likewise, if a CDL holder gets a DUI for driving a commercial vehicle with a BAC of at least 0.04% but less than 0.08%, his or her regular license and CDL will be suspended as well.
If you are facing a DUI charge as a commercial driver, it is essential to avoid a conviction. Even a single DUI on you permanent record might prevent you from ever working as a commercial driver again. Let our skilled Reno DUI lawyer help prove your innocence and save your livelihood.
Contact us at (775) 502-1575 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation today. We look forward to speaking with you.