If you drive for a living or you occasionally make use of your commercial driver’s license, you can’t afford to lose your CDL because of a mistake behind the wheel. Because CDL drivers oftentimes carry heavy equipment or dangerous materials, they are subjected to some different rules on the road in an effort to keep themselves and other drivers safe. Most notably, they are held to a different standard when it comes to a legal blood alcohol concentration for operating their commercial vehicle. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at how DWI regulations and laws are applied differently to CDL holders in Minnesota so that you can avoid a potential problem if you drive for a living.
CDL DUI Laws In Minnesota
In Minnesota and across the US, the standard threshold for legally operating a standard vehicle is a blood alcohol concentration under 0.08. However, CDL holders have a reduced threshold. In Minnesota, it is illegal for CDL drivers to operate a commercial vehicle with a BAC at or above 0.04. In other words, their legal limit is half that of a standard driver.
But that’s not all. Implied consent laws in Minnesota allow for a required chemical test in the event the police officer suspects that the commercial driver has consumed any alcohol at all, which is a stricter standard than what applies to the average driver. Needless to say, it’s unwise to get behind the wheel of any vehicle if you’ve been drinking, but that’s especially true for anyone operating with a CDL.
CDL DUI Penalties In Minnesota
Let’s take a closer look at the penalties for violating CDL DUI penalties in Minnesota. If a CDL driver is operating with a BAC above 0.04 but below the standard 0.08 threshold, they will have their commercial driver’s license suspended or revoked as per federal guidelines. As it stands, a first offense penalty for violating this threshold results in a one year CDL disqualification. Any subsequent violation would result in a lifetime disqualification. One mistake will cost you a year, but any subsequent violation will result in a lifetime ban, which would spell the end of your professional career if you rely on your CDL for your job.
It’s also possible that you could face standard DWI penalties on top of your CDL disqualification if you are found to be operating above the standard 0.08 BAC threshold. In these instances, a person would have their CDL disqualified and face misdemeanor DUI charges unless aggravating factors were present. If aggravating factors were present (like a minor in the vehicle or a BAC over 0.16), the driver may face gross misdemeanor or even felony DUI charges for their actions. These criminal penalties will include fines, probation requirements and the potential for jail time.
We’ve represented plenty of CDL drivers in court because we know how important it is to maintain your livelihood and move on from a one-time mistake. We can also connect you with alcohol education services and substance abuse programs that can help ensure you don’t make the same mistake in the future. Let us help you avoid a worst case scenario if any traffic stop threatens your CDL privileges.
For more information about how we can help with a CDL DUI or a standard drunk driving charge, pick up the phone and connect with Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
