Commercial DWI
In the state of North Carolina, commercial drivers face tougher DWI laws and penalties than those with regular driver licenses, even for a first time offender. In addition to the normal fines and punishments faced by the regular DWI offender, the commercial driver who faces a DWI conviction may also lose their ability to work due to their lost ability to drive – their jobs and livelihood often hang in the balance.
What Is The Legal Limit For Commercial Drivers?
It is a crime in North Carolina, to operate a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. This law applies to drivers who are 21 years of age or older, including off-duty commercial drivers. Persons with a commercial driver’s license face tougher restrictions when they are driving for work. A person operating a motor vehicle using a commercial driver’s license cannot have a BAC of .04 or higher or have any Schedule I controlled substance in their system.
Penalties For Commercial DWI
If you hold a commercial driver’s license in North Carolina and have been found guilty of impaired driving with a commercial driver’s license due to an unlawful BAC or a Schedule I controlled substance, you could face the following penalties:
- Revocation of your CDL (sometimes permanently)
- Jail Time
- Community Service
- Fines
- Probation
- Substance Abuse Assessments and Required Counseling
- Higher Insurance Premiums
- Loss of Job
Reinstating Your Commercial Driver’s License After A DWI Conviction
If you have been convicted of Commercial DWI in North Carolina, there are often extensive requirements to reinstate your CDL. These can include the following:
- Payment of all fines and other court costs
- Completion of your suspension or revocation time
- Completion of a substance abuse assessment
- Completion of an ADETS education course
- Completion of substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation
- Completion of jail sentence or community service
- Payment of the DWI license reinstatement fee and any other restoration fees
Why You Should Hire A Commercial DWI Attorney In North Carolina
Most commercial drivers rely on their ability to drive as their primary source of income. A DWI conviction can be life changing. We encourage you to contact the office of Chad Brown Law. If you are charged with impaired driving of a commercial vehicle, your ability to work, provide for your family, pay your bills and earn a living are at stake. Call Chad Brown Law today so we can help.