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.