Tempe DUI Lawyer Explains Commercial DUIs in Arizona

Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders need to exercise extra caution when it comes to commercial DUIs in Tempe. Not only will you face the usual criminal charges and punishments that any driver faces under Arizona law, you will also potentially face additional penalties because you hold a CDL.

What Happens if I’m Pulled Over for a DUI in Tempe as a Commercial Driver?

If you are pulled over for a DUI as a truck driver, bus driver, or other commercial driver, you will face the usual license suspension, jail time, and mandatory educational classes. However, there are some MAJOR differences in the law for commercial drivers, such as:

• The legal limit for CDL holders in Arizona is .04. This is lower than the standard .08 legal limit that applies to non-commercial drivers.
• The stiffer rules for CDL DUIs apply all the time, whether you are on or off duty.
• If you refuse the blood alcohol test when you’re pulled over for DUI in Tempe, your CDL will automatically be suspended for 1 year. If you already have a DUI offense on your record, refusing the test could mean you lose your CDL for good.
• You could have 8 points assigned to your license.

In general, commercial drivers who are convicted of a DUI face much harsher penalties, and many CDL holders could see penalties REGARDLESS of how your DUI criminal case turns out.

If you are a truck driver, a bus driver, or any other CDL holder who has been pulled over for a DUI in Tempe, don’t risk your financial stability. Your behavior and decisions in the first few hours after a commercial DUI arrest can have a significant impact on your case as a whole. Call a respected Tempe DUI lawyer as soon as possible at 1-888-929-5292. Your unique commercial DUI case deserves individual treatment, and we are devoted to providing compassionate and personal attention to our clients after an Arizona CDL DUI arrest. Learn more about your rights and how we can help in our FREE book, DUI’s in Arizona – What You Must Know.