If you are stopped an accused of a DUI in Maryland, one thing to keep in mind is that your commercial driver’s license could be affected. The DUI laws throughout the state are very strict and do make it so that you could lose your right to drive commercially if you are caught driving drunk.
Remember that the rules for commercial drivers are stricter than for others. You may not have a blood alcohol concentration in excess of .04% rather than .08%. The legal limit is lower because you are driving a large vehicle that could cause significant damage if you crash.
What could happen if you get a DUI while driving in your passenger vehicle?
Even if you only get stopped for a DUI while driving in a passenger vehicle, your CDL could still be affected. Whether you get stopped while on or off the clock, you need to look into ways to mitigate the risk of your arrest turning into a conviction.
There are extra penalties for CDL drivers
In Maryland, there are some harsh penalties that you could face as a CDL driver if you are caught driving while intoxicated. These include:
- Losing your CDL for a year
- Increased insurance rates for all vehicles you drive
- No option to obtain restricted driving privileges
- Trouble keeping your job or getting rehired due to your license suspension
All of these things are problematic for people who drive a commercial vehicle. While it may feel unfair to be held to these higher standards, they are just the way things work for commercial drivers.
What can you do if you are facing a DUI charge?
If you’re facing charges for a DUI and are a commercial driver, it would be in your best interests to look into how you can defend yourself against those charges. You may be able to get the charges dropped or lowered, so you can protect your license and career.
A good defense is an early defense in DUI cases. Don’t wait to look into a defense, so you can avoid the harsh penalties of a conviction.