Commercial truck drivers, bus drivers, and other commercial license holders are held to more stringent standards for drinking and driving. Large 18-wheeler trucks can cause more damage than a passenger vehicle in an accident and take more coordination to drive, which is why the legal limit for commercial drivers is half of what it is for non-commercial drivers.
DUI Regulations for Truckers
The legal limit for non-commercial drivers is .08% while the legal limit for commercial drivers is .04%. Drivers and employers that could fall under the .04% rule include:
- Anyone who owns or leases commercial vehicles
- Anyone who assigned drivers to operative commercial trucks or other cars
- Federal, state or other government employees
- For-hire livery services
- Civic organizations or services
In addition to a lowered legal limit, commercial drivers could also be required to randomly submit to a alcohol test after an accident regardless of any suspicion of driving while under the influence. If the driver was pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence and refuses to submit to a blood alcohol test, they may face harsher penalties.
