DUI Penalties for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers in Maryland
In addition to the normal penalties associated with DUI convictions in Maryland, those drivers in Maryland with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) who are found guilty of intoxicated driving will have their CDL suspended for one year, meaning they are disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for the length of the suspension. If the offender was driving a commercial vehicle and transporting hazardous materials at the time, the disqualification period will last for three years.
It’s important to take a second and point out that if you have a CDL and receive a DUI, you will face a one-year license suspension even if you were not driving your commercial vehicle at the time of the arrest. A similar one-year disqualification will occur if you have a CDL and you refuse a blood alcohol or breath test.
Penalties become incredibly serious for a second DUI conviction. T hose with a CDL in Maryland who have received a second DUI will have their commercial driving privileges revoked for life. In certain rare situations, this disqualification may be reduced to a period of 10 years, assuming you are able to convince a judge to grant you the reprieve.
These kinds of harsh penalties are incredibly difficult for truck drivers to overcome. After all, many commercial drivers have families who have come to rely on their ability to operate commercial motor vehicles as their sole source of income.
Need help with a Maryland traffic ticket? Call me at 301-563-9575 or 1-877-566-2408 for a free consultation. I’m an experienced Maryland traffic ticket lawyer and I’d be happy to help. I practice traffic law throughout the entire State of Maryland.
