CDL Drivers With a DUI in Georgia

Consequences of a DUI for CDL Drivers in Georgia

Georgia law (§40-5-142) defines CDL as a license issued to individuals that authorizes them to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, hazardous materials, or those with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 or more pounds are considered commercial vehicles. Gross vehicle weight is the value the manufacturer specified as the maximum loaded weight.

Georgia laws also mandate that person shouldn’t be in control or driving a commercial vehicle with 0.04 % or more alcohol in the person’s blood, urine, or breath.

According to the FMCSA regulations, all individuals driving a commercial vehicle are subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing, regardless of whether they are employed full-time, part-time, or whether they are international drivers.

Tests can be conducted:

• After an accident

• Randomly

• If there is reasonable suspicion of drunk or drugged driving

• Under other DOT-mandated circumstances

Drivers can fail a drug or alcohol test by either having a 0.04 or more alcohol content, being positive on a drug test, or refusing to submit to state-administered chemical tests.

In that case, the driver’s employer has to immediately remove that employee from performing safety-sensitive functions until they successfully complete the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional.

What Is the Penalty for 1st DUI for CDL Drivers in Georgia?

After their first conviction of DUI, Georgia CDL drivers can face the following criminal penalties:

• Minimum 24 hours and maximum a year in jail
• Fines between $300 and $1,000
• Community service (40 hours)
• Completion of a DUI School (DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program)
• Up to a year of probation

While typically, the first and second DUI is considered a misdemeanor offense, the third DUI conviction is a high and aggravated misdemeanor. At the same time, the fourth is a felony offense. Naturally, the penalties increase with each subsequent conviction.

If you work as a professional CDL driver, multiple DUI arrests can result in losing your job, especially if at least one of them ends in a conviction. But don’t forget, an arrest does not equal a conviction. Consult a lawyer as soon as possible after being arrested for DUI.

Steps for CDL Reinstatement After a DUI

Reinstating a CDL in Georgia after a DUI conviction often requires several steps to demonstrate compliance with state regulations, including:

• Complete a state-approved DUI school

• Pay reinstatement fees (often $210 to $410 depending on the process)

• Obtain SR-22 insurance if required

• Meet DDS requirements (you may need to pass written and road skills exams, especially after longer suspensions)

Meeting these requirements is essential for CDL drivers to return to their professional duties while ensuring public safety on the road.

CDL Disqualification Periods After a DUI in Georgia

The first DUI conviction will result in you losing your commercial driving privileges for one year, similar to non-commercial driver’s license holders. Federal regulations state that disqualification will last for three years if the CDL driver was operating a hazmat CMV while impaired.

A certain major traffic violation besides a DUI can also result in a commercial driver’s license suspension for a year. These violations include hit-and-run accidents, vehicular homicide, failure to report an accident, as well as any felony in which commission a vehicle is used. A second DUI conviction can result in a lifetime license suspension.

If a CDL holder is convicted of any traffic violation besides a parking offense, they must notify their employer within 30 days. It doesn’t really matter what vehicle the driver was operating at the time of the accident. For instance, if a truck driver was convicted of driving under the influence in their personal vehicle off duty, they also have to notify their employer.

If the offense resulted in a license suspension, their employer can’t rehire them until the suspension is over.

Insurance for CDL Drivers With DUI in Georgia

In Georgia, drivers convicted of DUI must obtain SR-22 car insurance, a special type of high-risk liability insurance. If the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) gets a report from the insurance company that provided the SR-22 for any reason, the state has the right to impose a license suspension.

High insurance premiums after a DUI are another downfall. Even worse, some insurance companies may simply drop the coverage of these drivers since they are not worth the risk.

How Can an Attorney Help CDL Drivers After a Georgia DUI?

Drivers charged with DUI may feel like all hope is lost, especially if that is not their first offense. However, a DUI attorney well-versed in the DUI process may know how to craft a winning DUI defense. That can include participation in DUI Court, challenging results of an alcohol test, or other procedural issues.

Since your employment may be at stake, you shouldn’t fight this battle alone. Reach out to Philip Kim Law, P.C., to book a free consultation so we can discuss your case’s circumstances.