Can you get a CDL with a DUI? Yes, you can get a CDL even when you have a DUI on your driving history. What is worse than not having a driver's license? Well, getting one and then losing it because you decided to drink and drive.

To imagine the worst, you were planning to get a commercial driver's license, but now you are just stuck with a suspension and a big block on your dream of becoming a truck driver.

Well, don't worry because, in this article, we have brought you some possibilities where you can still get a commercial driver's license even though you got a DUI.

Note: if you got it for the second or third time, there is less or no hope for you.

Can you get a CDL with a DUI Step By Step Tips

What Is a DUI?

Driving under the influence or DUI means that you are going under such a level of influence of drugs or alcohol or prescribed drugs that you can't cause harm safely and might endanger yourself.

The life of yourself and others. Every state has its regulation and laws regarding DUI, but, mainly, a BAC (blood- alcohol consumption is considered between 0.04 percent to 0.08 percent.

What Is a CDL?

A commercial driver's license is a special kind of license needed to drive heavy-duty vehicles used to carry heavy stuff, mainly for commercial purposes.

Someone taking a CDL can't take risks when it comes to the responsibility of going.

CDL around the states has strict requirements and restrictions to pass. Getting a DUI while having a CDL is a big felony and, in some states, results in severe verdicts.

How Can You Get a CDL While Having a DUI?

It is possible to have a DUI and still get a CDL, but the possibility differs from situation to situation and state to state.

This article has given some of the cases and examples that you need to know while applying for CDL while having a DUI.

Difficulty Finding an Employer- The fundamental problem is not getting a CDL while having a DUI, and finding a job after it .Some companies have stringent policies and might not consider you even if your DUI is 20 years old.

On the other hand, some companies that are okay in repo or don't need many risky tasks to perform may contact you within the first three years of DUI.

But, if you are that desperate, you can get small companies that might even take you in the first year due to their dire need.

Time Period- It depends upon the time elapsed since your DUI. If your DUI is fresh, you have first to clear whatever charges the court has put on you. Depending on the state and the percentage of BAC found on you, the verdict will be placed.

With a lower rate of BAC and not any severe damages, you can get away with less extreme results.

Hence, the chances of getting a CDL increase. Getting a CDL also depends on the DUI history, e.g., if it is more than once, you are in bad luck.

Driving classes- It is well-advised that you must retake the driving classes after you get your first driving under the influence (DUI).

It will show well on your record, and while finding a job, you can refer to the certificates of the classes for clearing the lousy repo. Hence, making it much easier to get a CDL as soon as possible.

How Can You Get a CDL with DUI in Different States?

We have gathered some information as an example from three states to help you clear the situation you might face.

Arizona: In Arizona, DUI penalties are stringent; after the first DUI, you will be jailed for a day and will have to pay a fine of $2000. The license is suspended for 90 days, and after that, you can apply for CDL.

But, if you already have a CDL and then get a DUI, you will instantly face expulsion from your job with the revocation of your license.

Texas: Like any other state in Texas too, the DUI is taken seriously and has the same expulsion criteria. But, the good news is you can operate many vehicles still having a DUI, such as fire-fighting or emergency vehicles (RVs), Air carrier vehicles, and seed cotton module carriers.

California: California also imposes heavy fines and jail time for driving under the influence. But you can apply and get a CDL considering you have joined a driving school and got a reasonable attorney for yourself. In California, you can apply for CDL after 30 days of suspension.

Can you get a CDL with a DUI (FAQ)

What Happens When You Get DUI For The 2nd Or 3rd Time?

In some states 2nd, time DUI results in life-long disqualification, and in states where there is a space for three times, it happens after the third.

What Is The Biggest Hurdle After Getting a CDL With DUI?

After getting a commercial driver's license for driving under the influence, the biggest hurdle is finding an employer who is willing to give you a job considering your record.

How Long Do You Have To Wait To Get a CDL After a DUI?

There is no specific period fixed on how long you should wait. Mainly you have to wait until the suspension period of UDI and finish the other penalties listed in your UDI verdict.

The suspension of license after the UDI varies from state to state ranging from 30 days to 90 days. After that, you are free to apply for CDL.

What Is The Major Drawback of Having a DUI?

The major drawback of having a DUI is paying expensive insurance SR-22. SR-22 is a high-risk vehicle certificate that is obligatory to get your work permit.

Conclusion:

By now, you would have the answer: can you get a CDL with DUI? Of course, you need to keep certain factors like when was the last DUI, how many times did you get a DUI, and what efforts did you put to clear your name on the record.

All these factors and your state’s laws and regulations play a vital role in increasing the possibility of you earning your CDL and landing a job. We hope that you found this article beneficial, so stay tuned for more.

Happy driving!