There are more than 3.5 million people in the United States who drive for a living. They include commercial truck drivers who transport goods across the country or bus drivers who make sure children get to and from school every day.
Naturally, these jobs involve strict regulations for driving safely. That is why individuals who operate commercial vehicles must be aware that they could face harsher penalties than other drivers if they are charged with a DUI.
Why are DUIs particularly risky for commercial drivers?
Commercial drivers face the same criminal charges and penalties for a DUI as any other driver in Kentucky. However, they also face additional obstacles, including:
- Lower BAC limits: Commercial drivers are subject to a much stricter blood alcohol content (BAC) limit than other Kentucky drivers or drivers in surrounding states. For example, if drivers have a BAC of .04% or higher, they could face disqualification from driving commercial vehicles for up to a year.
- Longer license suspension: In addition to a lower BAC limit, commercial drivers also face the risk of longer license suspension. Impaired driving, as well as several other moving violations, can leave drivers facing a license suspension for 120 days or life, depending on the severity of the charges.
DUIs put commercial drivers’ livings at risk
With stricter regulations and harsher penalties, commercial drivers have little room for error or mistakes. There is no doubt that a suspended license is an inconvenient obstacle for all drivers charged with a DUI. However, a suspended license prevents commercial drivers from working and providing for their families altogether.
Many Kentuckians are already aware that the consequences of a DUI can impact almost every aspect of their life, but the direct consequences affecting a commercial driver’s job can put their livelihood at risk.
That is why commercial drivers must understand the risks they face, as well as how to fight these charges and protect their careers. In these cases, it can be helpful for commercial drivers to consult a defense attorney to understand the next steps they should take.
