NJ.com reported New Jersey had an increase in commercial driver’s license holders of 3,200 between 2021 and 2022. With so many CDL holders on the roads, ensuring these drivers follow all safety laws is imperative.
In the Garden State, a DUI conviction can have profound consequences for individuals holding a CDL The repercussions extend beyond the legal penalties, affecting one’s livelihood and ability to maintain a career in the transportation industry.
Higher expectations
New Jersey takes a stringent approach when it comes to DUI offenses, especially for CDL holders. The blood alcohol concentration limit for commercial drivers is lower than that for non-commercial drivers, underscoring the heightened expectations placed on those the state entrusts with the responsibility of transporting goods and passengers.
License suspension
A DUI conviction triggers an immediate suspension of a CDL. This suspension, irrespective of the duration, hampers a commercial driver’s ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle. In essence, it puts a halt to their primary source of income, creating financial strain and uncertainty about the future.
The process of reinstating a CDL after a DUI conviction in New Jersey involves navigating a series of requirements and hurdles. This may include completing a mandatory suspension period, attending substance abuse education programs and satisfying any fines or court penalties. The reinstatement process demands time, effort and a commitment to addressing the underlying issues that led to the DUI conviction.
Personal consequences
Getting a DUI can cause more than just legal problems. It can also affect the CDL holder’s job and insurance. In the truck driving profession, bosses often have strict rules about DUIs. They might see it as breaking trust and not being responsible, leading them to fire or not hire people who have a DUI on their driving record.
It also makes insurance more expensive. After a DUI, the cost of insurance can go up a lot. For people with a CDL, this can be especially hard because they need valid insurance to drive commercially and to get many jobs.
In New Jersey, having a DUI and a CDL can bring big consequences. So, it is important to understand that it is not just about the legal punishments. It can have long-term effects. Doing things to deal with the fallout of a DUI, like being proactive, can help lessen the impact on your professional reputation.