Practice Areas · DUI Defense
Commercial Driver DUI
San Diego DUI Defense
Commercial Driver DUI in San Diego
Commercial drivers are held to a stricter standard in California: a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent, half the limit for other drivers, while operating a commercial vehicle. A DUI can suspend or disqualify a commercial driver's license and end a career.
Because livelihoods are on the line, these cases demand an aggressive defense. Crudo Law challenges the stop, the testing, and the procedure to protect your CDL and your ability to work.
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By the Numbers
Commercial Driver DUI, by the numbers
3%1
of large-truck drivers in fatal crashes were alcohol-impaired (BAC .08+), 2022
Far lower than other vehicle types in fatal crashes: 25% of passenger-car drivers, 28% of motorcyclists, and 21% of light-truck drivers were alcohol-impaired. NHTSA FARS data.
0.04%2
Federal BAC limit to operate a commercial vehicle; a first violation triggers a 1-year CDL disqualification
The 0.04 g/dL limit is half the 0.08% limit for ordinary drivers. Operating a CMV at 0.04 or above is a 'major offense'; a first conviction disqualifies the CDL for a minimum of one year under 49 CFR 383.51.
4211
large trucks involved in fatal crashes in California, 2022
Second-highest of any state (behind Texas, 782), representing 6.8% of all vehicles involved in California fatal crashes that year. NHTSA FARS data.
4,7313
commercial-driver alcohol violations at BAC 0.04+ reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse
Cumulative alcohol violations with a concentration of 0.04 or greater reported for CDL/CLP holders from January 6, 2020 through February 2025 (as of March 1, 2025); total alcohol violations including refusals were 7,490.
5,9361
people killed in crashes involving large trucks nationwide, 2022
70% were occupants of other vehicles; an estimated 160,608 people were injured, a 2% rise in fatalities from 5,821 in 2021. NHTSA FARS data.
Frequently asked
Common questions
What is the DUI limit for a commercial driver?+
0.04 percent while operating a commercial vehicle, half the 0.08 limit for standard drivers. A first offense can disqualify a CDL for a year or more.
Can I keep my CDL after a DUI?+
It depends on the facts and the outcome of your case. Fighting the charge is critical because a conviction can end your commercial driving career.
Related practice areas
Sources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Traffic Safety Facts 2022 Data: Large Trucks (DOT HS 813 588, July 2024) (2024). https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813588
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Motor Carrier Safety Planner: Disqualification of Drivers (49 CFR 383.51) (2025). https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyplanner/MyFiles/SubSections.aspx?ch=23&sec=67&sub=158
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse February 2025 Monthly Summary Report (2025). https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/resources/Clearinghouse_MonthlyReport_Feb2025.pdf
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