If you drive for a living, your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is more than a piece of plastic. It is your career, livelihood, and way of providing for yourself and your family. However, that can be taken away in an instant if charged with Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI).
Unlike regular drivers, CDL holders are held to much higher standards. Even an off-duty mistake in your personal vehicle can cost you your CDL. Here is the impact of DUI/OVI charges on your commercial driver’s license in Ohio.
Ohio’s DUI/OVI Laws for CDL Drivers
For a regular driver, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. However, the limit is 0.04% for those operating a commercial vehicle. You don’t even need to drive your commercial vehicle to be affected.
If you are operating your personal car and get charged with OVI, your CDL can be affected. These off-duty mistakes can affect your job. Ohio law does not care whether you were in a semi-truck or a sedan. A DUI/OVI conviction can strip you of your CDL.
What Happens When You Get a Charge?
The consequences of an OVI conviction for a CDL holder are severe. These license holders are held to a higher standard. Here’s what you’re looking at:
Immediate CDL Disqualification
If you’re arrested for OVI and fail a breath or blood test or refuse to take the test, then the CDL is automatically disqualified. This usually lasts one year and can happen even before you have a day in court.
First OVI Conviction
With a first-time OVI conviction, your CDL is gone for at least a year. If you were transporting hazardous materials, it increases to three years.
Along with that, you might have limited driving privileges for your personal car. Unfortunately, that is not available for commercial driving. You cannot drive a truck, bus, or any commercial vehicle for the entire disqualification period.
Second OVI Conviction
If you are convicted of a second OVI, you can lose your CDL for life. In some cases, you might be able to apply for reinstatement after 10 years, but there are no guarantees.
Losing Your Job and Future Opportunities
Even if you somehow avoid conviction, most trucking companies will not take a chance on a driver with an OVI on their record. Many have zero-tolerance policies. In some cases, you could lose your job just for being arrested.
And don’t count on finding a new employer. Since Insurance costs skyrocket for companies that hire drivers with OVI convictions, you will become a less desirable hire.
Other Consequences of a DUI/OVI Charge
Along with losing your CDL, an OVI can cause other issues. For example, you will have higher insurance costs for your personal and commercial insurance. Sometimes, you might not even be able to get coverage.
There is also the financial strain of battling the charge. You will need to pay legal fees and court fines, as well as deal with lost wages. All that can put you in a tough financial spot.
Protect Your CDL and Your Future
This is the impact of DUI/OVI charges on your commercial driver’s license in Ohio. As a commercial driver, an OVI charge is more than just an inconvenience. This is a direct threat to your career. Ohio has some of the strictest CDL DUI laws in the country. One mistake can cost you your license, job, and financial stability.
If you’re facing an OVI charge, you need to reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help with your situation. That can help you find a way to mitigate some of the most severe consequences of these charges.
At Hunt Law LLC, we will determine the right defense for your case. If you want to arrange a free consultation, please contact us at 330-469-9836.