UTAH COMMERCIAL DUI ATTORNEY

DUI Defense for Commercial Drivers in Utah

In Utah, the criteria for a driving under the influence charge differ for commercial drivers and everyday commuters; the penalties for the crime vary as well. Commercial drivers, because of the larger size of their vehicles, are held to a higher level of accountability when it comes to driving and traffic offenses.

Commercial trucks, also known as semis and big rigs, can be as long as 75 feet, and they can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. This is significantly different from a typical passenger vehicle, which is generally around 5,000 pounds and about 15 feet long. When commercial trucks are involved in accidents, the consequences are generally tragic, especially for drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles which are crushed under the force of such a large vehicle. 

DUI Penalties for Commercial Drivers

Utah has the strictest BAC limit in the nation. For noncommercial drivers, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .05%. For commercial drivers, the legal limit for BAC is set at .04%. If convicted of driving under the influence with a .04% to .05% BAC, you will face penalties such as:

• A one year suspension of your commercial driver’s license
• Probation
• A suspension of your driving privileges for noncommercial vehicles
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device on your vehicle
• Community service

Commercial drivers who are charged with driving under the influence with a BAC of above .04% may face a complete CDL license revocation in addition to a regular driver’s license suspension.