Navigating DUI Charges with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Georgia
Understanding the Stakes: DUI and Your CDL
For commercial drivers in Georgia, a DUI charge isn't just a legal hurdle—it’s a direct threat to your livelihood. The legal standards for CDL holders are more stringent than those for regular drivers, and the consequences of a conviction can be career-ending. At the Law Offices Of Thomas J. Thomas, we understand the unique challenges CDL holders face and are committed to helping Atlanta residents fight back with informed, strategic legal guidance.
Lower BAC Threshold for CDL Holders
While the general legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Georgia is 0.08%, commercial drivers are held to a stricter standard: 0.04% while operating a commercial vehicle. Even a small amount of alcohol can push a CDL holder over the limit, leading to an arrest, criminal charges, and serious employment consequences.
Penalties Beyond the Courtroom
A DUI conviction can lead to more than just fines and possible jail time. For CDL holders, the penalties include:
- One-year disqualification of your commercial driving privileges for a first offense (even if the DUI occurred in your personal vehicle)
- Lifetime disqualification for a second DUI offense
- Difficulty finding future employment in commercial driving
- Increased insurance premiums
- Damage to professional reputation
These penalties are enforced regardless of whether the DUI occurs while driving a commercial or personal vehicle.
Georgia Implied Consent Laws for CDL Drivers
CDL holders are subject to Georgia's implied consent laws, meaning refusal to take a breath or blood test can result in an automatic one-year disqualification of your CDL. This disqualification happens before you even step foot in court.
Fighting a DUI Charge with a CDL
Given the high stakes, it's critical to mount a strong defense. Potential strategies may include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Disputing the accuracy of BAC testing methods
- Arguing procedural errors or constitutional violations
Each case is different, and an attorney familiar with both DUI and CDL regulations can explore the best path forward.
Let Us Defend Your License and Your Livelihood
At the Law Offices Of Thomas J. Thomas, we work with commercial drivers throughout the Atlanta area who are facing DUI charges. We understand the laws, the licensing rules, and the serious professional implications of a DUI arrest. Whether this is your first offense or you’ve been charged before, we are here to protect your future.



