{"id":8926,"date":"2013-08-12T15:22:11","date_gmt":"2013-08-12T22:22:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/?page_id=8926"},"modified":"2024-11-26T15:38:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T22:38:00","slug":"can-i-get-a-cdl-with-a-dui-in-arizona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/blog\/can-i-get-a-cdl-with-a-dui-in-arizona\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Get a CDL with a DUI in Arizona?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Introduction<\/h2>\n
With six interstates in Arizona, commercial driving is a large part of the state\u2019s transportation economy. This attracts many commercial drivers to the state, and for those with past DUIs, it\u2019s important to know Arizona’s stance on\u00a0DUI.<\/p>\n
Getting a CDL with a Past DUI<\/h3>\n
Even with a previous DUI, you can still get your commercial driver license (CDL) in Arizona. If you were convicted for driving under the influence \u2013 in Arizona or any state \u2013 you must have completed the original license suspension before applying for your CDL.<\/p>\n
If you apply for a CDL and your license is still suspended, revoked or otherwise restricted, you\u2019re CDL application will be rejected.<\/p>\n
Typically, DUI offenses include a license suspension. Once this suspension is up, you can apply for your commercial license. It\u2019s important to note that when applying for your CDL in Arizona, it\u2019s best to be forthright with your answers.<\/p>\n
A DUI conviction in another state will be shared with Arizona\u2019s Motor Vehicle Division, and if you didn\u2019t include that information on your application, it will be rejected.<\/p>\n
The Takeaway: A past DUI won\u2019t stop you from getting a CDL if your license suspension is complete. Not including your DUI offense in your application, however, will result in rejection, no matter how long ago your DUI conviction.<\/p>\n
Getting a DUI with Your CDL<\/h3>\n
Safety expectations are much higher for commercial drivers than normal ones, and what qualifies as a DUI for the driver of a commercial vehicle is half of what it is for other vehicles.<\/p>\n
To put it another way, the normal blood alcohol content (BAC) level to be considered intoxicated is .08. For drivers in commercial vehicles, however, it\u2019s .04 BAC.<\/p>\n
If a commercial driver is driving a personal vehicle, the .08 BAC level still applies. In either scenario, a DUI for a CDL-holder results in a one-year suspension of the CDL. The only difference is the alcohol concentration threshold needed to be considered intoxication.<\/p>\n
In addition to a one-year CDL suspension, the driver will have his or her normal license suspended for 30 to 90 days, and must also complete other requirements, like mandatory alcohol counseling.<\/p>\n