Key Takeaways
- In Georgia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial drivers (CDL holders) is 0.04%, half the standard limit for non-commercial drivers.
- CDL drivers can face DUI charges—even in their personal vehicle—and risk losing their commercial license.
DUI convictions carry severe penalties, including jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record that can end a trucking career.
What’s the BAC limit for commercial drivers in Georgia?
Georgia follows federal CDL regulations under 49 CFR § 383.51 and enforces a strict 0.04% BAC limit for drivers operating:
- 18-wheelers
- Delivery trucks
- Commercial buses
- Tankers
- Any vehicle requiring a CDL
If a commercial driver tests at or above 0.04% BAC while on duty, they can be arrested for Commercial DUI and immediately disqualified from driving.
Does the 0.04% limit apply even in a personal car?
Yes and no.
- If you’re driving your personal vehicle, the standard Georgia limit of 0.08% BAC applies.
- However, if convicted, that DUI can still disqualify you from holding a CDL—even if the offense happened in a private car or pickup.
CDL holders are held to a higher standard, and any DUI conviction—regardless of vehicle type—can trigger a 1-year license suspension.
What happens if a CDL driver is arrested for DUI in Georgia?
You could face:
- Jail time (up to 12 months for first offense)
- Fines up to $1,000
- Driver’s license suspension
- 1-year CDL disqualification (or lifetime ban for a second offense)
- Loss of employment
If you refused a chemical test, Georgia’s implied consent law also applies—and you could lose your CDL for refusing, even before a trial.
Can I lose my CDL for a first-time DUI?
Yes. A first DUI conviction—even in a personal vehicle—will trigger a minimum 1-year disqualification of your commercial driver’s license.
A second DUI? Lifetime ban.
Georgia law doesn’t allow for a “hardship CDL” or work permit to drive commercial vehicles while suspended.
What are the defenses to a CDL DUI charge?
Legal defenses may include:
- Challenging the accuracy of the breath or blood test
- Arguing unlawful traffic stops or lack of probable cause
- Questioning field sobriety test validity
- Demonstrating procedural errors during arrest or booking
For commercial drivers, a strong legal defense is critical—not just to avoid jail, but to preserve your livelihood.
FAQ: Georgia Commercial Driver DUI Laws
Is 0.04% BAC a federal rule or Georgia law?
Both. Georgia adopts federal FMCSA standards, making 0.04% the law for commercial drivers statewide.
Can I be charged even if I feel fine?
Yes. If your BAC is at or above 0.04%, you can be charged regardless of whether you “appear impaired.”
Can I drive a regular car after a CDL DUI?
Possibly. Your regular license may be suspended depending on the case—but even if you keep it, you can’t operate a commercial vehicle during a CDL suspension.
How long will the DUI stay on my record?
A Georgia DUI stays on your criminal record permanently and on your driving record for life. It cannot be expunged.
Do I need a lawyer for a CDL DUI?
Absolutely. Your freedom, job, and future as a driver are on the line. The right attorney may help you avoid a conviction or reduce charges.
Call for a CDL DUI defense consultation
Arrested for DUI as a commercial driver in Georgia? Don’t wait to act. A DUI conviction could end your career—but with the right legal strategy, you may be able to fight back.
Hines Law defends CDL holders in Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Clayton County, Gwinnett County, and Hall County. We speak Spanish and understand the high stakes of trucking violations.
Call 404-226-4236 today or start a confidential case review at hineslaw.org.