Commercial Vehicle Alcohol Limits

All Texas drivers create serious risks to themselves and others if they are under the influence of drugs or intoxicated from alcohol. To keep everyone on roads and highways safe, there are laws in place to get drunk drivers off the roads. This includes huge commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers that are heavy and potentially lethal. Because of this, the blood alcohol level for commercial vehicle operators is lower than it is for individuals driving passenger cars.

Texas takes the regulations of the trucking industry seriously. Big rigs need to be operated by sober, alert drivers to keep public roadways safe. If you or someone you care about was arrested for driving a commercial vehicle while under the influence, talk to an experienced Houston DWI lawyer.

Dangers of Alcohol Use and Commercial Trucks

The risk of accidents and injuries increase dramatically when commercial truck drivers are impaired from alcohol use.

Ways alcohol and drugs can impact driving skills:

• Driving an inappropriate speed, too fast or too slow.
• Reckless moves are made, including sudden lane changes.
• Reaction time to dangers is slowed.
• Not paying attention to signs and signals.
• Weaving, swerving, driving erratically.

Because impaired truck drives can cause devastating crashes, there are strict standards and DWI laws in place specifically for truckers.

For example, in the state of Texas, motorists have a legal blood alcohol limit of .08 percent. But for commercial vehicle drivers, this blood alcohol limit is reduced. If a truck operator has a blood alcohol limit of .04 percent or higher, they are legally intoxicated. Penalties will likely follow, including the possibility of losing their commercial driving license.

Responsibility of Employers

There are safeguards that commercial truck employers follow. Employers who supervise commercial truck operators must supply at least an hour of training on alcohol misuse and an hour focused on controlled substances. In these training sessions, the behavioral and physical indicators of alcohol and drug use will be covered.

Later, if an employee suspects a driver of being under the influence, they can test for alcohol or drug use. The reasonable suspicion and the testing that follows is only authorized during, preceding, or after a work day in which safety functions were being performed.

If you are facing a drug or impairment charge, talk to a Houston DWI lawyer. Protecting your rights as soon as possible is in your best interests. When you wait to talk to an attorney, you may be missing an opportunity to have charges reduced or dismissed. Experienced attorneys understand next steps throughout the process.

Do you have questions about commercial truck operators and DWIs? Whether you are a trucker who has been arrested or were hurt due to the recklessness of a big rig operator, you need to talk to a qualified Texas attorney. A skilled lawyer can inform you of what options are available after assessing the details of your case. Trucking industry DWI cases can be complex, but you do not have to navigate the process alone, instead connect with the legal team at Ayson Law Firm. Contact us today for a free consultation.