What Professions Require A CDL In Texas?
In Texas, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a specialized license. Designed to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road, a CDL is essential for many professions and comes with strict regulations, particularly when it comes to drug and alcohol use. Seasoned Houston DWI lawyers understand how important it is for CDL holders to protect their license in order to preserve their livelihood.
Class of Licenses and CDL Jobs
A CDL permits individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles such as tractor-trailers, buses, and tankers. The license is divided into three classes. For instance, a Class A license is required for vehicles with a combined weight exceeding 26,001 pounds and a Class C is necessary for vehicles transporting hazardous materials or more than 16 passengers.
Several professions rely on a CDL to perform daily responsibilities, including:
- Truck drivers transporting goods across Texas or the U.S.
- School bus drivers in charge of ensuring the safe transport of students.
- Delivery drivers for companies handling large vehicles.
- Public transit operators driving city buses.
- Construction workers operating dump trucks or heavy machinery.
- Hazardous material transporters moving fuel, chemicals, or other regulated substances.
CDL holders are held to a higher standard than non-commercial drivers, both on and off the job. The federal legal blood alcohol concentration limit for operators of commercial vehicles is 0.04%. That is half the standard limit of 0.08% for passenger vehicle operators. Even off-duty incidents, such as a drunk driving arrest in a personal vehicle, can have severe consequences for professional drivers.
A first-time drunk driving conviction for a CDL holder can result in a range of penalties. A one-year disqualification from operating a commercial vehicle is possible, or a three-year disqualification if the individual was transporting hazardous materials at the time of the arrest. Should a second conviction occur, the driver may experience a lifetime ban. Additionally, refusing to submit to a chemical test under Texas’s implied consent laws can lead to automatic license suspension, further jeopardizing a CDL.
Safeguarding Your License and Livelihood
If you’re a CDL holder arrested for drunk or drugged driving, swift action is critical to protecting your career. Sharing your story with an attorney who has assisted others in similar situations is key. An attorney can examine whether proper procedures were followed during the traffic stop and possibly negotiate plea options. In some cases charges can be reduced to avoid a conviction that disqualifies your CDL.
Additionally, a Houston DWI lawyer may be able to defend your CDL, representing you in administrative hearings to contest the suspension or disqualification. Exploring alternative resolutions could also be in reach, such as your lawyer advocating for probation or diversion programs, helping you avoid long-term career repercussions.
Could support from a legal professional shield you from income loss? Losing your CDL can mean losing your livelihood. Consult with the knowledgeable criminal attorneys at Ayson Law Firm to build a strong defense, fight for your license, and safeguard your career. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
