Driving while impaired (DWI) offenses are some of the most serious traffic violations prosecuted in Minnesota. Most drivers understand that a driver’s license revocation is a potential concern after a DWI conviction. People will lose their driving privileges for a period of time after a DWI conviction.
Those who have obtained a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for their careers may worry about their professional licensing in addition to their personal driver’s license. Obviously, those arrested for DWI violations while in control of a commercial vehicle are at risk of professional penalties. Drivers can get arrested with lower alcohol levels when they operate commercial trucks.
DWI convictions are disqualifying offenses
Not everyone is eligible for a CDL. Drivers have to meet certain educational standards and must also have few or no major traffic violations on their records. A single DWI offense is a disqualifying traffic infraction under Minnesota state law and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) policies.
Someone who has a CDL may not be able to regain their commercial driving privileges until a year has passed after their first DWI conviction. Even if the driver regains their CDL, they may have a hard time obtaining a new job in the commercial transportation industry. Employers may worry that someone with a prior offense could make a similar mistake in the future.
More than one DWI could lead to permanent career consequences. Under Minnesota state rules following the federal guidelines, a second DWI could make a driver permanently ineligible for a CDL. They may never be able to legally operate a commercial vehicle again.
It is therefore of the utmost importance that drivers fight DWI charges if they assert that they did not actually break the law. Drivers need to focus on not just avoiding arrest but also on responding assertively if one occurs. A single DWI conviction can cost someone their job and their CDL for at least a year.
Understanding Minnesota’s DWI regulations can help drivers choose how to respond to an arrest. Those who drive for a living have much more to lose after a DWI conviction than the average person.