The Impact of DUIs on CDLs

Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri

Kara McNabb • March 5, 2025

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense, and when it comes to commercial drivers, the consequences can be even more severe. In Missouri, a DUI conviction not only affects your personal driving privileges but can have significant repercussions on your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). If you're a CDL holder or considering pursuing one, it's essential to understand how a DUI can impact your career and livelihood.



What is a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required for individuals who operate large or heavy vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles. It is designed to ensure that drivers are qualified and capable of safely operating these vehicles, given the potential risks they pose to themselves, passengers, and others on the road. Commercial drivers are held to higher standards due to the nature of their work, which is why a DUI conviction carries much harsher penalties for CDL holders than for regular drivers.



Missouri DUI Laws and Commercial Drivers

In Missouri, a DUI is defined as operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for non-commercial drivers. However, for commercial drivers, the legal threshold is significantly lower.



Commercial Drivers and BAC Limits:

  • For CDL holders in Missouri, the legal BAC limit is 0.04%. Even if your BAC is under 0.08%, you can still be charged with DUI if you are operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.


  • Refusing a chemical test can result in the automatic suspension of your CDL, even if you are not convicted of DUI.



Penalties for a DUI Conviction with a CDL

A DUI conviction has severe consequences for any driver, but for those holding a Commercial Driver's License, the stakes are much higher. Here are some of the key consequences CDL holders in Missouri may face:

  1. First Offense DUI:

  • Suspension of CDL: A first-time DUI conviction can lead to the suspension of your CDL for a minimum of one year. This means you will be prohibited from operating any commercial vehicle, which can effectively end your career as a professional driver.


  • No driving a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher: Even if your DUI conviction doesn’t result in a suspension, you are prohibited from driving a commercial vehicle if your BAC is 0.04% or greater, regardless of the circumstances.


  • Employment Impact: Many companies will terminate or suspend your employment if you are convicted of DUI. The damage to your reputation within the industry can be long-lasting, making it difficult to find future work as a commercial driver.


   2. Second or Subsequent Offenses:

  • Lifetime CDL Disqualification: If you are convicted of a DUI a second time while holding a CDL, you can face a lifetime disqualification from driving a commercial vehicle. This penalty can be reduced to a period of 10 years if certain conditions are met, such as completion of rehabilitation or other legal processes.


  • Hardship License: In some cases, a driver may be eligible for a hardship license, which allows them to drive a personal vehicle but not a commercial vehicle. However, this is generally not an option for those who have multiple DUI convictions.


   3. Drug-Related DUI:

  • A DUI conviction involving drugs—whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substances—can result in a similar disqualification from driving a commercial vehicle. This is true even if the driver is not impaired in the traditional sense but tests positive for controlled substances.


Impact on Insurance and Employment

In addition to losing your CDL, a DUI conviction can make it extremely difficult to maintain affordable commercial vehicle insurance. Insurance premiums for commercial drivers who have been convicted of DUI can skyrocket, and some insurance companies may refuse coverage altogether. For those in the trucking industry, this can be a career-ending issue.



Options for CDL Holders After a DUI Conviction

While a DUI conviction can be devastating for CDL holders, all hope is not lost. There are some steps you can take to rebuild your career and possibly regain your driving privileges:



1. Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs: Successfully completing an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program can sometimes help reduce the length of your suspension or disqualification.

2. Appeals and Legal Defense: It’s possible to challenge a DUI conviction in court or seek reduced charges with the help of an experienced attorney. A skilled DUI lawyer may be able to help you avoid the full impact of a conviction or help you regain your CDL privileges sooner.

3. Hardship License: If you are able to prove that you need a vehicle to support your family or livelihood, you may be eligible for a hardship license that permits you to drive a personal vehicle but not a commercial one.



Prevention and Responsibility

The best way to avoid the severe consequences of a DUI for a CDL holder is simple: Don’t drink and drive. If you're a commercial driver, your livelihood depends on your ability to operate a vehicle safely and responsibly. The Missouri Department of Revenue and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hold commercial drivers to a higher standard. A DUI conviction can not only cost you your job but also impact your personal life and finances.


If you plan to drink, always arrange for an alternative means of transportation. Whether that means using a designated driver, taking a cab, or relying on public transportation, the risks associated with driving under the influence are simply not worth it.



Conclusion

The best way to avoid the severe consequences of a DUI for a CDL holder is simple: Don’t drink and drive. If you're a commercial driver, your livelihood depends on your ability to operate a vehicle safely and responsibly. The Missouri Department of Revenue and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hold commercial drivers to a higher standard. A DUI conviction can not only cost you your job but also impact your personal life and finances.


If you plan to drink, always arrange for an alternative means of transportation. Whether that means using a designated driver, taking a cab, or relying on public transportation, the risks associated with driving under the influence are simply not worth it.



This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.

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By Alyssa Finder • February 13, 2026
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By Alyssa Finder • February 13, 2026
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Cole County Pedestrian Injury

By Alyssa Finder • February 11, 2026
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By Alyssa Finder • February 11, 2026
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Morgan County Car Crash

By Alyssa Finder • January 28, 2026
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By Alyssa Finder • January 27, 2026
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