Commercial DUI (CDL) Cases in Florida: What Bus/Truck Drivers Must Know

For commercial drivers, a DUI arrest in Florida can be devastating. Unlike standard DUI cases, commercial DUI charges carry stricter rules and harsher penalties. Professional drivers—such as truckers and bus operators—rely on their commercial driver’s license (CDL) for their livelihood. Losing it can mean losing a career, income, and stability.

If you are a CDL holder facing a DUI in Florida, consulting an experienced dui attorney in Fort Pierce is not optional—it’s essential. The stakes are far too high to risk handling the case alone.

In this article, we’ll break down Florida’s commercial DUI laws, the penalties for CDL drivers, and the defense strategies that skilled criminal defense lawyers in Fort Pierce use to protect their clients.

Florida’s CDL DUI Rules: Lower BAC Threshold

Most Florida drivers face DUI charges if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. But for CDL holders, the threshold is much stricter.

BAC Limit for CDL Drivers: Just 0.04% while operating a commercial vehicle.
BAC Limit in Personal Vehicle: Standard 0.08%, but consequences still impact CDL status.

This means that even one or two drinks could put a commercial driver over the legal limit. Florida law reflects how seriously the state views public safety when it comes to large vehicles like buses and trucks.

Because of this strict standard, CDL drivers must be especially cautious. If charged, an experienced dui attorney in Fort Pierce can challenge whether testing equipment or procedures were properly handled.

Penalties for Commercial DUI in Florida

The penalties for CDL DUI are severe and can permanently alter a driver’s career.

First Offense CDL DUI

Immediate CDL suspension for 1 year (even if driving a personal car at the time of arrest).
Loss of ability to operate any commercial vehicle.
Possible probation, community service, or DUI school requirements.

Second Offense CDL DUI

Lifetime CDL disqualification (with very limited chances of reinstatement).
Heavier fines and court consequences.

Additional Consequences

Job loss or disqualification from trucking and bus companies.
Skyrocketing insurance costs or policy cancellations.
A permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks.

Because penalties are career-ending for CDL drivers, it’s crucial to contact criminal defense lawyers in Fort Pierce immediately after an arrest to begin building a defense.

How CDL DUI Affects Your Career

For most people, a DUI means fines, license suspension, and possibly probation. But for commercial drivers, the consequences extend far beyond legal penalties:

Employment Impact: Trucking and bus companies have zero-tolerance policies for DUI convictions.
Professional Licensing: A CDL suspension means you can no longer legally operate commercial vehicles.
Future Opportunities: Even if you find work later, most companies won’t hire drivers with DUI records.
A DUI arrest doesn’t just threaten your license—it threatens your livelihood. This is why hiring a skilled dui attorney in Fort Pierce who knows how to defend CDL cases is so important.

Common Defense Strategies for CDL DUI Cases

Every DUI case is unique. Skilled criminal defense lawyers in Fort Pierce carefully examine the facts to uncover weaknesses in the state’s case. Some common defense strategies include:

1. Challenging the Traffic Stop

Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull over a commercial driver. If the stop was unlawful, evidence may be excluded.

2. Questioning Chemical Test Accuracy

Breathalyzers and blood tests must be properly calibrated and administered. Even small errors can lead to false results, especially since the CDL BAC limit is so low (0.04%).

3. Field Sobriety Test Issues

Field tests are subjective and influenced by factors such as fatigue, medical conditions, or poor instructions from officers.

4. Violations of Rights

If officers failed to follow proper procedures, such as reading Miranda rights or conducting lawful searches, the case can be challenged.

5. Alternative Explanations

Medical issues like diabetes or acid reflux, as well as certain diets, can mimic signs of impairment or produce false-positive breathalyzer results.

A strong defense can make the difference between a CDL suspension and a full case dismissal. That’s why consulting an experienced dui attorney in Fort Pierce immediately is critical.

Why Hiring a DUI Attorney for CDL Cases Matters

Commercial DUI charges are not just traffic violations—they are career-ending threats. CDL drivers need defense representation that understands:

The unique laws governing commercial drivers.
The higher standards applied in CDL DUI cases.
The long-term impact on employment and livelihood.

At M. Jordi Zaragoza, P.A., we specialize in defending CDL holders against DUI charges. As trusted criminal defense lawyers in Fort Pierce, we know how to investigate every detail, challenge the state’s evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

Our mission is simple: Protect your license, your career, and your future.

📍 Office Address: 130 S Indian River Dr suite 202 office 218, Fort Pierce, FL 34950, United States
📞 Call: 772-828-1143
📧 Email: matzar@bellsouth.net

Don’t risk your livelihood—contact us today for a confidential consultation.

FAQs About CDL DUI in Florida

1. Can I keep my CDL if I get a DUI in my personal vehicle?

No. Florida law requires CDL disqualification for one year after a DUI, even if the offense occurred while driving your own car.

2. Is there any way to get a CDL back after a second DUI?

In most cases, no. A second CDL DUI often results in lifetime disqualification. That’s why it’s vital to work with an experienced dui attorney in Fort Pierce after your first arrest.

3. Do commercial drivers have any chance of avoiding suspension?

Yes. With the right defense, evidence can be challenged, charges reduced, or in some cases, dismissed. A skilled team of criminal defense lawyers in Fort Pierce can give you the best chance.