[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/dui-convictions-can-hold-serious-consequences-commercial-drivers\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/dui-convictions-can-hold-serious-consequences-commercial-drivers\/","headline":"Consequences Of A DUI Conviction For Commercial Drivers In Phiadelphia","name":"Consequences Of A DUI Conviction For Commercial Drivers In Phiadelphia","description":"Section\u00a0383.51 of the Federal Code of Regulations\u00a0governs the disqualification of drivers holding a CDL or CLP from operating a commercial motor vehicle after certain \u201cmajor offenses.\u201d According to the\u00a0Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, such disqualifications only apply if the offense was committed while driving a commercial...","datePublished":"2017-03-14","dateModified":"2025-09-17","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/author\/brianzeiger\/#Person","name":"Brian Zeiger, LLC","url":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/author\/brianzeiger\/","identifier":12,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cb403eca94a17a864a2072734e4c5daa47399fd028c5fabaa5499fc0d7c474cf?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cb403eca94a17a864a2072734e4c5daa47399fd028c5fabaa5499fc0d7c474cf?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"The Zeiger Firm","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo.png","width":257,"height":59}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/dui-arrest-in-philadelphia.png","url":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/dui-arrest-in-philadelphia.png","height":333,"width":500},"url":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/dui-convictions-can-hold-serious-consequences-commercial-drivers\/","about":["Driving Under The Influence"],"wordCount":472,"articleBody":"Section\u00a0383.51 of the Federal Code of Regulations\u00a0governs the disqualification of drivers holding a CDL or CLP from operating a commercial motor vehicle after certain \u201cmajor offenses.\u201d According to the\u00a0Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, such disqualifications only apply if the offense was committed while driving a commercial motor vehicle, but state regulations may require suspension or revocation of your commercial driver\u2019s license even if the offense was committed in your private vehicle.\u00a0 A Philadelphia DWI\u00a0attorney\u00a0can help you determine how Pennsylvania commercial vehicle regulations apply to you.What are the Mandatory Federal Consequences for a DUI Conviction in Philadelphia?If you have been convicted of the following serious offenses while operating your commercial vehicle, then your CDL license is subject to suspension accordingly:Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol\u00a0\u2013 1st offense: 1-year suspension; 2nd offense: Lifetime revocation;\u00a0Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol while Transporting Hazardous Materials \u2013 1st offense: 3-year suspension; 2nd offense: Lifetime revocation;Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance: Same as above, andRefusing to Submit to Chemical Testing: Same as above.While such convictions will also carry serious criminal consequences, such as fines, jail time, and suspension of your personal license, they will also carry employment consequences.Pennsylvania DUI PenaltiesIf you are convicted of driving under the influence in Pennsylvania, you may be subject to the following consequences in addition to federal suspension of your commercial driver\u2019s license:First Offense: No minimum jail time, $300 fine, no license suspension;Second Offense: Up to six months in jail and one-year license suspension;Third Offense: Up to two years in jail, $5,000 in fines, and one-year license suspension.Career DUI ConsequencesAlthough federal and Pennsylvania consequences for a first-time DUI conviction may not seem severe, the real consequences present themselves in the private sector. Most private employers will likely terminate your employment upon a first-time conviction, and even after your license is reinstated, that conviction may remain on your driving record for life. Accordingly, many employers will not hire someone with a DUI conviction on his or her record, as it creates liability on their part for a tort called \u201cnegligent hiring\u201d and will increase their insurance rates. Even a first-time DUI conviction for commercial drivers can spell the end of your career.Contact\u00a0Philadelphia DUI\u00a0Attorney\u00a0Brian Zeiger to Discuss Your OptionsIf you hold a commercial driver\u2019s license and have been charged with driving under the influence either in your personal or commercial vehicle, contact a\u00a0Philadelphia criminal defense attorney\u00a0as soon as possible. An attorney will be able to analyze the facts of your case and discuss your options, and an experienced criminal defense attorney such as attorney\u00a0Brian Zeiger\u00a0may be able to get your charges dismissed or reduced.\u00a0Don\u2019t delay \u2013 contact us immediately at 215-546-0340 or\u00a0online. "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Consequences Of A DUI Conviction For Commercial Drivers In Phiadelphia","item":"https:\/\/brianzeiger.com\/blog\/dui-convictions-can-hold-serious-consequences-commercial-drivers\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]