Nawara Law
Law Offices Of Daniel D. Nawara, P.A.

CDL DUI in Florida | Protect Your Commercial License

CDL Holder Arrested for DUI in Florida

If you hold a commercial driver's license, a DUI is a threat to your career, not just your record. The CDL rules are stricter than the regular DUI rules, and they can apply even if you were driving your own car. Daniel D. Nawara is a former Twelfth Judicial Circuit prosecutor who defends DUI cases in Sarasota, Manatee and the surrounding counties.

Call or text (941) 920-5514 — I return calls and texts nights and weekends. Request a free consultation.

What's different for CDL holders

  • 0.04 in a commercial vehicle. The limit while operating a commercial motor vehicle is 0.04 — half the regular 0.08 limit.

  • Your personal car counts. A DUI conviction in any vehicle can disqualify your CDL.

  • No hardship license for commercial driving. A hardship license may let you drive your own car, but not a commercial vehicle.

  • Refusing a test can also lead to CDL disqualification. See refusing a breath test in Florida.

How long can I lose my CDL?

  • First DUI or refusal: generally at least 1 year of CDL disqualification.

  • First offense while hauling hazardous materials: at least 3 years.

  • Second DUI or refusal: lifetime disqualification, with limited reinstatement options.

See sections 322.61 and 322.64, Florida Statutes.

The 10-day deadline matters even more

The formal review hearing is often a CDL holder's best early chance to challenge the suspension and the evidence behind it. It must be requested within 10 days of the arrest. See the Florida DUI 10-day rule.

Protecting your livelihood in the criminal case

Because a DUI conviction can disqualify a CDL, the outcome of the criminal case matters more than usual — including whether a reduction such as reckless driving is available and how a plea is worded. Talk to a lawyer before you accept any offer.

How I review a CDL DUI case

  • The reason for the stop and the body-camera and dash-camera video.

  • Field sobriety exercises and how they were scored.

  • Breath or blood testing, including the observation period and instrument records. See breath test defense.

  • Whether you were operating a commercial motor vehicle, and what that changes.

CDL driver arrested for DUI in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice or Lakewood Ranch? Call or text (941) 920-5514 — nights and weekends too. Free consultation; payment plans available.

This page is general information, not legal advice for your situation.