Yes. A DUI conviction in Maryland can result in CDL disqualification, even if the offense occurred while driving a personal vehicle. For commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, the legal consequences are much more severe than for standard drivers.
Under Maryland Transportation Article § 16-812, commercial drivers face a one-year disqualification of their CDL for a first-time DUI. If the DUI occurred while transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification period increases to three years. A second offense can result in a lifetime CDL revocation, although reinstatement may be possible after 10 years in certain cases.
CDL DUI Limits in Maryland
For drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.04%, half the limit for non-commercial drivers (0.08%). Even a BAC between 0.04% and 0.08% can lead to an out-of-service order and civil penalties, even if it doesn’t rise to the level of a criminal DUI charge.
CDL Disqualification for DUI in a Personal Vehicle
Many commercial drivers don’t realize that a DUI arrest while off duty or driving a private vehicle can still impact their CDL. Maryland follows federal CDL disqualification rules under 49 CFR § 383.51, which apply regardless of the vehicle type involved in the offense.
This means a DUI in your own car—if it leads to a conviction or administrative license suspension—can still result in a CDL suspension or revocation.
Administrative Penalties vs. Criminal Penalties
Maryland DUI cases involve two tracks:
- Administrative penalties through the Maryland MVA, including CDL disqualification, interlock device requirements, and license suspensions.
- Criminal penalties through the courts, which may include jail time, fines, and probation.
Commercial drivers must act quickly. You have only 30 days after your DUI arrest to request a hearing to challenge the suspension of your license.
Impact on Employment for CDL Holders
Most commercial employers have zero-tolerance policies for DUI convictions. Even a short-term CDL suspension can:
- Result in immediate job loss
- Make it difficult to secure future driving employment
- Disqualify you from contracts requiring a clean driving record
For self-employed drivers or owner-operators, a suspended CDL can pause or destroy your business operations, especially in regulated industries like trucking, construction, or hazmat transportation.
Can You Fight a CDL DUI in Maryland?
Yes, you can—and you should. A skilled Southern Maryland criminal defense lawyer can help you:
- Challenge the legality of the traffic stop or arrest
- Contest the breath or blood test results
- Negotiate reduced charges that may avoid CDL disqualification
- Represent you in both criminal court and MVA administrative hearings
In some cases, you may qualify for probation before judgment (PBJ), which can protect your regular license but does not protect your CDL. CDL holders are not eligible for shielding under PBJ when it comes to disqualification.
Why You Need a CDL DUI Defense Lawyer
If you’re a commercial driver facing a DUI charge in Maryland, your career, income, and livelihood are on the line. Don’t go it alone. At Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we represent truckers, delivery drivers, and tradespeople throughout Charles, Prince George’s, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties.
We know how to fight DUI charges while protecting your commercial license and your future.
Get Help Now: Free DUI Consultation
If you’ve been charged with a CDL DUI in Maryland, contact us today. The sooner you act, the better your chances of saving your license—and your job.
