Commercial DWI Violations In New Jersey
If you have been arrested for DWI and have a commercial driver's license, you are subject to the same penalties as a DWI for an individual with only a basic driver's license. The primary difference with CDL licensed drivers is that they also face the penalty of a separate suspension for their commercial driver's license if convicted. This could affect one's ability to work if their job is contingent on the use of a commercial vehicle.
According to New Jersey statute, a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .04% constitutes grounds for a DWI charge for CDL licensed drivers if suspected of drunk driving while operating a commercial vehicle. If a person with a CDL is driving a passenger vehicle when stopped under the suspicion of a DWI, the 0.08% BAC level applies. A CDL licensed driver with a first offense DWI conviction will automatically receive a one year CDL revocation in addition to his or her 3-12 month basic driver's license suspension. A second offense will result in a lifetime revocation of his or her CDL license. The CDL license suspension penalty will be enforced regardless of whether or not the defendant was operating a commercial vehicle at the time of the DWI arrest.
1st Offense CDL DWI Penalties
- 3 month basic driver's license suspension
- 1 year CDL license suspension
- $250-$400 in fines
- 12-48 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC)
- Up to 30 days in jail
1st Offense CDL DWI Penalties (BAC of .10% or higher)
- 7 months-1 year basic driver's license suspension
- 1 year CDL license suspension
- $300-$500 in fines
- 12-48 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC)
- Up to 30 days in jail
2nd Offense CDL DWI Penalties
- 2 years basic driver's license suspension
- Lifetime CDL license revocation
- $500-$1,000 in fines
- 12-48 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center (IDRC)
- 48 hours-90 days in jail
- 30 days community service
