Blood Alcohol when driving personal vehicle

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by calmar_1955, Jul 19, 2007.

Page 1 of 3
  1. calmar_1955

    calmar_1955 Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2007
    Messages:
    54
    Thanks Received:
    9
    Location:
    Iowa
    0
    Here's a topic I haven't seen talked about: Blood alcohol levels while driving personal vehicles.

    Did you know once you get your CDL, your blood alcohol level at which you can be charged with drunk driving while operating your non-CDL vehicle is also 0.02?

    A co-worker got nailed - he blew a 0.04, and felt he was safe when he got the eye-opener! Technically, he lost his license to drive a non-CDL vehicle, but it was still an OWI on his record.

    Talk about an expensive education!
     
    calmar_1955, Jul 19, 2007
    #1
  2. TopShelf

    TopShelf Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2006
    Messages:
    52
    Thanks Received:
    2
    0
    That's why you don't blow.
     
    TopShelf, Jul 19, 2007
    #2
  3. Hitman

    Hitman Mr. Gamer

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2006
    Messages:
    2,476
    Thanks Received:
    15,509
    Location:
    Tioga, PA
    0
    That's why you don't drink and drive.
     
    Hitman, Jul 19, 2007
    #3
  4. Scuby

    Scuby Heavy Load Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2007
    Messages:
    816
    Thanks Received:
    235
    0
    In Cali its .01. The Federal Government and the states believes (correctly so) having a CDL means your a professional and should know better. I know this is harsh, but your friend lost his/her ability to drive a CMV for 3-5 years since most companies won't hire till then. When I have a beer I stay put or take a cab.
     
    Scuby, Jul 19, 2007
    #4
  5. Baack

    Baack Road Train Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2007
    Messages:
    15,294
    Thanks Received:
    10,174
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    0
    Ohboy I have heard more than once about the"I just used mouth wash" thing.

    Morning breath here we come!!!
     
    Baack, Jul 19, 2007
    #5
  6. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2006
    Messages:
    18,756
    Thanks Received:
    45,806
    Location:
    the road less travelled
    0
    Having a CDL is akin to having a target painted on your back just waiting for someone that doesn't like truckers and is in Law Enforcement to tag you. Some believe that any drinking by anyone with the credentials to operate a CMV is an undue threat to public safety. Some are out to change the world, and feel justified in doing whatever it takes to remove drivers from CMVs.

    All this being said, do not drink in public at all and be very careful if you do drink not to even get into a vehicle with the keys until you have had time to metabolize the alcohol. It doesn't matter if it's a car or your sleeper, having the means to drive it might be considered the same as driving it. I turn down lots of drinks at receptions and parties.
     
    25(2)+2, Jul 19, 2007
    #6
  7. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2005
    Messages:
    6,257
    Thanks Received:
    4,365
    Location:
    Vegas/Jersey
    0
    I don't know if I believe that one or not. You'd have to show me where it says in the law that the laws are different for you just because you hold a CDL. I know my company would let you go if you got a DWI in your car and that's because of the insurance requirements they have. But to charge you for a crime in your POV that is meant for trucks IMHO is ridiculous. I'd have to see the law. BTW I don't drink and hate drunk drivers.
     
    GasHauler, Jul 19, 2007
    #7
  8. rex

    rex Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2007
    Messages:
    196
    Thanks Received:
    488
    Location:
    Colorado
    0
    I'm with Gashauler here. I can't find any such law in my rulebook but I only know the laws in the seven states I run in so I can't speak about everywhere. Could someone be pulling your leg or only giving you part of the story? Did you hear this in a truckstop or over the CB? (lol) By the way, I hate drunks too, Gas...
    rx
     
    rex, Jul 19, 2007
    #8
  9. Scuby

    Scuby Heavy Load Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2007
    Messages:
    816
    Thanks Received:
    235
    0
    Well at this point to me the new Cali law is a rumor, but like I said if I had a beer I stay put or take a cab. I'm not risking my license or job to test that rumor.
     
    Scuby, Jul 19, 2007
    #9
  10. Baack

    Baack Road Train Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2007
    Messages:
    15,294
    Thanks Received:
    10,174
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    0
    I dont know the exact law.

    Either way they enforce it.

    I have read more than a few times about drivers busted in their reg 4 wheeler and
    held to the CDL standard.
     
    Baack, Jul 19, 2007
    #10
Page 1 of 3