Is it legal to carry a bottle of alcohol on the truck in a toolbox?

My short story was a union lineman, company got him for it being in the company vehicle. He was negative for testing. Still violated company policy.

Made me buy alcohol free mouth wash since. And labeled alcohol free.

I might debate everyone's opinion on here about alcohol in the truck, because the law is clear. You can transport alcohol for person consumption in a CMV in certain times. It does not mean I do it.

 

The fair argument that someone could put up is how if one wishes to purchase a can of beer or a bottle of whiskey then transport the product back to their motel? Can a driver not have some alcohol during his compulsory 36 hour lay off? So do they expect the driver to use a taxi or hire a car and then buy the product???? Can one get home delivery from a bottle shop ( liquor store) ?

 

Sometimes I rather give what I consider a real-world real situational reply. In all honesty, what are the chances you will get caught by a cop for having some beer in your cooler? That chance is VERY low provided you are not drunk and have not drunk anything in the last 8 hours. Even during a DOT inspection, the chances are not that much higher. Now don't take my words as a license to have alcohol in the truck. I'm saying this because I speak to drivers a lot and I have spoken to drivers that do keep beer in their coolers from time to time. Most of the time they tell me they bought a 6 pack and had some left over.

Here is the primary issue with doing this. If you have anything happen like an accident and you have alcohol in that truck chances are you are going to see some enhancement of the charges against you. It is possible if other circumstances are present to also have your CDL suspended.

I highly advise that a driver of a CMV not have alcohol in the vehicle. Most places sell singles and I would be willing to bet that at least 95% of all truck stops either sell alcohol or there is a place within a reasonable distance that does. Even though the chance of getting caught is low, why risk it?

 

It takes on average 80 times driving drunk before you get caught so yes the odds are low and would be much, much lower for those that are just transporting alcohol. At the end of the day though is it worth the risk, even as low as it is to lose your right to work in the commercial trucking industry.

 

I don't know if that number is true or not, but I'll assume it's in the ballpark.
That's why I hate the teem "Second chance" companies. It's not a second chance, it's the 59th to 100th time.

 

Thats why if I decide to have a couple of beers on my 10 hr. break. I drink them, then dispose the empty's in the trash. Plenty of TS that have beer to go or some restaurants within walking distance will sell frosty beverages. Have a meal and toss one back.

I know some guys will keep a 6pk in the fridge. Generally speaking, no one is going to look for a random inspection. I have never had my truck searched. However, if there is an accident, they can.

 

Actually the Peroxoide and Glycerine would be considered denaturants although the company and/or inspecting officer might not think so.

I know the Vet uses peroxide to make a dog upchuck things they should not have eaten; your mileage may vary.

 

Seen this actually happen. Driver was not at fault for a rollover. Ohio State Patrol doing investigation, opens fridge and its full of beer. Counts them, added to inventory, asked us if we wanted a beer, shut the refrigerator and nothing was every said to anyone. Nothing happened. I would agree this is illegal, driver was on duty driving. I don't think all officers would let it slid. But I did witness it with my own eyes. Kinda shocked. Driver was not at fault and not under the influence.

 

That is nuts, only place to have it is in your system!!!