DUI and Hazmat Question

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Gabbadj, Mar 24, 2026 at 10:15 AM.

  1. Mar 24, 2026 at 10:15 AM #1
    Gabbadj

    Gabbadj Bobtail Member

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    I just got a DUI while driving my own personal vehicle. I've been working as a hazmat driver for the last few years. In this situation do I lose my license for 1 year or 3 years? Will I lose my hazmat endorsement for 3 years?
     
    Gabbadj, Mar 24, 2026 at 10:15 AM
    Gabbadj, Mar 24, 2026 at 10:15 AM
    #1
    austinmike and tscottme Thank this.
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  3. Mar 24, 2026 at 10:51 AM #2
    pete159

    pete159 Light Load Member

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    Fight and delay it as long as possible.
    Hire a lawyer
    If you were pulling hazmat at the time it's 3 years no CDL.
     
    pete159, Mar 24, 2026 at 10:51 AM
    pete159, Mar 24, 2026 at 10:51 AM
    #2
  4. Mar 24, 2026 at 11:01 AM #3
    Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    Get a lawyer, yes.
    Notify your employer of the citation. Consult with your employers safety dept. regarding your options.
    Congratulations on the bonehead action of the year.
    If you were my employee, you would be terminated, immediately.
     
    Lazer, Mar 24, 2026 at 11:01 AM
    Lazer, Mar 24, 2026 at 11:01 AM
    #3
    Lonesome and mitrucker Thank this.
  5. Mar 24, 2026 at 11:06 AM #4
    Gabbadj

    Gabbadj Bobtail Member

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    I wasn't working at the time and driving my personal car. Fighting this doesn't seem to be the right way to go. Cases in Wisconsin are almost never dismissed and I it seems that everything was done by the book. The idea of paying 10K or more while taking a huge pay cut frightens me. Still it looks like I'll be screwed for 6 to 12 months and I'll probably never drive a commercial truck again. I was hired straight out of CDL school and have zero experience driving tractor trailer.
     
    Gabbadj, Mar 24, 2026 at 11:06 AM
    Gabbadj, Mar 24, 2026 at 11:06 AM
    #4
  7. Mar 24, 2026 at 11:12 AM #5
    Gabbadj

    Gabbadj Bobtail Member

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    I do believe that I will be terminated from my driving position, I might be able to get a non driving position. It's been about 50/50 on getting a lawyer. In Wisconsin a first time offense isn't criminal and the states job is pretty easy to get a civil conviction. The penalties are pretty cut and dry and there is little room to negotiate any sort of plea. Still I am talking to a few lawyers in the area and a few have given me a tiny bit of hope.
     
    Gabbadj, Mar 24, 2026 at 11:12 AM
    Gabbadj, Mar 24, 2026 at 11:12 AM
    #5
  8. Mar 24, 2026 at 3:57 PM #6
    tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    Federal Register :: Request Access

    It looks like DUI conviction in personal vehicle (BAC 0.04 +) leads to 1 year CDL disqualification. I don't see DUI has any impact on HazMat unless you operated CMV with HM while impaired. Of course, if your CDL is disqualified, then you no longer have a HazMat, or other endorsement for that DQ period. TSA doesn't mention alcohol or DUI as Permanent or Temporary DQ. So I'm guessing that after 1 year you can reapply for CDL. I don't know if you have to retake the road test and computer tests for your endorsements or not. My guess is you would need to pass road/endorsement tests again.
     
    tscottme, Mar 24, 2026 at 3:57 PM
    tscottme, Mar 24, 2026 at 3:57 PM
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    Lonesome Thanks this.
  9. Mar 24, 2026 at 7:06 PM #7
    silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    Suggestion: Start going to AA meetings and listen to other people tell their story. Then you can figure out if you have alcoholism.

    It used to be considered a character defect but now it's treated like a disease and that can work out in your favor.
     
    silverspur, Mar 24, 2026 at 7:06 PM
    silverspur, Mar 24, 2026 at 7:06 PM
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    austinmike Thanks this.
  10. Mar 24, 2026 at 7:10 PM #8
    panty snacher

    panty snacher Light Load Member

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    Why are you worried about your haz mats for ?You just got a dui do you believe you’re going to be driving a commercial vehicle anytime soon
     
    panty snacher, Mar 24, 2026 at 7:10 PM
    panty snacher, Mar 24, 2026 at 7:10 PM
    #8
  11. Mar 24, 2026 at 7:22 PM #9
    austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    Hire a lawyer. You should be fine. Best of Luck ~
     
    austinmike, Mar 24, 2026 at 7:22 PM
    austinmike, Mar 24, 2026 at 7:22 PM
    #9
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