Little Helpful Hint for Newbies

I believe it's the same in every state for CDL drivers. It's set by the Feds.

 

From what I've heard, they can shut you down at .02% and if so, it would be very unwise to even have a beer if you're going to be back behind the wheel before the end of the day. I don't see why you couldn't have a couple beers after you're done driving for the day though. Your liver can process ~1 drink per hour so it's well out of your system by morning.

 

Yes, a .02 will get you sidelined for a minimum of 24 hours. A .04 is the legal limit with CDL holders, and yes it is a federal law.

 

Another point to remember folks is that if an officer feels your impaired, he will arrest you and you will be prosecuted even if you blow a .05 in a personal car without a CDL. So going by the guideline of .08 is pretty stupid for someone who's license is their job. As far as drinking at all while on the road, when you go hop in the driver's seat to start your day, your BAC should be 0.0. If you aren't responsible enough to only have a beer or two at dinner or whatever before hitting the sleeper for 8-10 hours, don't have any. I've seen drivers walking the line and touching their nose at scales before, and it's not pretty.

Also, for most of you Newbies, your companies will have a zero tolerance for drinking while in possession of their truck. Back when I was a Newbie, if your truck wasn't at a terminal or company approved drop location, you could NOT drink, even on home time. I leased to a company a few years back for a very short period of time, and the company had zero tolerance for drinking while at orientation. The hotel had a bar in it, and if you were caught in it you were fired for an alcohol related cause. Imagine what that will look like on your DAC. The maids were also told to report any alcohol in the rooms. Driving truck and drinking doesn't mix.

 

Why would you even want to take the chance?!

If you are doing crap like that out there you fully deserve what ever they throw at you! You never know who is watching out there either!

Save the drinking for home time.

 

We had a guy come back from lunch drunk, not just with booze on his breath but drunk. And this was while we were in orientation. Some of the other drivers said they seen him sitting in his car during lunch drinking. What a MORON.

 

I don't know why anyone would chance this. I don't drink period but you have a 100000 pound missile in your hands. Why even get close to the truck while drinking?

 

Like everyone is saying it's up to the officer if you're going to jail. And it would be extremely stupid to risk your livelihood because you want to drive after drinking. It's so easy to plan to party no matter where you go.

However, the question that comes up ALL the time is when people fail to read the law about the limits for CDL holders and DUI's. All the states that I have researched always say the same thing. You BAC can not be over .04% WHILE OPERATING A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE. It doesn't say your BAC can not be over .04% while driving ANY vehicle, only while driving a CMV. Now I have heard that there are some states that clearly spell it out and say while operating any vehicle but I haven't seen those state laws yet. So if you have a state that does say any vehicle please send it to me.

 

Now that's an issue that needs to be taken to safety. He jeopardizes everyone around him. Everyone should take action now before it's too late.