In Arizona, commercial drivers are subject to the same penalties as any other drivers if found guilty of a BAC over .04. This rings true for first-time offenses and repeat offenses alike. The charges are prosecuted and treated the same way. However, the possession of a CDL subjects commercial drivers to additional penalties on top of the normal sentence because of their specialized trade. If convicted, the driver's CDL will be disqualified for at least one year and their regular driver's license for at least 90 days.
Commercial drivers face at least five years' probation for a DUI conviction and will have 8 points added to their driving record. A second DUI offense for a commercial driver within their lifetime can result in the permanent disqualification of their CDL. If the driver refuses to participate in a blood alcohol test at the time of the traffic stop, their CDL will be suspended for one year regardless of the test results. Likewise, refusal to comply in a second-time arrest can result in permanent loss of a commercial driver's license.
Legal penalties of commercial driver DUI are not the only consequences associated with conviction. Because commercial drivers rely on their ability to use their CDL to earn a livelihood, suspension or disqualification of the CDL can have negative implications for their quality of life and their family's quality of life. The inability to earn wages through their job will affect their finances and having a DUI conviction on record can influence the decision of future employers. There is simply too much at stake for commercial drivers facing DUI conviction, which emphasizes the need for aggressive and effective defense against the charges.