CDL DUI Defense in CaliforniaCalifornia Vehicle Code § 23152(d)
Free Consultation.DUI and Commercial Driver's Licenses in California
Commercial drivers in California are held to a stricter standard than regular drivers. Under Vehicle Code § 23152(d), it is illegal to operate a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher — half the 0.08% limit for non-commercial drivers. Even if you were driving your personal vehicle at the time of the DUI arrest, a conviction can cost you your CDL and your livelihood.
CDL Disqualification Periods
A first DUI offense results in a mandatory one-year CDL disqualification — even if you were not driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the offense. If you were transporting hazardous materials when arrested, the first-offense disqualification is three years. A second DUI conviction results in lifetime CDL disqualification with no opportunity for reinstatement. The federal government imposes these rules nationwide, so there is no way to get a hardship license that covers commercial driving during a disqualification period.
Protecting Your Career
For professional truck drivers, bus drivers, and others who depend on a CDL for their livelihood, a DUI charge is a career-ending threat. Our attorneys fight aggressively to avoid conviction through every available means — challenging the traffic stop, the accuracy of BAC testing, the chain of custody of blood samples, and the propriety of the field sobriety evaluation. Even a reduction to a wet reckless may allow you to preserve your CDL.
Both DMV and Criminal Proceedings
CDL holders face both the standard criminal DUI proceedings and separate DMV action affecting their commercial license. Our attorneys handle both proceedings simultaneously, requesting the DMV hearing within the 10-day window and mounting parallel defenses in both forums.
Contact Virtuoso Law — Available 24/7
If your CDL and livelihood are at stake, call Virtuoso Criminal and DUI Lawyers at (833) 666-5245 immediately. Time is critical — you have only 10 days from arrest to protect your driving privileges.