Can You Get a CDL with a DUI in Nevada?

If you have a drunk driving conviction on your record, you might be wondering if you can get your CDL (commercial driver’s license) with a DUI in Nevada. Although state law does not categorically prohibit individuals with DUIs on their record from obtaining CDLs, practically speaking, such records can hurt an applicant’s employment prospects in the industry. 

Understanding CDL Requirements in Nevada

Nevada imposes several requirements for an individual applying for a commercial license, including that they must:

• Be at least 18 to operate a commercial motor vehicle carrying non-hazardous cargo in interstate commerce, 21 to operate a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce or a vehicle carrying passengers and placarded hazardous materials, and 25 to operate an overlength vehicle.
• Obtain a medical examination card from a certified medical examiner unless operating a commercial vehicle in an excepted capacity that does not require a medical examination.
• Certify that one does not have a currently suspended, revoked, or canceled driver’s license in any state.
• Complete entry-level commercial driver training.
• Take a vision test and pass the written basic CDL knowledge test for the class of vehicle the applicant wishes to drive.

DUI Laws in Nevada

Under Nevada DUI laws, a motorist is considered to be driving under the influence when they operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent, or 0.04 percent for CDL holders operating commercial vehicles. However, motorists may face arrest and conviction for DUI with a lower level of alcohol in their system that impairs their ability to operate a vehicle safely or for having prohibited substances in their system. According to Nevada law, a DUI conviction carries penalties that include jail time, community service instead of jail time, fines, DUI school or substance abuse treatment, an ignition interlock requirement, or a license revocation. 

Can You Get Your CDL With a DUI?

A person can still qualify for a CDL despite having a DUI conviction on their record. Nevada requires that a CDL applicant not have a currently suspended, revoked, or canceled driver’s license. Thus, you might apply for a CDL if you’ve reinstated your driver’s license following a DUI conviction.

Maintaining a CDL with a DUI

Because the law holds commercial drivers to a stricter standard of safety, driving a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries severe penalties. A first DUI offense while driving a commercial vehicle may result in a one-year suspension of the motorist’s CDL or a three-year suspension if transporting hazardous materials. However, a second DUI conviction may result in a permanent revocation of your CDL with no opportunity for reinstatement. 

Legal and Employment Considerations

Even though a person can obtain a CDL with a DUI conviction on their record, they might struggle to find a job in the commercial trucking industry. Employers run background checks that would reveal a DUI conviction, which many consider a disqualifying factor. Even if an employer would consider hiring CDL drivers with a DUI conviction, the employer’s insurance policy may prohibit it from doing so. Commercial drivers with DUI convictions may also face increased insurance costs. 

Contact Our Nevada DUI Attorneys to Learn More

Have you been arrested on suspicion or convicted of DUI in Nevada? An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the potential effects on your commercial driving career and protect your rights and future. Contact Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law today for an initial, confidential consultation with our Nevada DUI defense attorneys to discuss your legal options.