In many states it is a criminal offense (DUI/DWI) to operate a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .04 or more—which is half of the BAC usually required to commit the DUI/DWI offense while driving a non-commercial vehicle. Because most holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) depend on their license to earn a living, the consequences of a DUI/DWI conviction for a CDL holder—including a conviction while operating a non-commercial vehicle—are serious.

Laws vary from state to state but a CDL holder’s license may be suspended for one year for the first offense, and with a second DUI/DWI conviction the CDL holder may be permanently disqualified from holding a CDL.

These laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the vehicle code, motor vehicle code, or transportation code.

In Idaho, the regulations for DUI/DWI offenses for commercial vehicle drivers are indeed stricter compared to non-commercial drivers. Under Idaho law, a commercial driver is prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04 or higher, which is indeed half the BAC limit for non-commercial drivers. For CDL holders, the consequences of a DUI/DWI conviction can be severe, especially considering their reliance on their license for employment. A first-time DUI/DWI offense can result in a one-year suspension of the CDL. If a CDL holder commits a second DUI/DWI offense, they face the possibility of being permanently disqualified from holding a CDL. These regulations are typically found in the state's vehicle or transportation codes. It's important for CDL holders to be aware of these stringent regulations and the potential impact on their livelihood.