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 Oklahoma, it is indeed a criminal offense for a commercial vehicle operator to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04 or higher, which is in line with federal regulations. This lower BAC threshold reflects the increased responsibility and potential for harm associated with operating large commercial vehicles. For holders of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the consequences of a DUI/DWI are particularly severe. A first-time DUI/DWI offense can result in a one-year suspension of the CDL. If the individual is convicted of a DUI/DWI while transporting hazardous materials, the suspension period can extend to three years. A second DUI/DWI conviction can lead to a lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL, although there may be opportunities for reinstatement under certain conditions after 10 years. These regulations apply to CDL holders regardless of whether the offense occurred while driving a commercial or non-commercial vehicle. Oklahoma's laws regarding DUI/DWI offenses for CDL holders can be found in the state's statutes, specifically within the sections dealing with motor vehicle regulations.