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 Rhode Island, it is indeed a criminal offense for a person to operate a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04 or higher, which is in line with federal regulations. This BAC limit for commercial drivers is stricter than the .08 limit for non-commercial drivers. For CDL holders in Rhode Island, the consequences of a DUI/DWI are severe and can significantly impact their livelihood. Upon a first DUI/DWI offense, a CDL holder faces a one-year suspension of their commercial driver's license. If a CDL holder commits a second DUI/DWI offense, they may be permanently disqualified from holding a CDL. These regulations are designed to promote safety on the roads and ensure that commercial drivers adhere to stricter standards due to the potential risks associated with operating larger vehicles. The specific laws governing DUI/DWI offenses for CDL holders in Rhode Island can be found in the state's General Laws, particularly within the sections pertaining to motor vehicles.