Car driving on a city street at night

Yes. Under federal rules, a DUI conviction in any vehicle counts against your CDL. That includes your personal car, pickup or motorcycle.

Which limit applies off duty

In your personal vehicle, your state’s normal limit applies (0.08 in most states, 0.05 in Utah). The 0.04 limit applies only while operating a commercial motor vehicle. Once you are convicted, though, the CDL disqualification is the same: at least one year for a first offense and lifetime for a second.

No hardship license for commercial driving

Some states issue restricted or hardship licenses for personal driving after a DUI. Federal rules do not allow those to cover commercial driving, so you cannot drive a CMV during the disqualification period.

Refusals count too

Refusing a chemical test in your personal vehicle is also a major offense for a CDL holder. Read more about refusing a breath test.

Check before you drive

Driver holding a handheld breathalyzer in a carSafety

Fuel Cell Breathalyzer

A more accurate personal check than cheap sensor models. Useful for drivers held to a 0.04 limit and the four hour rule.

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Driver taking a breathalyzer test through the car windowSafety

BACtrack Breathalyzers

Popular consumer brand with fuel cell options and app connected models.

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Highway view from the driver seat behind a semi truckProtection

Dual Dash Cam for Trucks

Front and cab footage can document a stop or crash exactly as it happened.

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CommercialDUI.com is an independent information resource for commercial drivers. We are not a law firm and nothing on this site is legal advice. Laws change and vary by state, so confirm details with your state licensing agency or a licensed attorney.