The pitfalls of a DWI when having a commercial driver's license in Texas.
Most people know their Texas driver's license will be suspended if they blow over the legal limit of .08. For a first time DWI offender the suspension period would be for 90 days in that instance.
However, the Texas legislature has made it stricter for someone with a commercial driver's license. A person who holds a commercial driver's license will lose their driving privilege for a period of one year if: (a) they have been convicted, for the first time, of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics; (b) they refuse to submit to a test to determine the level of alcohol in their body; (c) if their blood, breath or urine test determines there was an alcohol level of .04 or more while operating the commercial vehicle in a public place; or (d) if there was an alcohol level of .08 or more while operating a motor vehicle (not a commercial vehicle) in a public place.
Since there are several ways someone may lose their commercial driver's license it is in the person's best interest not to drink at all while driving their commercial vehicle. Even if they are not driving their commercial and later found not guilty of DWI their license may still be suspended if they blew over .08. There is just too much at stake for someone that needs their commercial license to make a living to drink and drive in any circumstance.
