On October 1, 2008, a new rule will be in effect for commercial vehicle drivers who get convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (aka DUI or DWI) in Florida. The new Florida rule provides that any commercial semi truck driver who gets convicted of a DUI will have his/her commercial driver’s license (CDL) suspended for one year from the date of the conviction. This is true whether the DUI crime occurred while driving a commercial vehicle or a personal vehicle. If a semi truck driver gets a second DUI conviction after October 1, 2008 (either in his/her commercial or personal vehicle), he/she faces a permanent revocation of his/her CDL (A CDL is required to drive a truck commercially.)
If you have been arrested for DUI in Jacksonville or the North Florida area, it is important to contact a lawyer immediately so that you understand your rights and the penalties you may be facing. The DUI laws change frequently so you should contact a lawyer who is up to date on all of the recent updates in DUI law.