Key Takeaways
- DUIs can suspend or revoke your CDL:
A first DUI can lead to a 1–3 year suspension. A second offense may result in permanent revocation. - You may be able to reinstate your CDL:
Reinstatement typically requires fulfilling court requirements, paying fees, and applying through the DMV. - Legal help can make a difference:
A skilled attorney may help reduce or dismiss DUI charges through legal defenses.
You can get a CDL with a DUI on your record, but there are certain limits.
If you have one DUI on your record, you must wait one year before applying for a CDL. If you already have a CDL, your privileges will be revoked for at least one year.
If you have two DUI’s on your record, you may be ineligible to apply for a CDL ever, and if you already have a CDL, the privilege can be revoked for a lifetime.
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required to operate a commercial vehicle, making it necessary for certain job positions. A CDL authorizes a driver to operate any:
- Commercial motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or heavier,
- Commercial vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or
- Vehicle transporting hazardous material.
Holding a CDL can increase an individual’s earning potential and make it easier to secure employment. To secure a CDL, you must meet several requirements, including submitting your driving record. A recent DUI may prevent you from securing your CDL until at least one year has passed.
An experienced DUI attorney can help compile the documents you need to apply for your CDL. If you are facing DUI charges, keep in mind that a conviction can limit your ability to secure a CDL.
Your CDL Shouldn’t Disappear Because Of One DUI
If you’re trying to build a commercial driving career, a DUI on your record can feel like a closed door—jobs, income, and your family’s stability all suddenly at risk.
You deserve clear answers and a real path forward.
Mark S. Rubinstein P.C. helps you understand what’s possible and how to protect your future.
Will I Lose My CDL If I Receive a DUI?
Colorado imposes stricter penalties for commercial vehicle drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol. Operating a commercial vehicle with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or above is called a commercial DUI. The BAC requirement for commercial vehicles is lower because the sheer size of commercial vehicles makes them more dangerous on the road, especially with an impaired driver behind the wheel.
Receiving a commercial DUI triggers a one-year revocation of your CDL. The revocation period for a first conviction increases to three years if you were transporting hazardous materials at the time of the alleged violation. A second commercial DUI can result in the permanent revocation of your CDL. Still, you can apply for reinstatement after ten years if you complete a state-approved drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.
Along with losing your CDL, you will face the criminal penalties for a DUI conviction.
How to Get Your CDL Reinstated
Once you complete your suspension period, you do not automatically receive your commercial driving privileges. Instead, you must take certain steps to reinstate your CDL. You must also complete the following:
- Pay reinstatement fees,
- Complete court-ordered activities,
- Attend a drug and alcohol treatment program,
- Install an ignition interlock device, if applicable, and
- Send your application to the DMV.
An attorney can help determine the steps you need to reinstate your CDL and compile the documents to send to the DMV.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Get a CDL After a DUI?
You must wait one to three years to reapply for a CDL after a DUI, depending on the state and whether it was a first or repeat offense. Most states, like Colorado, enforce a one-year disqualification for a first DUI and a lifetime ban for a second. Completing reinstatement steps is required.
If you have two DUI convictions, you may be ineligible to apply for a CDL. You may submit a CDL application after 10 years if you completed a state-approved drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.
How Can a Lawyer Help You Avoid a Commercial DUI Conviction?
One way an attorney can help you avoid a DUI conviction is by presenting proof of a legal defense. Several legal defenses could apply to your case and help with negotiating DUI charges. Examples of valid legal defenses include:
- Law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over;
- The testing equipment was not calibrated correctly;
- Your chemical test was collected incorrectly;
- Officers did not read you your implied consent advisement; or
- Another person was driving the vehicle.
If a legal defense puts an element of the DUI charge in doubt, the prosecutor may agree to reduce your charges. A DUI attorney can review the facts of your case and determine whether a legal claim applies to your charges. Then, we can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce your charges or dismiss them entirely.
A Clear Plan To Move Forward After A DUI—And Keep CDL Options Alive
When your record includes a DUI, it’s easy to assume your CDL goals are over—especially when employers, insurers, and licensing rules seem stacked against you.
But the details matter: timing, prior history, the type of driving involved, and how the case was handled can change what happens next.
Mark S. Rubinstein P.C. serves as your guide with the experience to spot leverage points and protect your future.
We’ll review your situation, explain your real options in plain language, and build a defense strategy designed to limit long-term damage.
The goal is simple: safeguard your license, reduce consequences, and keep your career on track.
Don’t let uncertainty make the decision for you—get clarity and take the next right step today.
Can You Get a CDL with a DUI? Contact Mark S. Rubinstein, P.C. Today to Find Out
As the sole practitioner of Mark S. Rubinstein, P.C., I have more than two decades of experience helping individuals accused of drunk driving protect their driving privileges. I know Colorado prosecutors try to prosecute DUI cases aggressively, but I am prepared to craft a strategy that will negate the State’s accusations against you. Other DUI attorneys may pressure you to take an unfavorable plea offer because they do not want to take your case to trial.
I will not hesitate to take your DUI case to trial if the prosecutor fails to offer a fair plea agreement. I will walk you through every step of the criminal process and work tirelessly to avoid a DUI conviction. Contact the Law Offices of Mark S. Rubinstein, P.C., to schedule a free initial consultation.
Our team at Mark S. Rubinstein, P.C., answered some frequently asked questions below. If you have other questions about how a DUI affects your CDL, contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Colorado CDL & DUI Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a CDL in Colorado with a DUI on your record?
▾
How does a DUI affect a Colorado commercial driver’s license?
▾
Will trucking companies hire drivers with a DUI in Colorado?
▾
How long does a DUI stay on your CDL record in Colorado?
▾
Does it matter if the DUI happened in a personal vehicle?
▾
Can you reinstate a CDL after a DUI in Colorado?
▾
Does a DUI permanently end a trucking career in Colorado?
▾
Will a DUI affect CDL training school acceptance in Colorado?
▾
How do employers check DUI history for CDL drivers?
▾
Should you speak with a lawyer about a CDL DUI in Colorado?
▾
Aspen/Roaring Fork Valley/Pitkin County Office
0133 Prospector Rd #4102Y
Aspen, CO 81611
Telephone: 970-920-3129
Fax: 970-680-7139
Aspen Law Office Map
