Anyone who drives while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance in Missouri is subject to penalties. However, those who operate commercial vehicles, such as buses and semi-trucks, face stricter punishments for DWI. Whether you’ve recently obtained your commercial driver's license (CDL) or have worked in the field for years, learn more about how to deal with DWIs in this guide.

What Are the DWI Penalties for Commercial Drivers?

If you have a CDL, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04% or greater is a violation of Missouri’s traffic laws. What happens next depends on your actions during the traffic stop and whether this is your first offense. If you refuse a breathalyzer test, for example, you violate Missouri’s implied consent law, which requires breath tests for drivers who appear intoxicated. This results in a chemical violation, which means your license is revoked for one year.

A first DWI for a commercial driver results in a one-year suspension from driving or a three-year disqualification if you transport hazardous materials. A second violation means a lifetime suspension from operating commercial vehicles.

What Should You Do After a DWI?

Reinstating your commercial driver’s license after a DWI requires paying reinstatement fees that vary in accordance with the violation. The Missouri Department of Motor Vehicles accepts payments in person, by mail, or online.

Reinstatement also requires retaking all commercial driver’s license knowledge and skills tests to prove you’re still capable of operating a commercial vehicle correctly and safely. 

Can You Expunge a DWI From Your Record?

In Missouri, it is possible to expunge, or remove, an offense from your record if you meet certain criteria. The offense must be at least 10 years old, and it must’ve been a misdemeanor instead of a felony. It must’ve been your first DWI, and you cannot have been charged with other alcohol-related offenses since the license revocation.

If you’re charged with a DWI, contact Traffic Law Firm of Missouri in Troy. These traffic lawyers provide legal representation to protect your rights. They help with expungement for first-time offenders, and assist drivers who have DWI felonies and three or more infractions on their records. Call (636) 462-7867 today to schedule a consultation, or visit them online to learn more about their work with alcohol-related violations.