Yes—you can get a CDL with a DUI in Washington State, but it depends on a number of very important factors. Washington has strict DUI laws, and commercial drivers are held to higher standards than non-commercial drivers under both state and federal law.
A first DUI conviction leads to a temporary disqualification of anywhere from one to three years. Meanwhile, a second offense usually results in a lifetime ban, whereas reinstatement requires full compliance with the Department of Licensing (DOL) and court conditions.
However, this is all generalized information. It’s important to contact a Washington State DUI lawyer who can give you personalized legal advice based on the facts and details of your case.
DUI Definition Under Washington Law
In Washington State, a person can be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) when one or more of the following factors are true:
- A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more within two hours of driving
- A THC concentration of 5.00 ng/mL or more
- Under the influence to a degree that renders them incapable of safely driving
However, for commercial drivers, the legal limit is even stricter. If you are found to be operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher, that behavior constitutes a DUI.
In Washington State, a DUI can result in both criminal penalties and administrative license consequences, including license suspension or revocation.
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CDL Eligibility Requirements in Washington
To apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Washington, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be at least 21 years old if you are driving interstate or transporting hazardous materials
- Hold a valid Washington State driver’s license
- Provide proof of identity and residency
- Pass the medical certification or the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam
- Pass knowledge and skills tests
- Not be disqualified from holding a CDL due to prior offenses
DUI offenses can lead to temporary or permanent CDL disqualifications, though it all depends on the specific circumstances of your violation.
Federal Regulations for CDL Holders With DUIs
Washington follows federal standards established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These require the disqualification of commercial drivers who commit serious offenses, including driving under the influence and subsequently being convicted of a DUI offense.
A commercial driver must be disqualified for at least one year if they are convicted of any of the following actions:
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a BAC of 0.04% or higher
- Operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances
- Refusing to submit to a chemical test
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Using the vehicle in the commission of a felony
If the offense occurs while the driver is transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification period typically increases to three years.
A second DUI conviction—regardless of whether the driver was in a commercial or personal vehicle—results in a lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL. That said, there is a limited reinstatement option after 10 years in certain cases.
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Getting a CDL After a DUI Conviction
If someone is convicted of a DUI but they do not already hold a CDL, they may still be able to apply for one after the disqualification period ends. However, they can only do so if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
For example, a person who is convicted of a first-time DUI while driving their personal vehicle will likely face the following consequences:
- A license suspension from the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), typically ranging from 90 days to one year, depending on the BAC level and whether they refused a breath test
- Potential court-ordered penalties, such as probation, alcohol education, and ignition interlock device (IID) requirements
- A mandatory waiting period before reinstatement
Once the suspension or revocation period ends and the person’s full driving privileges are restored, they may be allowed to apply for a CDL. However, their DUI history will still be visible on their Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) for employers and regulatory agencies alike.
Washington DOL retains DUI convictions on the driving record for life, but commercial employers typically look at a three- to 10-year window depending on internal hiring policies.
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Contact Our Washington DUI Law Firm for Help Today
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI and you’re wondering how it might affect your ability to get or keep a commercial driver’s license, Call Dan Next! This is a complicated and high-stakes situation that can cause a lot of stress because it can affect your career and livelihood.
Instead of trying to figure it out on your own, contact our DUI law firm in Washington. At NextLaw, our attorneys have 50 years of combined experience and counting. We understand the specific laws that govern CDL eligibility after a DUI conviction.
We’re here to help you understand your options. Reach out today to speak with our Washington DUI law firm. The sooner you do, the sooner we can help you determine your next steps and work toward a path moving forward.
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