Rev Up for Success: Conquer the 2026 Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Exam!

Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .02 is significant, especially for commercial drivers who are held to stricter standards than non-commercial drivers. In many jurisdictions, a BAC of .02 or higher can trigger immediate consequences for a commercial driver.

When a driver tests at or above this threshold, they are considered unfit to drive a commercial vehicle. This is because the legal limit for commercial drivers is typically .04, but any measurable BAC can be serious since they must operate with a higher level of responsibility due to the potential risks involved.

Placing a driver out of service for 24 hours ensures that they are given time to sober up and not operate a vehicle while impaired. This measure tries to prevent potential accidents and maintain safety on the roads, especially given the large vehicles and heavy loads that commercial drivers may be handling.

Other options, such as allowing the driver to continue driving, fining them, or impounding the vehicle, do not directly address the immediate safety concerns associated with impaired driving for commercial operators. The decision to put the driver out of service is focused on ensuring safety for all road users.