What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for a CDL driver?

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for a CDL driver is established at 0.04%. This limit is significantly lower than the general driving limit of 0.08% applicable to non-commercial drivers. The reason for this stricter threshold is due to the higher standards of safety expected from commercial drivers, particularly those operating large vehicles such as buses and trucks that carry passengers or hazardous materials. A BAC of 0.04% is considered to impair a driver's ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely, hence this regulation aims to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.

The other blood alcohol concentration levels listed do not apply to CDL drivers; a limit of 0.02% is often referred to in specific contexts but does not represent the legal limit for commercial driving. Higher limits like 0.08% and 0.10% apply to non-CDL drivers, reinforcing the idea that commercial driving comes with more stringent alcohol consumption regulations due to the potential consequences of impaired driving in a commercial vehicle.