What is the alcohol limit for commercial drivers?

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Question: In Minnesota the blood alcohol limit is .08 but I have been told that since I have a CDL, for me it is .04. Is this true?

Answer: The simple answer to your question is, “No.” In part, statute 169A.20 states that it is illegal to drive, operate or be in physical control of any motor vehicle when a person’s alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more. There is a clause in that statute that states that if the vehicle involved is a commercial motor vehicle then it is illegal if a person’s alcohol concentration is 0.04 or more. It is not the type of driver’s license, but rather the type of vehicle being driven that determines which alcohol concentration level applies.

Here are some simple tasks to help you avoid being in a crash: turn on your lights; drive sober; stop talking on the cell phone; slow down; and because not every driver out there is as careful as you, buckle up.

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws in Minnesota, send your questions to Trooper Andy Schmidt, Minnesota State Patrol, 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. Or reach me at andrew.schmidt@state.mn.us.

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