Michigan OWI for CDL Holders: Protecting Your Trucking Career After a DUI

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Commercial drivers spend years building careers that depend on skill, responsibility, and keeping a spotless record, and when they maintain that standard, they can earn steady livelihoods and the trust of employers.

But an OWI charge in Michigan threatens all of that, because CDL holders face not only the same DUI penalties as every driver, but also harsher licensing rules and employment consequences that can derail a trucking career overnight.

Therefore, it is critical for CDL drivers accused of OWI to work with a defense attorney who understands both the criminal penalties and the CDL-specific sanctions, so they can protect their livelihood, preserve their license, and keep their career on track.

At Barone Defense Firm, we defend commercial drivers statewide and understand both the criminal and licensing sides of these cases. This article explains what Michigan OWI means for CDL holders — including legal consequences, the impact on your job, and strategies to protect your future.

What makes OWI different for CDL drivers?

  • Lower BAC threshold: In a commercial vehicle, the legal limit is just 0.04% BAC (half the standard 0.08%). Testing at 0.04 or higher, or refusing a chemical test while operating a CMV, results in an automatic one-year CDL disqualification.
  • General OWI penalties still apply: If you were off-duty in your personal vehicle, you face Michigan’s standard OWI penalties (fines, probation, license suspension, points). See our Michigan OWI Penalties Guide for details.
  • CDL disqualification (first offense): Any OWI conviction — even in your personal car — leads to a one-year CDL disqualification. If hazardous materials were involved, the ban is three years.
  • Second offense = CDL revocation: A second OWI (or one OWI plus another serious CDL offense) triggers a revocation of at least 10 years. You may apply for reinstatement after that period, but it’s not automatic and many drivers never regain their CDL.

Key point: There is no “work CDL.” Unlike a restricted personal license, you cannot drive commercially at all during a disqualification.

Will I lose my job if I get an OWI?

  • Employer policies: Most trucking companies terminate drivers after an OWI, even off-duty, because the mandatory one-year CDL loss means you can’t do the job. On-duty OWIs almost always lead to termination.
  • Insurance barriers: Fleet insurers often won’t cover drivers with a recent OWI, and many companies enforce a “no DUI within 5 years” rule. That makes rehiring difficult even after reinstatement.
  • Regulatory reporting: Federal rules require CDL holders to notify their employer of a DUI conviction within 30 days. Convictions are also entered into your Motor Vehicle Record and the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Before you can drive for a new employer, you may need to complete a return-to-duty process with evaluation and follow-up testing.

What strategies can help protect my livelihood?

  • Aggressive legal defense: Your CDL career depends on the outcome. We pursue every defense, from challenging the traffic stop or chemical test to negotiating plea deals that avoid OWI-specific disqualifications (such as a reduction to reckless driving, where possible).
  • Protecting income: While our goal is to keep you driving, we also help you think through temporary options if a suspension occurs. That might include financial planning, alternate work, or certifications to stay employable until you can return to the road.
  • Rehabilitation and education: Voluntarily completing alcohol education or treatment can show courts, employers, and hearing officers that you’re taking the incident seriously. Documentation of proactive steps strengthens reinstatement efforts.
  • Reinstating your CDL: Michigan doesn’t restore your CDL automatically. You must reapply, pay fees, and may need to retake knowledge and road tests. If your license was revoked for 10 years, you’ll need to petition for reinstatement with proof of rehabilitation — something our attorneys can help prepare.
  • Rebuilding your career: After reinstatement, employment may start with smaller carriers or second-chance employers. We coach clients on how to present their case honestly while emphasizing the steps they’ve taken to ensure safe driving moving forward.

Final thoughts

A Michigan OWI is a serious threat to a CDL driver’s livelihood, but it does not always mean the end of your career. The outcome depends on the facts of your case, the strength of your defense, and the steps you take afterward.

At Barone Defense Firm, we fight aggressively to protect CDL drivers’ ability to keep working. We also recognize when specialized licensing or administrative counsel may be needed, and we collaborate as a team to pursue the best overall outcome. With the right defense and guidance, many drivers are able to move past an OWI and continue their trucking careers.