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For commercial drivers, a traffic or DUI charge can threaten not just your license but your livelihood. Rhode Island's Uniform Commercial Driver's License Act (Chapter 31-10.3) sets out serious disqualifications for CDL holders.
Because the stakes for your career are high, early advice matters. Attorney Leah J. Boisclair can review how a charge may affect your CDL.
Under § 31-10.3-31, certain ‘major offenses’ disqualify a CDL holder for at least one year (three years if carrying placarded hazardous materials) on a first conviction — including driving a commercial vehicle under the influence, driving with a BAC of 0.04% or higher, refusing a chemical test, leaving the scene of an accident in a commercial vehicle, or using a commercial vehicle in a felony. A second major offense generally results in a lifetime disqualification, and using a commercial vehicle to traffic controlled substances carries a lifetime disqualification. Rhode Island also incorporates the federal CDL standards.
Statutes and penalties can change. An attorney can confirm the current law and how it applies to your specific charge.
Every DUI and traffic case turns on its own facts. Attorney Leah J. Boisclair can review your charge and explain your options in plain English.
CDL disqualifications generally follow from an underlying conviction or refusal. The defense often focuses on the underlying charge — the DUI, refusal, or traffic offense — because resolving that can directly affect the CDL consequence.
No outcome can be guaranteed. The right approach depends on the specific facts; an attorney can review how the law may apply to your situation.
Traffic and DUI consequences can follow you for years. The sooner you have an attorney, the more can often be done to protect your rights.
DUI and traffic cases often turn on details — how the stop happened, how testing was administered, and whether procedures were followed. Speaking with an attorney early can help protect your license and your rights, preserve challenges, prepare you for court, and avoid missteps that can affect the outcome.
Yes. Under Chapter 31-10.3, a DUI — or a 0.04% BAC in a commercial vehicle, or a chemical-test refusal — is a major offense that disqualifies a CDL holder for at least one year on a first conviction, and longer in some cases.
It can. CDL disqualifications can follow from a DUI in any vehicle, not only a commercial one. Because your livelihood is at stake, it is important to get advice early.
Every case is different. Depending on the stop, the evidence, and the facts, there may be issues worth raising, and some matters can sometimes be reduced or resolved another way. No outcome can be guaranteed; an attorney can review your options.
Many DUI and traffic matters carry license consequences, such as suspension or an ignition interlock requirement. The specifics depend on the charge and your record; an attorney can explain what may apply.
Bring any paperwork you received — the citation or summons, any police report or arrest paperwork, your court date notice, and any documents from the DMV or Traffic Tribunal. These help an attorney understand your situation quickly.
Yes. Attorney Boisclair represents drivers at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal and municipal court and co-chairs the Traffic Tribunal Bench/Bar Committee.
Related DUI and traffic pages for more help:
Criminal defense by Rhode Island county:
Speak with Attorney Leah J. Boisclair about your situation. Consultations are confidential, and early guidance can make a real difference.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Rhode Island traffic and criminal laws can change, and the outcome of any case depends on the specific facts and circumstances. If you are facing a charge, speak with a qualified Rhode Island attorney about your situation.