Georgia CDL DUI Consequences
As a major logistics hub, Georgia has thousands of CDL holders. A DUI means federal CDL disqualification plus Georgia's strict state criminal penalties with a 10-year lookback.
Federal + State: You Face Both
As a CDL holder arrested for DUI in Georgia, you're subject to federal CDL disqualification (1 year minimum) AND Georgia state criminal penalties (fines, jail, probation). These run on parallel tracks—winning one doesn't dismiss the other.
Georgia DUI Criminal Penalties
State penalties you face in addition to federal CDL disqualification
| Offense | Jail Time | Fines | License |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DUI | 24 hrs - 12 months | $300 - $1,000 | 120 days - 1 year |
| 2nd DUI (within 10 years) | 72 hrs - 12 months | $600 - $1,000 | 3-year suspension |
| 3rd DUI (within 10 years) | 15 days - 12 months | $1,000 - $5,000 | 5-year revocation |
| 4th+ DUI (Felony) | 1-5 years prison | $1,000 - $5,000 | Revoked |
Georgia's 10-Year Lookback: Georgia counts prior DUI convictions within 10 years when determining enhancements. A DUI from 11 years ago won't enhance your current charge to a second offense.
Commercial Vehicle Impound in Georgia
Metro Atlanta, Savannah port, and I-75/I-85 corridor are major trucking areas
Towing Costs
- •Base hook-up: $250-$400
- •Mileage fees: $5-$10/mile
- •Heavy-duty recovery: $500-$2,000+/hour
- •Trailer towed separately
Storage Fees
- •Tractor: $35-$75/day
- •Trailer: $20-$40/day (separate)
- •Administrative fee: $50-$100
- •After-hours release fees may apply
Georgia Impound Release Requirements
To retrieve a commercial vehicle from a Georgia impound lot:
- • Valid government ID
- • Proof of ownership or registration
- • If carrier sending another driver: Authorization letter on company letterhead
- • Full payment of towing and storage fees
The Georgia ALS Process
Georgia uses an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) process separate from criminal court. CDL holders face this state administrative hearing AND federal CDL consequences.
30-Day Deadline
You have 30 days from arrest to request an ALS hearing with DDS. Missing this deadline results in automatic Georgia license suspension on day 46.
Finding a SAP in Georgia
Georgia has many DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professionals, especially in the Atlanta metro area, Savannah, and along the I-75 and I-85 corridors that serve as major freight routes.
Telehealth SAP evaluations are widely available throughout the state, beneficial for drivers based in rural South Georgia or the mountain regions.
How to find and work with a SAPFederal CDL Regulations
For information about federal CDL disqualification, the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and the Return-to-Duty process that applies nationwide:
CDL DUI Federal GuideRelated Georgia DUI Guides
Sources & Official Resources
Information on this page is sourced from Georgia state statutes and federal regulations.
- Georgia Code Title 40 - DUI Laws
- 49 CFR § 383.51 - Federal CDL Disqualification
- Georgia DDS - Administrative License Suspension
Last updated: January 8, 2026
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