New Rules in Florida for Commercial Truck Drivers
Beginning on October 1, 2008, new rules will be in effect in Florida regarding driver's licenses for commercial and noncommercial drivers. One rule will require all applicants for a driver's license to provide proof of a valid social security number before a driver's license will be issued. There are several forms of verification that will be accepted such as a W-2 form, tax return or of course, a social security card.
Regarding commercial semi truck drivers in Florida, their commercial driver's licenses (CDL) will be suspended for one year from the date of conviction if the semi truck driver is convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (aka DUI or DWI). This is true even if the DUI crime occurred in the semi truck driver's personal vehicle. If a semi truck driver get s second DUI conviction in his/her commercial or personal vehicle, the new rule provides that his/her CDL will be permanently revoked.
This rule makes it especially important that trucking companies check the driving record and criminal histories of applicants to make sure an applicant's CDL is still valid.
