Industrial, manufacturing and logistics workers across Georgia need to keep a clean driving record. Their jobs depend on their ability to operate machinery or drive heavy vehicles. Since they work long and difficult shifts, they also need reliable transportation to get to and from work each day.
Because of strict state rules and expensive company insurance costs, even one traffic mistake can change your life quickly. If you’re charged with a driving offense, you need to understand the steps you can take right away to protect your job.
Even a first-time DUI charge can threaten your career
Many factory and warehouse workers think a first offense will only mean a small traffic fine. That’s not true. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-5-151), a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can cause you to lose your commercial driving privileges for one year. This creates serious problems for workers because of these strict rules:
- No hardship permits: Unlike a regular driver’s license, Georgia does not offer temporary or hardship permits if you lose your commercial driver’s license (CDL).
- The personal vehicle rule: Getting arrested for DUI in your own car — even on the weekend — can still affect your commercial license and may stop you from driving professionally for 12 months.
- Warehouse and plant insurance policies: Even if your position doesn’t require a CDL, you may still operate forklifts or heavy machinery. Company insurance rules may require your boss to suspend or fire you when you’re charged with DUI to lower their insurance costs.
Ultimately, losing your driving privileges can put your main source of income at risk.
Facing an automatic suspension? File an appeal
If you’re worried about losing your driving privileges, you must act fast. You can try to stop an automatic suspension by filing an appeal with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). You have only 30 days from your arrest date to submit your hearing request and pay the required fee. If you wait longer than 30 days, the state will automatically suspend your license on the 46th day after your arrest. Take action as soon as possible to protect your job and your ability to keep working.