Yes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers are permitted to imbibe alcoholic beverages when they are off the clock, with the proviso that their blood alcohol content must be below the legal limit a minimum of four hours before getting behind the wheel. Otherwise, violating this regulation results in a fine of up to $2,000, criminal prosecution leading to a sentence of 180 days in jail, or the suspension of a driver’s license for one year. Additionally, as a truck driver, it’s essential to know your company’s policy on drinking alcohol when off duty since it has a specific standard you should follow. If you’re unsure, ask your supervisor or check your employee handbook.
Contents
Can Truck Drivers Drink Beer in Their Sleeper?
The question that most people have is can truck drivers drink alcohol. Yes, truck drivers are allowed to drink only beer in their sleeper compartments as long as they meet certain criteria. These include the requirement for the driver to be off duty for at least eight hours before consuming alcohol, must not have consumed it within the past four hours before going on duty, and the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) must be below 0.04 percent. Failure to obey this often results in a fatal crash, severe injury, loss of job, jail time, suspension of license, or paying of penalties.
Can Truck Drivers Buy Beer?
Although truck drivers aren’t allowed to drink while driving, they still have the right to purchase beer when they have stopovers at their favorite beer shops. However, this is only allowed if they keep it in the compartment and consume it during off-duty hours. It’s essential to note that after purchasing, the truck drivers should transfer the beer to their home, so you can seamlessly pass the inspection of the cops in no time.
How Long Does Alcohol Stay In Your System?
Alcohol can stay in your system for up to 72 hours or about three days. However, the time depends on several factors, including age, weight, and how much you drank. Someone younger and smaller metabolizes alcohol more quickly than an older and larger person. Nonetheless, the only way to know when alcohol has completely left your system is to wait until you feel completely sober. You may drink Gatorade, Pedialyte, coffee, or other sports drinks to reduce your hangover, as these are rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium that maintain a healthy fluid balance in your system.
Can a Truck Driver Go off Duty While Loading?
Yes, truck drivers can go off duty while loading their vehicles as long as they remain in the appropriate vicinity of the truck. This means drivers can take a break during the loading process, but they must stay close enough to their trucks to be able to monitor the situation and intervene if necessary, as stated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Additionally, if a driver has an emergency that requires them to leave their truck unattended for more than 30 minutes, they are allowed to do so under certain conditions and with prior approval from their employer. The driver should have a written statement from his or her supervisor stating that he or she has permission to leave the truck unattended and will return within 30 minutes of leaving.
Can Truck Drivers Take Nyquil?
Many truck drivers rely on over-the-counter medications to help them stay awake and alert while on the road. The traditional choice is caffeine, but some drivers switch to drugs like Adderall or Modafinil. However, truck drivers use Nyquil as time goes by. Nyquil is an over-the-counter cold and flu medication containing an active and sedating antihistamine ingredient called Diphenhydramine. Despite its active property, it also causes quick drowsiness since Nyquil is best used to treat common colds, allergies, or flu. Thus, taking Nyquil is only recommended for truck drivers if they pull over first and take rest for a few hours before getting back to driving.
Conclusion
If you’re a truck driver, you can drink off duty if you follow the guidelines and criteria provided by the federal government, specifically the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Although FMSCA allows you to drive after four hours of alcohol consumption, it’s still best to err on the good side by asking for a friend to drive the car for you or taking a rest until your hangover completely drives off. This way, you’d guarantee safety and avoid any damage or casualties whenever you’re out of control. Additionally, knowing this beforehand saves you money and life by keeping you away from imprisonment or penalties.
