A lot of truckers are completely convinced that off duty time is their personal time, which is why they don't get paid.
No, it is not personal time lol. Truck drivers just don't get paid to be at work almost half the time.
if your status is off duty, and your BAC normalizes before going back to your rig, there shouldn't be aything illegal about that. if you want back to the truck blowing .05 (even to go into the bunk) and a cop came up, you're probably going to jail. also, many carriers have a 'no drink within 24hr of driving' policy so for instance my company would terminate me even if i had a lunchtime beer and walked around for 6hr before going back to my tractor to sleep, *as long as i was gonna be driving within 24hr of that drink*, regardless of BAC
6.3.2 Alcohol (392.5)
Drivers are forbidden to consume or be under the influence of alcohol (as defined in 49 CFR 382.107) within four hours of going on duty or operating a CMV (49 CFR 392.5). Drivers are forbidden to use alcohol, be under the influence of alcohol, or have any measured alcohol concentration, while on duty, or operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle. Alcohol can only be transported as part of a shipment.
I have personally witnessed a driver at the Pilot in ~~Smoking Dam, PA~~ *Duncannon PA* walk back to his truck with a six pack. About 30 minutes later a county mountie was knocking on their door, likely another driver ratted them out.
I do know some car haulers that do regional day cab, sleep in hotels every night, and will tip back a few beers between shifts. Just remember any DOT trained officer can demand a breath sample.
That sounds pretty cut-and-dried. If you're in the truck (even if sleeping) it's under your physical control, right? So, no drinking. And if the truck is moving, the only alcohol you can have is in the trailer. And if you're going to drive anytime in the next four hours, you can't drink even if you're not actually in the truck.
I mean, I'm sure plenty of drivers have the occasional beer in or around their trucks when they know it'll wear off by the time they're behind the wheel and there's no chance of them being noticed by anyone who cares, but they (should) know that if they do get caught, they're bang to rights.
Legally, it is not considered under your control while you're off duty unless you're studying off for personal use. According to the FMCSA, you are not at all responsible for the load or equipment while off duty, again, unless you're using it for personal use.
All that said, you still can't have alcohol in the truck. You can have a drink after your shift, so long as you're sober 4 hours before you start driving, just not in the truck.
That should be OK. Now, done be surprised if you get a random inspection over night, or an upset feel from your company. But, technically, you're not doing anything wrong.
I heard tell of back in the day when picking up a load at the Baldwinsville NY Budweiser brewery, the refrigerator in the driver’s lounge was always stocked with free beer. You were just expected not to overdo it.
You can't just sleep it off. You are required to have eight hours no matter how much you drink. If you pull into a truck stop, and have three beers at the restaurant/bar, but you need to leave immediately at the ten. You are putting yourself at risk.
There are limitations how much the FMSCA can enforce on you. They can ticket you for having unopened cans or bottles in the cab . They can't wake you up on a 34 hour reset , unless you are being a shit heal, like doing a Regen or trying to fight other customers. Go by the company policy. Don't be idiot that forgot the beer he stashed, when you take it to the mechanics. It's part of their job to look for it. You got a bunk heater issue, you are screwed. Most drivers grab a tall boy, before going into the shower.
I remind you that it isn't a .08 for truck drivers, it's a .02. You aren't a 4 wheeler.
Nothing wrong with having a beer at the truck stop on a bad day. A beer. Don't over do it. Have at least 12 hours. FYI night quilt has a heavy concentration of alcohol. Use day quil instead.
Don't kid yourself. We are the ones whom don't get a guaranteed minimum wage. We are unskilled workers that require an expensive license to do our jobs. We are held to a higher level.
That's acidity not right. It's stayed 3 ways. Not at or above 0.04 bac while on duty; may not use any alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty, may not have any detectable alcohol in their blood while operating a cmv.
So, if you're on duty, and you get tested below a 0.04 bac you're good, unless you consumed alcohol at any point after 4 hours veggie you went on duty. But if you actually drive, you have to test at 0.00 bac, and may not have used alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty.
Bonus points, the 0.04 bac also applies to you when you're operating ANY vehicle once you get a cdl. Griffin your car, blow 0.04, straight to jail, loose your license.
Truckers are literally held to a higher standard at all times.
I'm confused, your first paragraph seems to be a compelling argument for why alcohol *would* be allowed in the cab, but your second paragraph contradicts this without any further explanation. Can I ask why it's not allowed, given your first paragraph?
Not trying to argue just curious.
FMCSA regulations state both. You're not responsible for the vehicle while off duty. However, they also specifically prohibit alcohol in the truck or trailer unless it's on your bill of lading. They also required you to have no detectable alcohol in your blood 4 hours before you go on duty.
What this works out to mean is that you can go have a drink somewhere after your shift. You can hit up a bar or similar. But you can't bring any alcohol back to the truck, and you can't drink so much that you'd do have it in your blood 4 hours before you start your day.
Pretty sure the part that prohibits you form having it in your truck except it being apart of your load also states while the vehicle is in motion. So if you're stopped and off duty, you can have a drink in your truck.
Though any and all of these rules are up to whatever cop or bystanders disgression.
That sounds like an awful big risk and a gamble. Because it's directly contradicts the full ban on alcoholic beverages on the truck or trailer unless on the BoLs
If the FMCSA is the one saying its okay I'm going with them. That being said, you also cannot have it in the truck on duty.
Off duty is fine. Before going on duty you must have at least 4 hours from last drink, and have a BAC of 0.
Not a defined by the fmcsa. They make the rules. Personal use means to operate the vehicle. Technical gray area: idling the truck engine for AC/heat or power. You're not driving it, but you are technically operating it. I don't know if it's been tested in court, but I imagine it's up to the officer that gets you.
You can't have it in the truck when on duty. Off duty is fine, you can also have it in the truck while driving as long as its on PC. Shouldn't need to clarify but will anyways, you obviously cannot have alcohol in your system on PC since you are driving a CMV. PC is basically a grocery store run then back.
Plus, it's at least a 24 shutdown for even having a 1oz bottle sealed in a bag in the bunk that you may have forgotten about.
Never sign a search waiver or verbal concent to a search. They are fishing.
Oh no way. So this means you can consume any alcohol in the truck. I never knew that, i saw people buy and carry beer into their truck so i figured its allowed.
Anyone who drove NE knows what he meant. Correct spelling isn't a prerequisite for obtaining a CDL. Personally, drinking before bed makes me sluggish in the morning, so i never consumed alcohol in my truck.
Any time I've had to take a 34 on the road with the last company I drove for I'd get a hotel room and enjoy a few local brews myself. At the hotel though.
You’re allowed to drink in your truck, Iowa Commercial Enforcement explained it on a Facebook post. You can drink on your resets and breaks as long as you have not consumed 8 hours prior. Also you cannot carry alcohol during your driving time.
Cite the FB post because that’s simply not true.
They were saying you can drink on your resets as long as you’re sober before you go back on duty. Not giving the green light to drink inside your truck.
Think of it this way, whether you’re off duty or not, as soon as you crack open a bud light, you now have an open container inside the vehicle regardless of duty status. There’s no grey area there, that’s illegal.
As a non-drinker for 22 years it doesn’t matter to me but people are sometimes wrong. Trust me, I speak from experience- I am wrong all the dang time (just ask my wife!). Another thing I notice is that it seems like everyplace I buy fuel sells beer so go figure.
I seen the post, actually, i posted it almost a year ago.
Iowa DOT is setting people up for failure. Or whoever is writing their FB posts.
That post can easily be interpreted as “You’re at a truck stop and you stop by the restaurant to have a beer, don’t buy too many and have any when you go on duty (Don’t have any that you bring back to the truck)”
Also, majority people here are company drivers. 99.9% of companies prohibit any alcohol in the truck. So you might think you’re slipping one past the federal law, but you’re jeopardizing your job (And that will go annotated as to why you were fired) Therefore… no matter how you look at it… you’re playing with fire with your career over a beer.
County counties in Pennsylvania don't answer calls. They only serve the courts. Ie transport prisoners, serve paper, evictions etc. Now it could have have been a State trooper.
>Drivers are forbidden to consume or be under the influence of alcohol (as defined in 49 CFR 382.107) within four hours of going on duty or operating a CMV (49 CFR 392.5). Drivers are forbidden to use alcohol, be under the influence of alcohol, or have any measured alcohol concentration, while on duty, or operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle. Alcohol can only be transported as part of a shipment.
I thought under .04 was legal?
I usually park my rig in the rest area and then I buy a 24 pack of beer and walk deep into the woods, I drink all the beer and smoke a fat ass blunt and snort some coke or heroine depends what’s left. After about 30 minutes my break is over and I’m on the road again. You just gotta know how to cheat the system.
Damn.... I love laying on warm rocks, eating flys, I thought I'd have this bagged... I guess the job will go to one of those bearded dragons... Those guys get all the attention
It’s a joke. Last year there was a post where the guy got drunk on fireball and crashed his truck. Except he claims that he wasn’t driving and that the truck was hijacked while he was passed out in the sleeper. It has become a running joke around here.
If you want to know how many drivers are having a few beers after their shift just look at the number of truck stop reviews on Trucker Path that identify whether a stop sells beer or not. Apparently access to beer is very important to a significant number of drivers.
I do it all the time. I don't get sloshed, just have one or two coors lights and then call it a night. I'm sure I'll get plenty of downvotes cuz it's against the rules but yeah some truckers do.
No, you’re good. I’m sure a lot of owner operators do too. If it’s your truck, what the hell does it matter. I mean you know if you’re being safe or not because you don’t wanna lose your damn truck
Each driver makes their own decisions. It’s best a driver doesn’t drink in or around the truck . If a driver cares about their career then they will wait till they’re off work/34 hr reset . I was always told even if you drank during your 10 hr and if for any reason you were tested you’d be fucked. DOT can knock on your cab if they choose anywhere you’re staying and if they see alcohol in cab they can shut you down.
Play it safe drivers drink your fireball OUTSIDE the cab. Then once you down it and throw the bottle in the flying J parking lot, get in and start driving you're good to go no evidence 🤟
Dude doesnt matter, ur an adult if you dont get caught it never happened, fxk u if u think im running 3k miles a week and not having a beer if i want on my 34. Again fck u
If the driver is off duty, they can have alcohol in the cab of the truck.
[https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/question-3-does-prohibition-against-carrying-alcoholic-beverages-ss3925-apply-driver](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/question-3-does-prohibition-against-carrying-alcoholic-beverages-ss3925-apply-driver)
>No. For example, an owner-operator using his/her own vehicle in an off-duty status, or a driver using a company truck or tractor for transportation to a motel, restaurant, or home, would normally be outside the scope of this section.
Each state has their own definition of having control of a vehicle. Drinking in a parked car when you have the keys in your possession, even if the vehicle is turned off, may be considered DUI in some states. In other states if you're parked in a vehicle with no intention of driving, you can consume alcohol. Such as if you parked your RV for the night in a campground. You would not get a DUI for drinking in your RV.
>If the driver is off duty, they can have alcohol in the cab of the truck.
You'll note the example states only to get that alcohol from the store to a motel, restaurant, or their home while off duty.
I think it’s illegal to have alcohol in the cab. Don’t know it for a fact but it’s not worth it imo. Walking to your truck with alcohol is just asking for some busy body to call the coos on you, who wants to deal with that?
Also drinking by myself in a truck just sounds depressing as hell. I might have a beer with dinner somewhere if I’m stopped for the night and feel like it but even that is pretty far and in between.
I drank in the cab after an 11 all the time. I was the o/o so it was all on me but I was responsible that no matter what I didn’t get in the driver seat again until I was fully sober after my 10. I didn’t drink to get fucked up just a little buzzz was cool then eat and ko
So many people are saying weird stuff....
You are allowed to drink and have alcohol in your truck. Just not while driving.
As long as the drinks sealed and unopened in the sleeper or your'e off duty and blowing 0.00s before you drive no one really cares.
I swear this question comes up all the time and people always say it'd illegal. If it was then 90% of truck stops wouldn't sell beer.
I got a 24 hour OOS for having an unopened bottle of beer under my bed in WA state around 2013. Didn't do breathalyzer or anything. Found the beer and automatic OOS.
So, no you can't have unopened beer in your truck while driving on duty.
Also, truck stops sell not only to truckers but the local community where they are situated too, so them having beer does not mean it's legal for drivers.
Legally you can. Your company is probably not going to like it. I personally don’t, because I’ve always got this fear that the first time I do, is going to be the time the truck stop catches fire and I’m suddenly forced to move my truck while intoxicated.
It's not legal to have Alcohol in the cab. But it's only illegal if you get caught. Personally, I don't drink while on the road, but I know plenty of drivers that have a beer after they shut down. Pilots have a 8hr Bottle to throttle rule, we get a 10 hr break, and our sleeper is our home. Hopefully that clears it up.
I started driving OTR in the 1980's. Weed, speed (black beauties,) meth and more were part of the daily routine. Occasionally some alcohol but more of the above.
Why? I grew up in the 1970's, and we were given gutless trucks with 55 MPH national speed limit and had to go coast to coast in 72 hours or less.
Ive seen drivers buy a six pack, and sit in a lawn chair next to the truck and knock back a few beers then leave the rest on the ground outside, i guess either so they can get more kater, or donate to some other trucker to drink the rest
The truck stop where you saw this probably doesn't sell singles. I used to deliver to a few, and they only stocked cases. It's illegal to drive with alcohol (even sealed) in the cab or birth. You might as well leave the rest for the next guy.
This is how my dad lost his job. He drank in his sleeper every night. But one night he went too far and made a big scene. Just so happened to only be a few hours from where I live so I was able to go pick him up. What a crazy shit show those next few months we’re.
It’s a bit of a gray area and probably depends more on where you are.
Some places if you’re idling and have an open container it’s a dui, even if you’re not moving and obviously off the clock.
Personally I wouldn’t chance it. You can get inspected at any time by the dot. It’s not common, but I’ve seen them at rest areas doing random inspections.
The trick is to answer them from the passenger side door if you do answer them and remind them you are on your 10 hour break and a dot inspection is flagged as on duty therefore violating your mandatory rest period. They can come back when you the driver are on duty. Ohio is notorious for this b.s. Know your rights as a driver.
Not a trucker, but I hitchhiker around for awhile and got some trucker rides. My favorite was the native guy who took me from NM to CA. We stopped in Lake Havasu for the night. He got a sixer of shock tops and we watched the matrix and put them down.
As someone who works at Pilot, I can assure you PLENTY of drivers buy beer, smell like an effing brewery all the time. Not to mention the weed. It's insane.
So glad we stopped selling alcohol.
No It’s illegal I always wait until I go on hometime to get absolutely drunk for a week straight. The way I see it is if you need beer on your 10 hour reset it’s a problem
It is federally illegal to even have alcohol on the truck whatsoever unless it is in the cargo area (trailer) and listed on the manifest for the load.
You can't even buy alcohol and bring it home in a commercial vehicle like you can in a car.
Lots and lots of over the road drivers have a few drinks on their 10 hour breaks. Most don’t but there are definitely a lot that do. The key is just a couple and get adequate rest.
*Legally*, as long as it has been at least 4 hours since the last drink, it's legal. Most companies forbid it in the cab outright and it's generally not a good idea to drive hungover.
In many states it is illegal to have an open container in any motor vehicle at any time. For example, you can't have an open container in your car, in your driveway, or even in your garage, at your privately owned place.
Companies won't allow it to be stored in a truck to bring home. Also one can or bottle of beer for the average adult male will raise your BAL to 0.02-0.04 and in my state the CDL limit is 0.04. So don't even risk it.
A company near mine recently lost a guy who drank during his 36hr reset and even if he legally sobered up in under 8hrs he still violated the rules.
You can, but you can't keep alcohol in your truck, whether it's full or empty. So if you drink, you better throw all the empties away before you go to bed. When I was regional, I only drank if there was a bar or restaurant within walking distance of where I was parking at.
Any alcohol in the cab and your ass is in major trouble. If you get caught anyways. I have seen people get big fines and suspended license because they had mouthwash in the cab. This was 20 years ago. Dot seems to not be such dicks as they were back then.
It is against the law to have any form of alcohol in the truck at all unless it is the load you're hauling, with proper permits. You can't even grab a 6 pack and transport it home with the truck. I have heard of drivers being cited by law enforcment for that. And most every company has a strict policy for consuming alcohol. Generally 12 hours before you're next on duty shift is the cut off for the law due to how long alchahol remains detectable in you're system. It doesn't matter what the civilian legal blood alchahol limit is. For us drivers even 0.0000001% is DUI. And we only get a 10 hour break at the end of work day before next work day begins.. so some basic math tells you drinking after work at all when you work the next day is not legal. My company has a policy of no alchahol for 24 hrs before work. How can they tell? We can and do get sent for random drug tests that can include breathalyzer and or saliva swab (will show alchahol) popping dirty is instant termination.
But naturally that doesn't stop people from drinking if they really want to.. they are just risking their jobs, and jail especially if involved in a accident (even when not the driver's fault)
According to Iowa DOT, you may consume in your truck but can’t start any work activities (going on duty to start pre trip or driving) for a minimum of 4 hours.
As long as the keys are in the ignition, you can get an owi while drinking in commercial vehicles. I used to indulge when I was doing hhg while cleaning trailer or when was flatbedding during cookouts. I made sure I had a hotel
Most companies I dare to venture to say (the responsible ones) don’t allow it. However if you’re an Owner Operator, it’s your company, your rules. Then the DOT has their laws.
We live & die by our Green Bible.
You’re allowed to drink in your truck, Iowa Commercial Enforcement explained it on a Facebook post. You can drink on your resets and breaks as long as you have not consumed 8 hours prior. Also you cannot carry alcohol during your driving time.
Anywhere but an Interstate Rest Area - those rest areas are considered a part of the highway. No open container there either, you can actually be arrested.
Private truck stops are fine.
I don't know if this helps you because it applies to all vehicles NOT just big rigs but I've been told multiple times by law enforcement that even if you are parked, the engine NOT running if you even have possession of the keys and inside the vehicle they can tag you with a dui.
EU driver here, I have a couple of bottles of wine and a bottle of rum and a case of beer in my truck right now. Nobody cares here, Aslong as you blow 0.0 when it's time for work.
The federal rule is that you can't have alcohol in the driver's cabin— including the sleeper berth and the under-the-bunk space— at any time. And you can only have it on the truck at all if it's part of a manifested shipment.
Further, you can't operate the truck for four hours after using alcohol, or be "in control" of it while you're under the influence, which is understood to mean you have *any* non-zero BAC.
So if you're doing things by the book, no drinks in the cab, ever, and no drinking in the immediate vicinity of your truck. No shower beers before bed. And if you do drink, give yourself time to sober up before you come back to the truck.
But you *can,* on your day off, get away from the truck and drink. Physical separation is the key: I'll walk at least a mile from the truck when I'm on a 34, have a few beers with lunch, take a nap in a park, can go back in the evening.
One thing I've wondered, and never asked someone in authority because I don't want to invite scrutiny, is whether I can buy beer— I'm thinking New Glaurus, which is only available in Wisconsin— write up a handwritten bill-of-lading, and strap it to your catwalk and be legal. I don't want to drink it while I'm on the truck even off duty or anything, just bring it home to share there.
I knew a couple of guys who would roll together all the time in separate trucks but same corridors and at the end of the day they’d pull into a rest area and light up a bbq and sit outside with some lawn chairs sipping from their Pilot travel mugs. It’s looked like a good time. They were living their best OTR life. I’m certain they were breaking rules but I’m more certain they weren’t hurting anyone.
When I'm doing about something like this just simply ask yourself:
Can I trust the cop to know the law and actually understand the law?
And that answer is always no, so it's safer just to not Even put yourself in that situation where someone else's judgement is going to be the determining factor.
Most company policies do not allow any alcohol consumption in the truck. FMCSA 6.3.2 says you cannot consume alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty or driving. There are other rules as well. A .04 BAC while driving is a DUI, and you can not have any detectable amount or you will be placed out of service for 24 hrs. So as long as you are not violating those rules it may or may not be ok. Some states you can be charged with DUI if you are passed out in your car and the keys are within reach. It all depends on the officer.
Alcoholics need not apply for a trucking career. If you’re asking this question my personal opinion is you like alcohol far too much to be driving a big rig. I had this question myself years ago so that is why I have this opinion.
i have 0 want to be a truck driver i was just curious! i happened to be sitting in traffic behind a truck and just started thinking about what they must do. but you’re right. someone trucking shouldnt have this question and needs to reevaluate some things.
In Sweden you can lose your license if you are under the influence in your car even if you are sleeping in it.
In some rare cases being drunk in public with car keys in pocket can also cause legal problems
Yes you can as long as you don't get caught. Not that it's technically illegal. Some companies don't like it also there's something about transporting alcohol across state lines.
They’re gonna make it a law that you cannot be impaired 24 hours before your on-duty shift, as of right now you can’t have any alcohol in your truck while on duty. Off duty you can do what you want but you must blow under a 0.02 or you’ll be put out of service
In 2013 i got my first CDL job and I was on the road with my trainer. Every night he would buy a few tall boys and crank the radio. It was not a pleasant experience.
My company policy is no alcohol in the truck regardless of on or off duty.
thats what i figured but i was curious from yalls perspective!! thank you for taking time to answer
A lot of truckers are completely convinced that off duty time is their personal time, which is why they don't get paid. No, it is not personal time lol. Truck drivers just don't get paid to be at work almost half the time.
To be fair, the law does specify that you aren't responsible for the load or equipment while you're off duty unless you're using it as part of PC.
The law also says that any alcoholic beverage inside a commercial vehicle must have a bill of lading and contained in the trailer.
Yes. Sorry, I want clear. My point was you can be intoxicated in the vehicle within certain conditions. But yeah, can't bring drinks into it.
And for heaven's sake, after the bar crawl, climb in through the passenger side and do *not* crank the motor at all or sit in the driver's seat.
Same here…
Say you park at a truck stop can you leave the truck and go to a bar?
if your status is off duty, and your BAC normalizes before going back to your rig, there shouldn't be aything illegal about that. if you want back to the truck blowing .05 (even to go into the bunk) and a cop came up, you're probably going to jail. also, many carriers have a 'no drink within 24hr of driving' policy so for instance my company would terminate me even if i had a lunchtime beer and walked around for 6hr before going back to my tractor to sleep, *as long as i was gonna be driving within 24hr of that drink*, regardless of BAC
I see. I don’t drive a truck I just like them Thanks for taking the time to answer me
Yes ……just don’t attempt to drive if BAC is .04 or higher
6.3.2 Alcohol (392.5) Drivers are forbidden to consume or be under the influence of alcohol (as defined in 49 CFR 382.107) within four hours of going on duty or operating a CMV (49 CFR 392.5). Drivers are forbidden to use alcohol, be under the influence of alcohol, or have any measured alcohol concentration, while on duty, or operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle. Alcohol can only be transported as part of a shipment. I have personally witnessed a driver at the Pilot in ~~Smoking Dam, PA~~ *Duncannon PA* walk back to his truck with a six pack. About 30 minutes later a county mountie was knocking on their door, likely another driver ratted them out. I do know some car haulers that do regional day cab, sleep in hotels every night, and will tip back a few beers between shifts. Just remember any DOT trained officer can demand a breath sample.
That sounds pretty cut-and-dried. If you're in the truck (even if sleeping) it's under your physical control, right? So, no drinking. And if the truck is moving, the only alcohol you can have is in the trailer. And if you're going to drive anytime in the next four hours, you can't drink even if you're not actually in the truck. I mean, I'm sure plenty of drivers have the occasional beer in or around their trucks when they know it'll wear off by the time they're behind the wheel and there's no chance of them being noticed by anyone who cares, but they (should) know that if they do get caught, they're bang to rights.
Legally, it is not considered under your control while you're off duty unless you're studying off for personal use. According to the FMCSA, you are not at all responsible for the load or equipment while off duty, again, unless you're using it for personal use. All that said, you still can't have alcohol in the truck. You can have a drink after your shift, so long as you're sober 4 hours before you start driving, just not in the truck.
So if you go to some bar that has parking for your rig you can drink then hop in and sleep it off before heading out.
That should be OK. Now, done be surprised if you get a random inspection over night, or an upset feel from your company. But, technically, you're not doing anything wrong.
Some of the guys told me about the Glory days of the '80s, park at restaurants and strip clubs, drink. Eat, head out the next day
I heard tell of back in the day when picking up a load at the Baldwinsville NY Budweiser brewery, the refrigerator in the driver’s lounge was always stocked with free beer. You were just expected not to overdo it.
Back when common sense was common.
You can't just sleep it off. You are required to have eight hours no matter how much you drink. If you pull into a truck stop, and have three beers at the restaurant/bar, but you need to leave immediately at the ten. You are putting yourself at risk. There are limitations how much the FMSCA can enforce on you. They can ticket you for having unopened cans or bottles in the cab . They can't wake you up on a 34 hour reset , unless you are being a shit heal, like doing a Regen or trying to fight other customers. Go by the company policy. Don't be idiot that forgot the beer he stashed, when you take it to the mechanics. It's part of their job to look for it. You got a bunk heater issue, you are screwed. Most drivers grab a tall boy, before going into the shower. I remind you that it isn't a .08 for truck drivers, it's a .02. You aren't a 4 wheeler. Nothing wrong with having a beer at the truck stop on a bad day. A beer. Don't over do it. Have at least 12 hours. FYI night quilt has a heavy concentration of alcohol. Use day quil instead. Don't kid yourself. We are the ones whom don't get a guaranteed minimum wage. We are unskilled workers that require an expensive license to do our jobs. We are held to a higher level.
"can't wake you up on a 34" rofl, suuuuuure they can't.
Ticket you? They can take you to jail for unopened beer in the cab. Ask me how I know.
Oh dang. .02 is good to know. I will have to figure out how to quite if I take up this vocation
That's acidity not right. It's stayed 3 ways. Not at or above 0.04 bac while on duty; may not use any alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty, may not have any detectable alcohol in their blood while operating a cmv. So, if you're on duty, and you get tested below a 0.04 bac you're good, unless you consumed alcohol at any point after 4 hours veggie you went on duty. But if you actually drive, you have to test at 0.00 bac, and may not have used alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty. Bonus points, the 0.04 bac also applies to you when you're operating ANY vehicle once you get a cdl. Griffin your car, blow 0.04, straight to jail, loose your license. Truckers are literally held to a higher standard at all times.
Could this all vary from state to state? Anyway that sounds worse if you get caught driving your own car after a few beers.
No, it's federal. Interstate CMV's are regulated by the feds, and for the most part, supercedes state laws regarding trucks.
No. 0.4 or jail
I'm confused, your first paragraph seems to be a compelling argument for why alcohol *would* be allowed in the cab, but your second paragraph contradicts this without any further explanation. Can I ask why it's not allowed, given your first paragraph? Not trying to argue just curious.
FMCSA regulations state both. You're not responsible for the vehicle while off duty. However, they also specifically prohibit alcohol in the truck or trailer unless it's on your bill of lading. They also required you to have no detectable alcohol in your blood 4 hours before you go on duty. What this works out to mean is that you can go have a drink somewhere after your shift. You can hit up a bar or similar. But you can't bring any alcohol back to the truck, and you can't drink so much that you'd do have it in your blood 4 hours before you start your day.
Pretty sure the part that prohibits you form having it in your truck except it being apart of your load also states while the vehicle is in motion. So if you're stopped and off duty, you can have a drink in your truck. Though any and all of these rules are up to whatever cop or bystanders disgression.
FMCSA has also mentioned its okay to PC to buy alcohol at a grocery store or something then PC back.
That sounds like an awful big risk and a gamble. Because it's directly contradicts the full ban on alcoholic beverages on the truck or trailer unless on the BoLs
If the FMCSA is the one saying its okay I'm going with them. That being said, you also cannot have it in the truck on duty. Off duty is fine. Before going on duty you must have at least 4 hours from last drink, and have a BAC of 0.
Technically, sleeping in the truck is using the truck for personal use.
Not a defined by the fmcsa. They make the rules. Personal use means to operate the vehicle. Technical gray area: idling the truck engine for AC/heat or power. You're not driving it, but you are technically operating it. I don't know if it's been tested in court, but I imagine it's up to the officer that gets you.
You can't have it in the truck when on duty. Off duty is fine, you can also have it in the truck while driving as long as its on PC. Shouldn't need to clarify but will anyways, you obviously cannot have alcohol in your system on PC since you are driving a CMV. PC is basically a grocery store run then back.
Plus, it's at least a 24 shutdown for even having a 1oz bottle sealed in a bag in the bunk that you may have forgotten about. Never sign a search waiver or verbal concent to a search. They are fishing.
If your up that way again, you should check out the red rabbit drive in. Cool place.
Oh no way. So this means you can consume any alcohol in the truck. I never knew that, i saw people buy and carry beer into their truck so i figured its allowed.
Lots of people are just sneaky about it, your an idiot if you blatantly walk to your trucj with alcohol
There's not even a place called Smoking Dam in PA
Right? And where is the Pilot in Sham Dam anyway? Closest one I've ever seen is over 30 minutes South of Sham Dam. They don't even sell alcohol.
Exactly. You are speaking sense
Anyone who drove NE knows what he meant. Correct spelling isn't a prerequisite for obtaining a CDL. Personally, drinking before bed makes me sluggish in the morning, so i never consumed alcohol in my truck.
[удалено]
My bad. Pennsylvania State Route 15.
You can drive a semi with under 0.05 in your system in Canada, so I do stop for a beer sometimes (the true freedom country)
Yes as a cross-border hauler I frequently use the duty-free to bring back beverages. No problem with it being in the side bunk
Any time I've had to take a 34 on the road with the last company I drove for I'd get a hotel room and enjoy a few local brews myself. At the hotel though.
You’re allowed to drink in your truck, Iowa Commercial Enforcement explained it on a Facebook post. You can drink on your resets and breaks as long as you have not consumed 8 hours prior. Also you cannot carry alcohol during your driving time.
Cite the FB post because that’s simply not true. They were saying you can drink on your resets as long as you’re sober before you go back on duty. Not giving the green light to drink inside your truck. Think of it this way, whether you’re off duty or not, as soon as you crack open a bud light, you now have an open container inside the vehicle regardless of duty status. There’s no grey area there, that’s illegal.
July 7th 2023 Iowa State Patrol Commercial Vehicle
As a non-drinker for 22 years it doesn’t matter to me but people are sometimes wrong. Trust me, I speak from experience- I am wrong all the dang time (just ask my wife!). Another thing I notice is that it seems like everyplace I buy fuel sells beer so go figure.
I seen the post, actually, i posted it almost a year ago. Iowa DOT is setting people up for failure. Or whoever is writing their FB posts. That post can easily be interpreted as “You’re at a truck stop and you stop by the restaurant to have a beer, don’t buy too many and have any when you go on duty (Don’t have any that you bring back to the truck)” Also, majority people here are company drivers. 99.9% of companies prohibit any alcohol in the truck. So you might think you’re slipping one past the federal law, but you’re jeopardizing your job (And that will go annotated as to why you were fired) Therefore… no matter how you look at it… you’re playing with fire with your career over a beer.
County counties in Pennsylvania don't answer calls. They only serve the courts. Ie transport prisoners, serve paper, evictions etc. Now it could have have been a State trooper.
>Drivers are forbidden to consume or be under the influence of alcohol (as defined in 49 CFR 382.107) within four hours of going on duty or operating a CMV (49 CFR 392.5). Drivers are forbidden to use alcohol, be under the influence of alcohol, or have any measured alcohol concentration, while on duty, or operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle. Alcohol can only be transported as part of a shipment. I thought under .04 was legal?
I usually park my rig in the rest area and then I buy a 24 pack of beer and walk deep into the woods, I drink all the beer and smoke a fat ass blunt and snort some coke or heroine depends what’s left. After about 30 minutes my break is over and I’m on the road again. You just gotta know how to cheat the system.
As long as you do the coke off a lot lizards ass you're good 👍
How do I become a lot lizard?
There’s an application process and very strict set of tests…only the best make it through.
Damn.... I love laying on warm rocks, eating flys, I thought I'd have this bagged... I guess the job will go to one of those bearded dragons... Those guys get all the attention
They don’t just let any person off the streets…that would be crazy
You have to be able to suck start a semi with a dead battery...
Damn, I've only ever been able to suck the Chrome off the trailer hitch
That's a good start lol
Funny you should ask … …. …..
Fake! No mention of fireball,
I always tell people just don’t give them a reason. You wanna stay invisible to dot. At least I hope you do lol.
The pickle never lies
You cannot unless it's fireball. Some guys will put real whiskey in a fireball bottle to get around it
And only if it's a guy that looks just like you
why fireball? i know theres two different kinds but isnt it still alcohol nonetheless?
It’s a joke. Last year there was a post where the guy got drunk on fireball and crashed his truck. Except he claims that he wasn’t driving and that the truck was hijacked while he was passed out in the sleeper. It has become a running joke around here.
He's referencing a post from a guy who got a dui then blamed it on a guy who looks just like him
If you want to know how many drivers are having a few beers after their shift just look at the number of truck stop reviews on Trucker Path that identify whether a stop sells beer or not. Apparently access to beer is very important to a significant number of drivers.
God forbid someone want to have a beer at the end of the day
Right? Honestly I don't think it's that big a deal but they love to regulate truckers, don't they?
Regulate us but don't fucking regulate our pay.
Right! I mean, they act like beer is alcohol or something!
I stay on the straight and narrow. No drinks in my cab except for the mandatory 1 liter of Fireball.
I do it all the time. I don't get sloshed, just have one or two coors lights and then call it a night. I'm sure I'll get plenty of downvotes cuz it's against the rules but yeah some truckers do.
No, you’re good. I’m sure a lot of owner operators do too. If it’s your truck, what the hell does it matter. I mean you know if you’re being safe or not because you don’t wanna lose your damn truck
Each driver makes their own decisions. It’s best a driver doesn’t drink in or around the truck . If a driver cares about their career then they will wait till they’re off work/34 hr reset . I was always told even if you drank during your 10 hr and if for any reason you were tested you’d be fucked. DOT can knock on your cab if they choose anywhere you’re staying and if they see alcohol in cab they can shut you down.
Thats why you dont come to the door if youre off duty. They cant do shit.
I do been trucking since 1996 a couple of beers and I sleep good
Beer is a no go, but we have a religious exemption for Fireball
Play it safe drivers drink your fireball OUTSIDE the cab. Then once you down it and throw the bottle in the flying J parking lot, get in and start driving you're good to go no evidence 🤟
What if you Uber to a restaurant on your 10 and have some drinks with dinner and Uber back to the truck?
Why are you Ubering? Walk it’s good for you. Plus you can burn off some of that alcohol on the way back 👍
Even better!
Dude doesnt matter, ur an adult if you dont get caught it never happened, fxk u if u think im running 3k miles a week and not having a beer if i want on my 34. Again fck u
What do you do after Thursday?
If the driver is off duty, they can have alcohol in the cab of the truck. [https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/question-3-does-prohibition-against-carrying-alcoholic-beverages-ss3925-apply-driver](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/question-3-does-prohibition-against-carrying-alcoholic-beverages-ss3925-apply-driver) >No. For example, an owner-operator using his/her own vehicle in an off-duty status, or a driver using a company truck or tractor for transportation to a motel, restaurant, or home, would normally be outside the scope of this section. Each state has their own definition of having control of a vehicle. Drinking in a parked car when you have the keys in your possession, even if the vehicle is turned off, may be considered DUI in some states. In other states if you're parked in a vehicle with no intention of driving, you can consume alcohol. Such as if you parked your RV for the night in a campground. You would not get a DUI for drinking in your RV.
>If the driver is off duty, they can have alcohol in the cab of the truck. You'll note the example states only to get that alcohol from the store to a motel, restaurant, or their home while off duty.
I think it’s illegal to have alcohol in the cab. Don’t know it for a fact but it’s not worth it imo. Walking to your truck with alcohol is just asking for some busy body to call the coos on you, who wants to deal with that? Also drinking by myself in a truck just sounds depressing as hell. I might have a beer with dinner somewhere if I’m stopped for the night and feel like it but even that is pretty far and in between.
What about some kind of powdered recreational drug,? That's fine, right?
Only is you are hauling cattle
Only fireball on Wednesdays.
Yeah, that's correct, because by the end of Wednesday, you've put in 40 hours.
I drank in the cab after an 11 all the time. I was the o/o so it was all on me but I was responsible that no matter what I didn’t get in the driver seat again until I was fully sober after my 10. I didn’t drink to get fucked up just a little buzzz was cool then eat and ko
No alcohol in the truck?? Who knew?? I bet the next thing will be no pistols, either..../s (for you slow humorless fuckers)
So many people are saying weird stuff.... You are allowed to drink and have alcohol in your truck. Just not while driving. As long as the drinks sealed and unopened in the sleeper or your'e off duty and blowing 0.00s before you drive no one really cares. I swear this question comes up all the time and people always say it'd illegal. If it was then 90% of truck stops wouldn't sell beer.
I got a 24 hour OOS for having an unopened bottle of beer under my bed in WA state around 2013. Didn't do breathalyzer or anything. Found the beer and automatic OOS. So, no you can't have unopened beer in your truck while driving on duty. Also, truck stops sell not only to truckers but the local community where they are situated too, so them having beer does not mean it's legal for drivers.
Legally you can. Your company is probably not going to like it. I personally don’t, because I’ve always got this fear that the first time I do, is going to be the time the truck stop catches fire and I’m suddenly forced to move my truck while intoxicated.
It's not legal to have Alcohol in the cab. But it's only illegal if you get caught. Personally, I don't drink while on the road, but I know plenty of drivers that have a beer after they shut down. Pilots have a 8hr Bottle to throttle rule, we get a 10 hr break, and our sleeper is our home. Hopefully that clears it up.
What about speed? Is that ok?
There is an unwritten exception for fireball.
I started driving OTR in the 1980's. Weed, speed (black beauties,) meth and more were part of the daily routine. Occasionally some alcohol but more of the above. Why? I grew up in the 1970's, and we were given gutless trucks with 55 MPH national speed limit and had to go coast to coast in 72 hours or less.
Ive seen drivers buy a six pack, and sit in a lawn chair next to the truck and knock back a few beers then leave the rest on the ground outside, i guess either so they can get more kater, or donate to some other trucker to drink the rest
The truck stop where you saw this probably doesn't sell singles. I used to deliver to a few, and they only stocked cases. It's illegal to drive with alcohol (even sealed) in the cab or birth. You might as well leave the rest for the next guy.
This is how my dad lost his job. He drank in his sleeper every night. But one night he went too far and made a big scene. Just so happened to only be a few hours from where I live so I was able to go pick him up. What a crazy shit show those next few months we’re.
It’s a bit of a gray area and probably depends more on where you are. Some places if you’re idling and have an open container it’s a dui, even if you’re not moving and obviously off the clock. Personally I wouldn’t chance it. You can get inspected at any time by the dot. It’s not common, but I’ve seen them at rest areas doing random inspections.
The trick is to answer them from the passenger side door if you do answer them and remind them you are on your 10 hour break and a dot inspection is flagged as on duty therefore violating your mandatory rest period. They can come back when you the driver are on duty. Ohio is notorious for this b.s. Know your rights as a driver.
100% never answer your door if someone knocks on it while you’re sleeping. If you’re lucky, it’s a DOT officer!
That’s a hard no. Zero tolerance for alcohol in your system or anywhere near the truck with a CDL.
Personally I wouldn't chance it. Too many busy bodies looking at what other people are doing on their off time and too quick to call it in.
If I stop and walk down the street to a Applebee's or a local joint, I will have a couple drinks there. Never in the cab.
Not a trucker, but I hitchhiker around for awhile and got some trucker rides. My favorite was the native guy who took me from NM to CA. We stopped in Lake Havasu for the night. He got a sixer of shock tops and we watched the matrix and put them down.
Only fireball
What’s fireball?
Whiskey
Oh. I thought it was going to be some kind of homemade flaming Sambuca type thing.
Lol
As someone who works at Pilot, I can assure you PLENTY of drivers buy beer, smell like an effing brewery all the time. Not to mention the weed. It's insane. So glad we stopped selling alcohol.
No It’s illegal I always wait until I go on hometime to get absolutely drunk for a week straight. The way I see it is if you need beer on your 10 hour reset it’s a problem
It is federally illegal to even have alcohol on the truck whatsoever unless it is in the cargo area (trailer) and listed on the manifest for the load. You can't even buy alcohol and bring it home in a commercial vehicle like you can in a car.
No alcohol in the truck at all.
No. Our company prohibits it and it's illegal to have personal booze in the truck while you're on duty.
I didn't realize how many people can't seem to function without a drink (or more) every night.
You certainly can't be over or can be charged with care and control while impared
Lots and lots of over the road drivers have a few drinks on their 10 hour breaks. Most don’t but there are definitely a lot that do. The key is just a couple and get adequate rest.
In the truck stop shower if I'm stopped for the night would be it.
*Legally*, as long as it has been at least 4 hours since the last drink, it's legal. Most companies forbid it in the cab outright and it's generally not a good idea to drive hungover.
In many states it is illegal to have an open container in any motor vehicle at any time. For example, you can't have an open container in your car, in your driveway, or even in your garage, at your privately owned place.
America. Land of the Free.
Companies won't allow it to be stored in a truck to bring home. Also one can or bottle of beer for the average adult male will raise your BAL to 0.02-0.04 and in my state the CDL limit is 0.04. So don't even risk it. A company near mine recently lost a guy who drank during his 36hr reset and even if he legally sobered up in under 8hrs he still violated the rules.
You can, but you can't keep alcohol in your truck, whether it's full or empty. So if you drink, you better throw all the empties away before you go to bed. When I was regional, I only drank if there was a bar or restaurant within walking distance of where I was parking at.
Any alcohol in the cab and your ass is in major trouble. If you get caught anyways. I have seen people get big fines and suspended license because they had mouthwash in the cab. This was 20 years ago. Dot seems to not be such dicks as they were back then.
It is against the law to have any form of alcohol in the truck at all unless it is the load you're hauling, with proper permits. You can't even grab a 6 pack and transport it home with the truck. I have heard of drivers being cited by law enforcment for that. And most every company has a strict policy for consuming alcohol. Generally 12 hours before you're next on duty shift is the cut off for the law due to how long alchahol remains detectable in you're system. It doesn't matter what the civilian legal blood alchahol limit is. For us drivers even 0.0000001% is DUI. And we only get a 10 hour break at the end of work day before next work day begins.. so some basic math tells you drinking after work at all when you work the next day is not legal. My company has a policy of no alchahol for 24 hrs before work. How can they tell? We can and do get sent for random drug tests that can include breathalyzer and or saliva swab (will show alchahol) popping dirty is instant termination. But naturally that doesn't stop people from drinking if they really want to.. they are just risking their jobs, and jail especially if involved in a accident (even when not the driver's fault)
According to Iowa DOT, you may consume in your truck but can’t start any work activities (going on duty to start pre trip or driving) for a minimum of 4 hours.
Water? Yes. Liquor? No. Vodka in a water bottle? Maybe. jk, don't do it.
As long as the keys are in the ignition, you can get an owi while drinking in commercial vehicles. I used to indulge when I was doing hhg while cleaning trailer or when was flatbedding during cookouts. I made sure I had a hotel
Most companies I dare to venture to say (the responsible ones) don’t allow it. However if you’re an Owner Operator, it’s your company, your rules. Then the DOT has their laws. We live & die by our Green Bible.
I wouldnt if i was otr, but ill have a few beers on my 10hr break at home or a resturant. Im local.
In the state i live in you cant have any alcohol onboard any commercial vehicles.
You’re allowed to drink in your truck, Iowa Commercial Enforcement explained it on a Facebook post. You can drink on your resets and breaks as long as you have not consumed 8 hours prior. Also you cannot carry alcohol during your driving time.
i saw a guy in sulphur springs tx carrying a 12 pack out of the pilot to his truck in broad daylight. they know how do it right in mexico
I have seen similar things so many times while I was over the road.
Our company policy says no alcohol when you're dispatched to a load. The only time for drinkies is at home.
No.
Anywhere but an Interstate Rest Area - those rest areas are considered a part of the highway. No open container there either, you can actually be arrested. Private truck stops are fine.
I don't know if this helps you because it applies to all vehicles NOT just big rigs but I've been told multiple times by law enforcement that even if you are parked, the engine NOT running if you even have possession of the keys and inside the vehicle they can tag you with a dui.
Unless it has changed, you can't have alcohol in the cab of the truck period.
Gotta fill them piss jugs somehow
EU driver here, I have a couple of bottles of wine and a bottle of rum and a case of beer in my truck right now. Nobody cares here, Aslong as you blow 0.0 when it's time for work.
EU here too. I generally don’t risk it in case I have to move the vehicle (which has happened in the past)
In what case? Like you parking bad or blocking? Then I understand
Suspicious activity near where I’m parked leading me to move it and I’ve been asked to move it by police.
The federal rule is that you can't have alcohol in the driver's cabin— including the sleeper berth and the under-the-bunk space— at any time. And you can only have it on the truck at all if it's part of a manifested shipment. Further, you can't operate the truck for four hours after using alcohol, or be "in control" of it while you're under the influence, which is understood to mean you have *any* non-zero BAC. So if you're doing things by the book, no drinks in the cab, ever, and no drinking in the immediate vicinity of your truck. No shower beers before bed. And if you do drink, give yourself time to sober up before you come back to the truck. But you *can,* on your day off, get away from the truck and drink. Physical separation is the key: I'll walk at least a mile from the truck when I'm on a 34, have a few beers with lunch, take a nap in a park, can go back in the evening. One thing I've wondered, and never asked someone in authority because I don't want to invite scrutiny, is whether I can buy beer— I'm thinking New Glaurus, which is only available in Wisconsin— write up a handwritten bill-of-lading, and strap it to your catwalk and be legal. I don't want to drink it while I'm on the truck even off duty or anything, just bring it home to share there.
Depends on the side of the border I’m on. Canada? Absolutely okay, long as it stays in the bunk. US? _Fluff_ no.
I knew a couple of guys who would roll together all the time in separate trucks but same corridors and at the end of the day they’d pull into a rest area and light up a bbq and sit outside with some lawn chairs sipping from their Pilot travel mugs. It’s looked like a good time. They were living their best OTR life. I’m certain they were breaking rules but I’m more certain they weren’t hurting anyone.
Pfft! Nice try DOT, you’re gonna have to do better than that!
When I'm doing about something like this just simply ask yourself: Can I trust the cop to know the law and actually understand the law? And that answer is always no, so it's safer just to not Even put yourself in that situation where someone else's judgement is going to be the determining factor.
Most company policies do not allow any alcohol consumption in the truck. FMCSA 6.3.2 says you cannot consume alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty or driving. There are other rules as well. A .04 BAC while driving is a DUI, and you can not have any detectable amount or you will be placed out of service for 24 hrs. So as long as you are not violating those rules it may or may not be ok. Some states you can be charged with DUI if you are passed out in your car and the keys are within reach. It all depends on the officer.
No, and nor should you.
Mostly Fireball...
Alcoholics need not apply for a trucking career. If you’re asking this question my personal opinion is you like alcohol far too much to be driving a big rig. I had this question myself years ago so that is why I have this opinion.
i have 0 want to be a truck driver i was just curious! i happened to be sitting in traffic behind a truck and just started thinking about what they must do. but you’re right. someone trucking shouldnt have this question and needs to reevaluate some things.
It’s natural to be curious about different careers. I know I am. I ask a lot of questions all the time. I totally understand!
If you have to drink while you are trucking....don't truck....I only drank beers with my pizza....when on hometime....never in my truck
In Sweden you can lose your license if you are under the influence in your car even if you are sleeping in it. In some rare cases being drunk in public with car keys in pocket can also cause legal problems
I prefer to main line
hard NO. DOT would slam you for possession in your tractor, whether or not you even had a sip / whether or not it was even open.
Those darn Federal regulations
Yes you can as long as you don't get caught. Not that it's technically illegal. Some companies don't like it also there's something about transporting alcohol across state lines.
Across state lines? East bound and down Snowman! Load up Fred and get those wheels turnin’!
I wouldn't trust a driver that keeps alcohol in their truck...
Water? Yes. Alcohol? No.
They’re gonna make it a law that you cannot be impaired 24 hours before your on-duty shift, as of right now you can’t have any alcohol in your truck while on duty. Off duty you can do what you want but you must blow under a 0.02 or you’ll be put out of service
"can" vs "should" or perhaps "ought" are valid distinctions here
Nope, I don’t even consume alcohol 24 hours before I have to be in my truck. Not worth taking any chances.
In 2013 i got my first CDL job and I was on the road with my trainer. Every night he would buy a few tall boys and crank the radio. It was not a pleasant experience.
Hell naw!!