B. Liability
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Elena Vance, J.D.
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8 min read
Drunk and Drugged Commercial Drivers: Uncapping Punitive Damages Under Texas Law
Commercial truck drivers are legally intoxicated at 0.04% BAC—half the civilian limit. Learn how intoxication assault and drug violations uncap punitive damages under Texas statutory exemptions.
Key Legal Takeaways
- Commercial CDL blood alcohol threshold is 0.04% under federal and Texas law.
- Intoxication assault and manslaughter claims are completely exempt from statutory punitive damage caps in Texas.
- Carriers must conduct mandatory post-accident drug and alcohol testing within strict statutory timeframes.
Texas CPRC § 41.008(c) Cap Exemption
While Texas normally caps punitive damages, collisions resulting from felony intoxication assault (Texas Penal Code § 49.07) or intoxication manslaughter (§ 49.08) allow juries to award unlimited exemplary damages.