Alcohol, drugs and illness: the CDL rules
It is illegal to drive a commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .04% or more (New Jersey CDL Manual, 1.3.2, p. 1-7). Section 2.22 (p. 2-40) covers alcohol, drugs and illness for the General Knowledge test.
Key facts
| Part of | the General Knowledge test (80% to pass) | NJ MVC CDL FAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Manual section | §2.22 Alcohol, drugs and illness | NJ CDL Manual p. 2-40 |
| Questions in CDL Mile's bank | 8 | CDL Mile, checked against NJ CDL Manual |
Key rules
- § 2.22.1p. 2-40
The liver clears alcohol at a fixed rate that nothing speeds up. Coffee and cold showers do not change that rate; only waiting does.
Alcohol and Driving
- § 2.22.2p. 2-42
The rules bar being under the influence of drugs that can make you unsafe, and that can include prescription and cold medicines. A drug from your doctor is allowed if the doctor tells you it won't affect your ability to drive safely.
Other Drugs
Try two questions
General Knowledge · Alcohol, drugs and illness
Which of these servings holds about the same amount of alcohol as a 12-ounce glass of 5% beer?
Tap an answer to see the explanation and the manual page.
General Knowledge · Alcohol, drugs and illness
According to the manual, which three things determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?
Tap an answer to see the explanation and the manual page.
More General Knowledge topics
Questions drivers ask
- What is the alcohol limit for CDL drivers in New Jersey?
- .04% blood alcohol concentration while driving a commercial motor vehicle. A first offense at .04% or higher costs you your CDL for at least one year.
- Source: New Jersey CDL Manual (March 2025), 1.3.2, p. 1-7
Sources
New Jersey Commercial Driver License Manual, version March 2025, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Page references are to its printed page numbers. CDL Mile is independent and not affiliated with the NJ MVC.
Updated for the March 2025 New Jersey CDL manual. Last checked November 5, 2026.
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