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Committee backs lowering commercial driver BAC standard, establishes stricter under‑age rule
Summary
Committee voted to forward Bill 36‑0123 to align the territory’s commercial driver blood‑alcohol limit with federal guidance (0.04%) and to prohibit any detectable alcohol for under‑21 drivers; VIPD recommended even stricter 0.00% for commercial drivers.
The Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety voted to forward Bill 36‑0123, sponsored by Senator Ray Fonseca, which would make it unlawful for a person with a blood‑alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or greater to operate a commercial motor vehicle and would make it unlawful for drivers under age 21 to operate any motor vehicle with any detectable alcohol.
Witnesses from the Virgin Islands Police Department’s Office of Highway Safety and the Attorney General’s office supported the proposal and recommended stronger measures in some respects. VIPD testimony recommended considering a 0.00% standard for commercial vehicle operators and a 0.00% or 0.02% detectable limit for younger drivers, noting that commercial vehicles carry higher risk due to their size, weight and cargo. The Department of Justice advised the committee that aligning the local commercial standard with federal guidance is consistent with national practice and will reduce liability and enforcement confusion.
VIPD officials provided local crash data to justify action: between fiscal years 2020 and July 31, 2025, police records showed 453 drivers involved in crashes where alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor; VIPD detailed ongoing enforcement campaigns and noted that a substantial share of cases had no BAC reported or involved test refusals.
Amendment 36‑516 was adopted during the hearing to refine penalties and procedures, and the committee voted to approve the bill as amended. Roll call recorded five yes votes and two absences; the measure will be forwarded to Rules and Judiciary for further consideration and detailed drafting of enforcement procedure and public‑education funding.
