What Disqualifies You From Getting A CDL In Nevada? - Updates from Experts

Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Nevada is a major step in securing an excellent career in the transportation industry. However, it's critical to understand what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Nevada. From criminal history to driving record issues and medical requirements, several factors can affect your qualification. This article explores specific disqualifications in Nevada for getting a CDL license, providing you with expert views and helpful updates that will help you avoid some of the pitfalls and confidently move forward.

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Nevada?

In Nevada, certain offenses may prohibit you from being granted a CDL, including serious traffic conditions, driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, leaving the scene of an accident, using your CMV in the commission of a felony and many more. Understanding these disqualifiers is key to maintaining your eligibility for a successful career in commercial driving.

Alcohol, hit-and-run incidents, and felony offenses

It is absolutely forbidden to operate a CMV under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. The State of Nevada has set a legal BAC limit of 0.04% for operators of CMVs. A person operating a CMV within the state is considered to have given implied consent to an alcohol test. Refusal to submit to testing will be penalized. [caption id="attachment_6313" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Alcohol, hit-and-run incidents, and felony offenses[/caption] Alcohol-related offenses:

• 0.04% or any percentage BAC above it while operating a CMV.
• DUI-driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
• Refusing to submit blood alcohol tests.

As a result a 24-hour out-of-service order for those under 0.04% alcohol. Leaving the scene of an accident:

• Failing to stay at the scene of an accident involving a CMV is a serious offense resulting in disqualification.

Felony offenses:

• Operating a CMV and committing a felony.
• Using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances is an offense that leads to lifetime CDL disqualification.

Disqualification periods:

• A first offense for such a violation leads to a minimum of one year disqualification, or three years if operating a hazardous materials CMV.
• A second offense leads to lifetime CDL disqualification.

Major traffic offenses

Certain traffic offenses are considered "serious" violations when operating a CMV and can result in the loss of your CDL after repeated infractions. These violations not only put the public in danger but also bring discredit to your professional driving record. [caption id="attachment_6314" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Major traffic offenses[/caption]

• Speeding: Operating a vehicle at a rate of speed of 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit.
• Reckless driving: Driving a CMV in a manner that endangers the safety of surrounding people.
• Improper or erratic lane changes: Failing to exercise the appropriate caution and signal in lane changes.
• Following too closely: Following too closely the other vehicles.
• Traffic violations in fatal accidents: Violations in association with an offense that contributes to or is committed in connection with the crash itself.

Disqualification periods:

• The suspension shall last for 60 days after two serious traffic law violations involving a CMV committed within three years.
• A period of disqualification for 120 days would be applicable in case of involvement in three or more serious traffic violations within a period of three years while handling a CMV.

Out-of-service orders violations

Operating a vehicle in violation of an out-of-service order is a serious offense that will result in the suspension of your Commercial Driver's License. Out-of-service orders are issued for various reasons, including but not limited to driver fatigue, vehicle safety concerns, and regulatory noncompliance. In addition to endangering your CDL, ignoring such orders puts the motoring public at risk. Disqualification periods for out-of-service violations:

• First offense: Requires a CDL disqualification of at least 90 days.
• Second offense (within 10 years): Results in at least one year minimum disqualification.
• Third or subsequent violation (within 10 years): Leads to a CDL disqualification for at least three years.

Violation at railroad-highway grade crossings

Railroad-highway grade crossing violations are considered a serious offense and result in the disqualification of your CDL. These are specifically set to prevent accidents from happening at crossings, ensuring further safety to both drivers and pedestrian passersby. It shall increase with repeated occurrences within a three-year timeframe. [caption id="attachment_6316" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Violation at railroad-highway grade crossings[/caption] Disqualification periods for railroad-highway grade crossing violations:

• First offense: disqualification from having a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for a minimum of 60-days.
• Second offense (within three years): disqualification from having a CDL for a minimum of 120 days.
• Subsequent offenses (within three years): disqualification from holding a CDL for a minimum of one year.

Railroad-highway grade crossing violations examples: For drivers not always required to stop:

• Failing to decrease speed and verify that the tracks are free of oncoming trains.
• Failing to stop short of the crossover when the tracks are not clear.

For drivers always required to stop:

• Failing to make a complete stop prior to the intersection.

For all drivers:

• Proceeds despite insufficient space to complete crossing.
• Ignoring signals from traffic control devices or enforcement officials at the crossing.
• Attempting to cross the junction under a vehicle with insufficient undercarriage clearance, causing it to be laden on the other side.

Hazardous materials endorsement background check disqualification

Applying for a Hzmat endorsement on your CDL requires higher levels of scrutiny for safety and security reasons. In applying, an individual must provide fingerprints for a background check through the Transportation Security Administration. You will be denied or lost H endorsement if you:

• Not a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• Voted to renounce your citizenship in the United States.
• Wanted or under indictment for certain felonies.
• Convicted for specific felonies in a military or civilian court.
• Rendered mentally incompetent by the court.
• Involuntarily committed to a mental health facility.
• The TSA determines that you pose a security threat.

The process for the TSA background check completion may be different in your jurisdiction. Your licensing agency will be able to provide the guidance and information you need to complete the requirements.

Traffic violation in your personal vehicle

MCSIA of 1999 states that any holder of a Commercial Driver's License is supposed to show safe driving behavior on and off the road in either the CMV or a private vehicle. Specific traffic offenses in your private vehicle will lead to suspension or revocation of your CDL, hence affecting your professional driving career. [caption id="attachment_6320" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Traffic violation in your personal vehicle[/caption] Some key consequences: General traffic offences: When driving privileges are revoked, canceled, or suspended because of traffic law violations (excluding parking offenses), you will lose your CDL rights altogether. Alcohol, controlled substances of felony violations:

• A suspension of personal driving privileges due to this will result in a one-year disqualification of your commercial driving license.
• A second violation in either your personal vehicle or CMV will get you a lifetime disqualification of your CDL.

Hardship licenses: If your personal driving privileges are revoked, canceled, or suspended, there is no way you can obtain a "hardship" license for driving a CMV.

FAQs

1. Can a felon get a CDL in Nevada?

It depends. A felon can get a CDL in Nevada, given that he/she meets all the requirements set by both the state and federal authorities. However, some felony convictions may lead to disqualification or lifetime bans, such as those involving the use of a CMV or controlled substances. Besides this, felons may not be able to get specific endorsements, like hazardous materials, because of the stringent background checks through TSA.

2. Is reckless driving a felony in Nevada?

It depends. Reckless driving in Nevada is generally considered a misdemeanor; however, it becomes a felony if the acts of reckless driving lead to substantial bodily harm, where the victim suffers severe injury or dies. Felony reckless driving entails more serious sentences: larger fines, longer driver's license suspensions, and imprisonment.

Final thoughts

Understanding what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Nevada is important for any person seeking to pursue a career in commercial driving. From serious traffic offenses to felony cases, you should ensure a clean driving record and follow all legal requirements necessary to obtain and keep his license. If you are ready to take the next step in the pursuit of your CDL, make sure you qualify under all the qualifications and understand the disqualifications that are outlined here. Get on the road today and secure your future in the ever-booming trucking industry.