A Full Explanation Of Maryland CDL Disqualifications

Driving with a CDL in Maryland comes with great responsibility, hence, the commission of a violation can result in disqualification. Whether you seek to avoid the penalties, or you are facing your first offense, understanding Maryland CDL disqualifications is crucial to maintain your CDL. Therefore, this post outlines below the most common reasons for disqualifications along with their penalties, giving you a clear insight into what should avoid. Keep reading to safeguard your driving privileges.

What are the Maryland CDL disqualifications?

According to the Maryland DOT’s CDL manual, the main disqualifications for obtaining a Maryland CDL are divided into categories as follows:

Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, and commission of a felony

Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, and commission of a felony
Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, and commission of a felony

In Maryland, DUIs, leaving the scene of an accident, or felonies are considered major offenses that come with serious consequences. The following are some common offenses and their penalties:

  • At least 1-year disqualification for:
    • Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or more
    • Operating a CMV under the influence of alcohol or drugs
    • Refusing to submit to tests for alcohol or drug use
    • Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV
    • Operating a CMV while your CDL is suspended or revoked
    • Causing a fatality due to negligent or reckless driving
    • Committing a felony with a CMV
  • At least 3-year disqualification for:
    • Violating the above offenses while transporting hazardous materials
  • Lifetime disqualification for:
    • Violating the above offense for a second time in a specific period
    • Using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances

Serious traffic violations

Serious traffic violations
Serious traffic violations

Serious traffic offenses both put the roadways and other travelers at risk and endanger the livelihoods of CDL holders in Maryland. Repeated offenses could cause disqualification:

  • At least 60-day disqualification: For committing two of the  following offenses in three years:
    • Operating at speeds of 15 mph or more
    • Reckless or aggressive driving
    • Improper or irregular lane changes
    • Tailgating (following too closely)
    • Causing a fatal accident due to traffic violations
    • Operating a CMV without a valid CDL or proper endorsements
    • Using a handheld mobile device or texting while operating a CMV
  • At least 120-day disqualification: For three or more above convictions in three years.

Ignoring out-of-services orders

Ignoring out-of-services orders
Ignoring out-of-services orders

Out-of-service orders are given when a vehicle is rated as unsafe to operate. Out-of-service orders can be issued for the following conditions:

  • Mechanical failure in a CMV:
    • Brake, steering, or other system failure to the extent that safety is jeopardized
    • Tire or lighting failure that is below the minimum safety requirements
  • Driver infractions:
    • Driving a CMV under the influence of drugs or alcohol
    • Violating hours-of-service (HOS) regulations that make a driver too fatigued to drive
    • Operating a CMV without having a valid medical certificate in possession or when such certificate has expired
  • Cargo and load violations: Transporting an overweight or improperly secured cargo that is a safety hazard

Violating these orders poses serious dangers and carries heavy penalties for CDL drivers in Maryland:

  • At least 90-day disqualification for the first offense
  • At least 1-year disqualification for the second offense within 10 years
  • At least 3-year disqualification for the third offense within 10 years

Making sure your car meets safety specifications before hitting the road is the only way to avoid these fines.

Railroad-highway grade crossing violations

Railroad-highway grade crossing violations
Railroad-highway grade crossing violations

Railroad-highway grade crossing violations are considered serious offenses in Maryland because of their potential to lead to horrific accidents. Any holder of a CDL must comply with all safety procedures when approaching railroad crossings. Examples of common violations are:

  • Failure to stop when the tracks are not visible
  • Failure to check for an oncoming train before crossing
  • Failure to obey traffic control devices or instructions
  • Inadequate clearance to proceed through the crossing without stopping
  • Failure to stop when required (such as for buses or hazardous materials vehicles)

Penalties for these violations are:

  • At least 60-day disqualification for the first offense
  • At least 120-day disqualification for the second offense
  • At least 1-year disqualification for the third offense

Violation of rules for hazardous materials endorsement

Violation of rules for hazardous materials endorsement
Violation of rules for hazardous materials endorsement

CDL holders are required to meet safety and security standards to become or stay qualified for the HazMat endorsement. The ground of disqualification will be granted in:

  • Failure in a required background check by Transportation Security Administration – TSA
  • Being determined to be a security threat by the TSA
  • Committing any felony related to terrorism, explosives, or the transportation of hazardous materials
  • Being declared mentally incapacitated or committed to a mental facility
  • Surrendering your United States citizenship or failing to become a legal permanent resident

The loss of HazMat endorsement might further expose a driver to some extra punishment in case they operate a CMV with hazardous materials without legitimate authority.

Personal vehicle violations affecting CDL status

Some violations in a non-commercial vehicle will also put your CDL at risk, such as:

  • License suspension or revocation for traffic offenses (other than parking)
  • DUI or drug offense in a non-commercial vehicle
  • Felony convictions using a motor vehicle

Penalties for personal vehicle violations:

  • Minimum 1-year CDL disqualification: For first offense
  • Lifetime CDL disqualification: For the second offense
  • No hardship license: Maryland does not offer restricted hardship licenses for CDL holders to operate a CMV while their personal driving privileges are revoked

FAQs

1. What felonies disqualify you from getting a CDL in Maryland?

Some felony convictions will either deny or prohibit a person from obtaining a CDL in Maryland. These convictions usually compromise public safety and security, including but not limited to:

  • Felonies involving the use of a CMV: You will be disqualified if using a CMV to commit a felony, with repeat offenders facing lifetime disqualification.
  • Felony involving the use of drugs or controlled substances: Any felony involving the manufacturing, distributing, or possession of a controlled substance, if a CMV was used.
  • Felony involving violence or terrorism: Violence, terrorism, or other crimes that would be considered threats to national security may make a person ineligible for endorsement, especially on hazardous material endorsements.
  • Felony related to theft or fraud: Felonies involving identity theft, fraud, or other related offenses may also affect your eligibility for a CDL.

2. What disqualifies you from driving a CDL school bus in Maryland?

In Maryland, you have to meet the strict requirements for public safety to be able to drive a school bus. Disqualifications include, but are not limited to:

  • Criminal history disqualifications:
    • Violent crimes, sexual offenses, or crimes involving minors
    • Felonies that demonstrate a disregard for safety or trustworthiness
  • Driving record disqualifications:
    • DUIs or operating a CMV with a BAC of 0.04% or higher
    • Reckless driving or other serious violations of traffic laws, such as tailgating or improper passing
    • Building up too many moving violations that show unsafe driving
  • Medical disqualifications:
    • Failure to pass the necessary DOT physical examination
    • Loss of vision, hearing, or other disabilities that interfere with safely driving a school bus
  • Alcohol and substance abuse violations:
    • Testing positive in required DOT drug or alcohol tests
    • Refusal to submit to an alcohol or drug test

Drivers of school buses must undergo an intensive background check, which also involves fingerprinting and checking of driving records, to meet the high standard of safety while carrying children.

Final thoughts

Understanding Maryland CDL disqualifications is crucial for pursuing or maintaining a CDL and driving career in Maryland. From serious offenses like a DUI or felony conviction down to minor infractions that include texting while driving, the penalties are strict to ensure safety on the roads. To avoid costly penalties, always stay updated with federal and state regulations, put safety first, and continually update driving skills and vehicle compliance. By doing so, you will secure your CDL, keep your job, and contribute toward a safer transportation system. Keep in mind that what you do behind the wheel not only affects your livelihood but also the lives of others on the road.


Share This Article