If you are looking to have a career in commercial driving, getting a Commercial Driver’s License in North Carolina is an important step in the process. However, it is vital to be aware of the things that would disqualify you from obtaining one in North Carolina. Serious traffic offenses, medical conditions, and even criminal history are some of the disqualifications you need to know when applying for a CDL. In this article, we will discuss what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in North Carolina and guide you through the process to ensure that you do it correctly.
What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in North Carolina?
There are a number of factors that may affect how you may acquire or possibly maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Criminal convictions, serious traffic violations, or disobedience to numerous federal or state statutes. From DUI convictions to felony offenses and violations of out-of-service orders, the knowledge of these disqualifications is essential for those who plan to pursue a career in commercial driving. This section will clarify the determinants that could bar you from having a CDL in North Carolina.
Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, and commission of a felony
Operating a CMV is a heavily regulated activity, and the laws concerning alcohol use, accident responsibilities, and criminal activities are strict. Penalties for breaking these laws are severe and may result in the loss of your CDL.

Alcohol-related violations
It is a crime to operate a CMV if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is .04% or higher. You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first offense if you refuse to undergo alcohol testing or drive under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or controlled substances. If the offense is committed while transporting hazardous materials, the penalty increases to at least three years of suspension. A second offense may lead to a lifetime ban. A detectable alcohol level of less than .04% will automatically result in a 24-hour out-of-service penalty.
Leaving the scene of an accident
Commercial motor vehicle drivers bear heavy accountability on roadways. Leaving the scene after an accident involving a CMV is a serious offense and can be punished by at least a one-year suspension of a driver’s license. Such a penalty is imposed keeping in view the critical importance of safety and compliance in every situation, especially as pertains to operators of CMVs.
Commission of a felony
The most serious punishment is given for using a CMV to commit a felony. A first-time offense mandates at least a year’s suspension of the CDL; however, using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances will lead to lifetime bans. These rules really reinforce the idea of lawful conduct among individuals entrusted with operating commercial vehicles.
Serious traffic violations
Severe traffic offenses will put your driving of a CMV and your CDL in jeopardy. These offenses are considered serious hazards to the driving public and have severe penalties.

Examples of traffic violations that are serious in nature:
- Driving too fast: Exceeding the posted speed limit by 15 mph or more.
- Reckless driving: Willfully engaging in behavior showing total disregard for road safety.
- Improper lane changes: Irregular or hazardous lane changes.
- Following too closely: One vehicle tailgating another, particularly in a CMV.
- Traffic offenses associated with fatal traffic accidents: Offenses committed in conjunction with fatal traffic accidents.
- Operating without proper documentation: Driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL, not having your CDL in your actual possession, or using the wrong class of CDL and/or endorsements.
- Distracted driving: Violation of state or local laws that prohibit texting or the use of handheld mobile devices while operating a CMV, even temporarily stopped.
Fines for serious traffic offenses:
- 60-day suspension: For having committed two serious traffic violations within three consecutive years of driving a CMV.
- 120-day suspension: If a driver commits three or more serious traffic violations in the operation of a CMV within a three-year period.
Violation of out-of-service orders
Out-of-service orders are provided for safety when a CMV or driver is incapable of operating safely. Violations of such orders are considered major offenses, with growing penalties intended to be a deterrent.
Violating out-of-service orders penalties:
- First violation: A first offense, for operating a CMV during a period the driver was known by the driver to have been placed out of service, will result in a minimum 90-day CDL suspension.
- Second violation (Within ten years): A second out-of-service violation within ten years will result in a one-year CDL suspension.
- Three or more violations (Within ten years): The most serious penalty is a three-year CDL suspension that results when an individual commits three or more violations within a decade.
Railroad-highway grade crossing violations
Railroad-highway grade crossings are critical safety points where non-compliance issues may result in disastrous accidents. The rules for violations regarding this section are very strict for CDL holders, which increases with multiple offenses.
- First violation: Imposes a suspension of the CDL for 60 days.
- Second violation (within three years): Results in a suspension of the CDL for 120 days.
- Third violation (within three years): Results in a one-year suspension of your CDL.

A railroad-highway grade crossing violation occurs when drivers fail to follow laws or regulations established for safety at such crossings. These include failure to stop before crossing if the tracks are not clear, failure to reduce speed and look for approaching trains in a situation that requires this action, and failure to stop when required. Drivers may also be penalized for proceeding without sufficient clearance of the crossing, disregarding traffic control devices or enforcement officials, or making an attempt to cross with insufficient undercarriage clearance. These actions not only put the public in danger but also carry serious penalties for CDL holders.
Hazardous materials endorsement background check and disqualification
Getting a hazardous materials endorsement for your Commercial Driver’s License includes some strict security checks to protect the public. Any CDL driver applying for an endorsement has to go through a thorough background check, including submitting fingerprints to the federal authorities.

You may not be granted your hazardous material endorsement or you may lose it because of the following disqualifying circumstances.
- Immigration status: Not a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
- Renunciation of citizenship: Renounced U.S. citizenship.
- Criminal charges or convictions: Wanted or indicted for certain felonies; Convicted of certain felonies in military or civilian court.
- Mental illness: Adjudicated as lacking in mental capacity; Involuntarily committed to a mental health facility.
- Security threat: Deemed a security threat by the TSA.
Traffic violation in your personal vehicle
Your driving record in your own car will serve as a direct correlate in the management of the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). According to the provisions in the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act 1999, CDL holders may also be disqualified from operating commercial motor vehicles for some offenses within their personal vehicles. The consequences of effective driving offenses in a private vehicle are as follows:
- Revocation, cancellation, or suspension of personal driving privileges:
Except for parking violations, when your license to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, canceled, or suspended due to violations of traffic control laws, your CDL driving privileges will also be lost.
- Alcohol, controlled substance, or felony offenses:
- A personal driving license is suspended for one year against CDL when it is suspended, canceled, or revoked for any alcohol-related offenses, controlled substance violations, or felonies.
- Lifetime disqualification for CDL occurs if a person is convicted for a second similar violation in personal vehicles or through the use of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
- Hardship licenses
An individual who holds a CDL and has had his or her personal driving privileges suspended, canceled, or revoked is not eligible to receive a “hardship” license to operate a CMV.
FAQs
1. Can a felon get a CDL license in North Carolina?
Yes. A felon may apply for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in North Carolina; however, some felony convictions will bar one from obtaining or retaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), particularly if the offense involved a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) or hazardous materials. For example:
- A felony involving controlled substances committed with a CMV results in permanent disqualification.
- Felonies that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers as posing safety risks may keep a person from getting a hazardous materials endorsement.
Every case is reviewed on an individual basis, and the eligibility depends on the type of felony and whether or not such a felony contributes to public danger.
2. Can I get a CDL with 2 DUI in North Carolina?
No. Having two DUI convictions in either a personal vehicle or a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) means an individual will be barred for life from holding a CDL in North Carolina. This aligns with strict rules of state and federal government regarding road safety.
Final thoughts
In the end, knowing what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in North Carolina is critical for anyone who is considering or continuing a career in commercial driving. These violations include DUI offenses, felony convictions, and serious traffic violations that may result in suspensions and lifetime disqualifications. In general, always obey traffic laws and keep a clean driving record to protect your CDL and your career. Keep up with the rules affecting your eligibility. If you have any questions or would like help through the CDL requirements, do not hesitate to contact a professional for guidance.