What Disqualifies You From Getting A CDL In Nebraska?

Obtaining a CDL in Nebraska opens doors to exciting opportunities in state commercial trucking, but many factors can stand in this journey. From DUIs, felonies, and serious traffic offenses to railroad-highway violations, understanding what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Nebraska is crucial for a smooth journey. Therefore, this post outlines all key Nebraska CDL disqualifications, arranging them into categories to help you follow them easily. Check now to stay complaints and step closer to a successful career in Nebraska truck driving!

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Nebraska?

Below are the primary categories of Nebraska CDL disqualification, from major offenses to violations in personal vehicles affecting your CDL eligibility:

Alcohol, accidents, and felony-related offenses

Alcohol, accidents, and felony-related offenses

Operation of a CMV requires strict adherence to alcohol laws and responsible behavior. Alcohol, accidents, and felony-related offenses are treated as serious offenses for CDL holders and applicants. Here are some common violations and associated penalties:

  • CDL disqualification for at least one year for:
    • Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.4% or higher.
    • Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
    • Refusing to submit to blood alcohol testing.
    • Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV.
    • Using a CMV in the commission of a felony.
    • Driving a CMV when your CDL is suspended.
    • Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a CMV.
  • Minimum three-year CDL disqualification if carrying hazardous materials while committing the above offenses.
  • Lifetime CDL disqualification for:
    • A second commitment of the above violations.
    • Using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances.
  • Out-of-service for 24 hours with any detectable BAC under 0.4%.

Sever traffic violations

Sever traffic violations
Sever traffic violations

A serious traffic violation includes any offense committed in a CMV or other vehicle. Some common violations are as follows:

  • Driving too fast for conditions or speeding 15 mph or more above the posted limit.
  • Reckless driving.
  • Improper or erratic lane changes.
  • Improper or erratic lane changes.
  • Offense linked to fatal accidents.
  • Driving a CMV without a valid CDL or proper endorsements.

Repeated traffic violations establish a driver’s disregard for public safety and could result in disqualification:

  • At least 60-day disqualification for two violations within three years.
  • At least 120-day disqualification for three or more violations within three years.

Ignoring out-of-service orders

Ignoring out-of-service orders
Ignoring out-of-service orders

Out-of-service orders are issued on vehicles or drivers that are considered unfit to continue operating, in most cases on account of critical safety violations and mechanical defects. Ignoring out-of-service orders is taken as a basic disregard for safety measures and hence incurs increasingly stricter penalties:

  • 90-day disqualification for a first offense.
  • One-year disqualification for a second offense within ten years.
  • Three-year disqualification for three or more offenses within ten years.

Railroad-highway grade crossing offenses

Railroad-highway grade crossing offenses
Railroad-highway grade crossing offenses

Railroad crossings are the most dangerous areas on the highway, and the consequences for failing to comply with the regulations are severe. Extra caution is required at all crossings, and CDL holders must follow all the rules and regulations to avoid disqualification.

The following are common violations:

  • Failure to stop or not slowing down when tracks are not visible.
  • Failure to ensure sufficient space to continue crossing.
  • Ignoring traffic signals and traffic enforcement officials.
  • Insufficient clearance to pass through

Violating above railroad-highway grade crossing offenses leads to serious penalties:

  • 60-day disqualification for a first offense.
  • 120-day disqualification for a second offense within three years.
  • One-year disqualification for a third offense within three years.

Hazardous materials endorsement disqualification

Hazardous materials endorsement disqualification
Hazardous materials endorsement disqualification

Acquiring a hazmat endorsement involves very strict federal and state requirements. Approval through security checks ensures that the applicants do not pose threats to the public. The disqualification includes being denied or having your endorsement revoked for the following reasons:

  • Not being a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
  • Renouncing your U.S. citizenship.
  • Being under indictment or convicted of any of the listed felonies.
  • Mental health adjudications or commitments.
  • Being identified by the TSA as a security threat.

Background check requirements are different for each state, but your licensing agency will be able to instruct you.

Violations on personal vehicle affecting CDL eligibility

Violations on personal vehicle affecting CDL eligibility
Violations on personal vehicle affecting CDL eligibility

Your driving behavior in your personal vehicle affects your CDL eligibility. Certain offenses in a non­-commercial vehicle may result in CDL disqualification:

  • One-year disqualification for:
    • Revocation, cancellation, or suspension of your personal driving privileges for alcohol or controlled substance violations.
    • Felony convictions.
  • Lifetime disqualification for a second offense.
  • A hardship license is not available to operate a CMV if personal driving privileges are suspended.

FAQs

1. What is a major disqualifying offense for CDL in Nebraska?

Major CDL disqualification in Nebraska includes:

  • Operating a CMV under the influence (DUI) with a BAC of 0.4% or higher.
  • Refusal to submit alcohol testing.
  • Fleeing the scene of an accident in which a person is injured or property is damaged.
  • Using a CMV in the commission of a felony.

These offenses are usually punished harshly, including the suspension of the CDL for at least one year or lifetime disqualification in case of a second violation.

2. Can you get a CDL in Nebraska with a DUI?

Getting a CDL in Nebraska after a DUI is possible, but it would depend on the circumstances surrounding the offense. A first DUI can lead to a one-year disqualification from holding a CDL. However, if the DUI occurred while operating a CMV or involved hazardous materials, the penalties could be as high as three-year or lifetime disqualification. Repeated DUIs usually result in lifetime bans from getting a CDL.

Final thoughts

Now you know what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Nebraska. From not having serious traffic violations, and adhering to out-of-service orders, to being careful about the use of alcohol and controlled substances, the safety and compliance aspects are a strict no-compromise area. By being informed and driving responsibly, you can ensure a successful, uninterrupted career as a commercial driver. If you have any questions related to pursuing Nebraska CDL, feel free to comment or contact us. We are always willing to help!


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