Operating with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Washington State comes with significant responsibilities. It requires strict adherence to state and federal laws. CDL disqualifications in Washington State may occur for a variety of reasons, including serious traffic violations, DUI charges, and other infractions. It is very important to understand these disqualifications to protect your career and stay on the road. This article will look at some of the common causes of CDL disqualifications, their impact, and some practical steps to avoid them.
What are the CDL disqualifications in Washington state?
Some of the serious traffic violations that can result in CDL disqualifications in Washington State include DUI, violations concerning out-of-service orders, and railroad crossing infractions. Any of these can also lead to either temporary or permanent revocation of your CDL. Therefore, ensuring adherence to these should be part of your professional career protection.
Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, and commission of a felony
Operating a CMV under influence of alcohol or drugs, leaving the scene of an accident, and committing a felony are serious CDL disqualifications that may be considered in Washington State. The law is stiff: drivers must maintain very high standards of safety if they are to retain their licenses for service and the assurance of public safety.
It is considered illegal if your BAC is 0.04% or higher while operating a CMV. Also, as a driver of a CMV, you are considered to have given your consent to alcohol testing. The following violations will result in a first offense of losing your CDL for at least one year:
- Operating a CMV with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
- Driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
- Refusing to undergo alcohol testing.
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV.
- Committing a felony involving the use of a CMV.
- Driving a CMV while your CDL is suspended.
- Causing a fatality through negligent operation of a CMV.
For offenses occurring while driving a CMV placarded for hazardous materials, the period of disqualification must be at least three years.
Second or subsequent occurrences will result in even more serious consequences. A second offense requires a lifetime CDL disqualification, as does using a CMV in the commission of a felony involving controlled substances.
Furthermore, even if the BAC is below 0.04%, any level of alcohol present in the system will put one out of service for 24 hours. These severe regulations outline the need for responsible driving and adherence to alcohol and drug laws in order to maintain one’s CDL.
Serious traffic violations
Some of the most prevalent grounds for CDL disqualification in Washington State involve serious traffic offenses. Serious traffic offenses endanger safety on the roadways and provide severe consequences for drivers.
If you are convicted of two serious traffic offenses in a three-year period while operating either your personal vehicle or a CMV, your CDL will be suspended for 60 days. If you commit a third serious traffic offense in three years, your CDL is disqualified for 120 days.
Examples of serious traffic violations include:
- Operating a CMV at a speed 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit.
- Reckless or negligent driving.
- Texting or using a hand-held mobile phone while operating a CMV.
- Improper lane changes.
- Driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL.
- Driving a CMV without having your CDL in your immediate possession.
- Driving a CMV without the proper class or endorsement for the vehicle.
- Following too closely.
- Violation of traffic control laws, other than parking violations, which involves an accident or collision resulting in death.
Violation of out-of-service orders
A violation of an out-of-service order is a serious offense that will involve a commercial driver in some serious penalties. Violations are very strict because this is intended to protect the public and the need for observance of regulations. For an out-of-service violation, if you commit one, the following are the penalties:
- First offense: Your CDL is disqualified for at least 90 days.
- Second offense in 10 years: Your CDL is disqualified for at least one year.
- Three or more violations within 10 years: Your CDL will be suspended for at least three years.
Following the out-of-service orders is crucial for retaining your CDL and not jeopardizing your driving career. The violations not only disqualify you but also bring a bad reputation to your professional career.
Railroad-highway grade crossing violations
Violating railroad-highway grade crossing restrictions is a serious offense that may lead to the suspension of your CDL. Railroad-highway grade crossing violations carry severe penalties because the regulations exist to protect both drivers and rail traffic. The following are the penalties for committing such violations:
- First violation: Minimum 60-day loss of CDL.
- Second offense within three years: Disqualification of CDL for at least 120 days.
- Third offense in three years: CDL no longer valid for at least a year.
The violations entail disobedience to federal, state, or local laws or regulations concerning these six offenses at a railroad-highway grade intersection:
For drivers not required to always stop:
- Failure to stop at the crossing if the track is not clear.
- Failure to reduce speed and check the crossing for an approaching train.
For always-stopping drivers:
- Failing to stop before crossing the roadway.
For every driver:
- Failing to ensure there is adequate space to drive completely onto and off the crossing without stopping.
- Failing to comply with a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing.
- Crossing without adequate ground clearance.
FAQs
1. What felonies disqualify you from getting a CDL in Washington state?
In Washington State, arrest you result in disqualification of your CDL for felonies involving using a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), such as:
- The commission of a felony involving controlled substances is done by using a CMV (disqualification for life).
- Using a CMV to commit any felony, including murder, manslaughter, or fraud.
Other serious offenses, such as repeat convictions or violent crimes, can also be disqualifying for having a CDL, based on the circumstances.
2. Can you get a CDL in Washington State with a DUI?
Yes, you can; however, with a DUI on your record, you may be allowed to get their CDL in the State of Washington with possible restrictions. You will experience a certain suspension or disqualification time, usually for at least one year if convicted while you had been issued the CDL. A second conviction is followed by lifetime disqualification. Additionally, reinstatement of your CDL after suspension may be subject to certain conditions, including rehabilitation programs or additional testing.
Final thoughts
Getting your CDL in Washington State is hard but maintaining the license is much more strict, following all the laws and regulations to the letter. It’s also important to understand the most common disqualifications a driver could face: serious traffic conditions, alcohol-related offenses, out-of-service violations, and railroad-highway grade crossing violations. This will help you avoid the penalties that will put your driving career in jeopardy, whether you are an experienced driver or just starting your driving career. Stay informed about CDL disqualifications in Washington State and keep driving forward!
