The CDL opens many doors to rewarding trucking-related jobs in the transportation industry. However, several factors might disqualify you from getting one in the first place. Knowing what disqualifies you from getting a CDL is important and thus shall be considered in this direction. Starting from serious traffic offenses to DUI offenses, and also hazardous material violations, knowing these actions that could disqualify you would help you stay compliant in order to get the CDL. In this guide, we cover everything that you might want to know about CDL disqualification: the most common reasons and what to do in case you face disqualification.
What disqualifies you from getting a CDL?
There are numerous crimes or offenses that prevent you from obtaining a CDL. Although the specifics are different from state to state, the following classifications are generally considered to be crimes, which prevent you from obtaining a CDL in the U.S.
Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, and commission of a felony
All alcohol-related offenses, hit-and-run offenses, and felony offenses in which the vehicle was used to commit the crime can lead to eliminating your chances of attaining or maintaining a CDL; many of these are permanent disqualifications. For instance:
- If a driver operates a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 percent or greater than one-half of the legal limit for non-commercial drivers, the driver will be disqualified. For repeated occurrences, this is usually permanent.
- Cases of hit-and-run driving, whether or not actual injuries occurred, show complete disregard for the safety of others and thus qualifying grounds, which could easily extend to lifetime disqualification if multiple offenses were committed.
- Felony convictions for vehicular manslaughter, drug trafficking, or any other general offense committed using a vehicle almost always result in automatic permanent disqualification; these types of criminal activities are too serious of a violation of the trust and safety that should exist around commercial driving.
Being aware of these risks is vital to any driver looking to obtain or maintain a CDL.
Serious traffic violations
Serious traffic offenses have a great impact on your eligibility for a CDL and usually result in temporary or permanent disqualification. Examples include excessive speeding, generally 15 mph or higher above the limit, reckless driving, and improper lane changes, all of which display the kind of dangerous driving behavior that puts other road users at risk. Other serious infractions include driving without a valid CDL and operating a commercial vehicle without proper endorsements.
Typically, in the case of multiple serious infractions occurring within a three-year period, a driver will have a minimum disqualification period of 60 days, but repeated offenses can easily lead to longer periods or even lifetime bans. These regulations are very strict, showing just how high the safety standard is for you to be considered a CDL driver.
Violation of out-of-service orders
The violation of out-of-service orders is one of the most serious offenses a CDL holder can commit due to its grave penalties and disqualification from operation. Commercial drivers or vehicles are declared out-of-service for certain mechanical or regulatory concerns that need to be dealt with before allowing the vehicle on the road.
If the violation involves transportation of passengers or hazardous materials, ignoring or failing to comply with these orders means disqualification from holding a CDL. A first offense can lead to a disqualification period of 90 days or more; any subsequent violations in ten years mean a disqualification period of one year or longer. It is very important that out-of-service orders are followed in order to keep the eligibility of a CDL valid in relation to road safety.
Railroad-highway grade crossing violations
The violation of railroad-highway grade crossing is a serious offense for all holders of a CDL due to the blatant disregard of safety regulations that are deemed vital. The basis of the violation includes:
- Failure to obey traffic laws at the railroad crossings.
- Failure to stop at stop signs or warning lights or even at cross barriers.
- Attempting to cross when the signals have indicated a possible oncoming train.
The effects of a train collision are so high that even one single violation of the rule will lead to at least a 60-day disqualification in the case of CDL holders. Multiple offenses within three years will serve to disqualify up to a year in this regard. Proper follow-up of protocols at railroad crossings is necessary not only for personal safety but also for the eligibility of CDL itself.
Hazardous materials endorsement background check and disqualifications
Since the transportation of hazmat materials involves special safety and security concerns, it also calls for a hazmat endorsement on a CDL that involves a very strong background check. The background check is done by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); hence, this considers criminal history, immigration status, and general trustworthiness an individual has when an applicant wants to get a hazmat endorsement for a CDL.
Other disqualifying factors that may forbid an individual from acquiring a hazmat endorsement include convictions against felonies: terrorism, using or distributing hazardous substances of any kind, and violent crimes. Individuals who provide incomplete or false information regarding their applications may also be disqualified.
Traffic violations in your personal vehicle
Traffic offenses committed in one’s personal vehicle may affect one’s Commercial Driver’s License and its possible disqualification under certain circumstances. Severe traffic offenses including DUI, reckless driving, and vehicular manslaughter are considered unsafe driving behavior regardless of the type of vehicle driven and may be qualified for CDL disqualification.
A DUI in a personal vehicle could result in a one-year CDL suspension for a first offense; a second or more violations may mean lifetime disqualification. A clean driving record, personal and professional, is huge in the retention of licenses and career options for a holder of a CDL.
Violation point counts
Too many violation points on your driving record will result in the suspension or disqualification of a Commercial Driver’s License, even if some of those points originate from personal vehicle infractions. Most states have a point-based system for drivers where specific moving violations such as speeding, failure to yield, or improper lane change allocate points on a driver’s record.
The severity and frequency of offenses will call for temporary or permanent disqualification of CDL holders at a predetermined threshold level. Large numbers of points signal a serious pattern of unsafe driving within the commercial driving industry. It is important that violation points should be managed and kept as low as possible to avoid penalties among the CDL holders.
Violation of hands-free or texting law
All Cdl-holders have on-duty operation violations of hands-free or anti-texting laws, and CDL disqualification may be applied because this was initiated due to prevention against distracted driving that has been a major safety concern related to commercial drivers. According to the FMCSA regulations, the holder should not text, use handheld devices, or do anything that takes their attention off the road.
A single violation can bring fines, while a second or subsequent violation within three years will result in a disqualification period of 60 days to 120 days. These penalties justly stress safety concerns and undistracted driving in the commercial industry; hence, it has become very vital for CDL holders to adhere to the hands-free and anti-texting laws to avoid disqualification for keeping the roads safe.
What should I do if I’m disqualified from getting a CDL?
In case drivers get disqualified from getting a CDL, here are some recommended steps that you can take in return to try and get their status back:
Check if disqualification is temporary or permanent
First, you need to find out whether you have been temporarily or permanently disqualified. Temporary disqualification typically comes from specific infractions, such as minor traffic offenses, and can last from a few months up to three years. Permanent disqualification is usually passed in the case of serious offenses, such as felonies or several serious driving infractions. Check your disqualification notice for specifics of your status and duration, or call your local DMV.
Consider appealing or taking corrective actions
You may be allowed to appeal your case if it is temporary, especially if you feel there was some error in the violation record. Some states give drivers chances through corrective actions, such as taking a defensive driving course or a rehabilitation program, which may help reduce the period for their disqualification. It is best to consult with legal or driving experts to understand what options are available to you and to strategize regarding your disqualification.
Re-apply CDL
You may be required to retake the CDL tests, written, vision, and skills, once the disqualification period has expired to reinstate your license. The test should be taken very seriously, particularly because you are coming back into the field of commercial driving after a very long time. Check with your state for the requirements on re-taking CDL tests, as they may be different and make sure you meet the pre-application requirements for re-applying.
FAQs
1. What are the serious traffic violations that disqualify you from getting a CDL?
Serious traffic conditions include excessive speeding, reckless driving, driving a vehicle without a valid CDL, and following a vehicle too closely. If a driver commits repeated serious violations, he or she is likely to be disqualified.
2. What felonies disqualify you from getting a CDL?
It would generally be felonies where the vehicle has been used: for drug trafficking, for human trafficking, for violent crimes-vehicular manslaughter, and that sort of thing. The crimes have to show no concern about public safety; leading to permanent disqualification results.
Final thoughts
Understanding what disqualifies you from getting a CDL is more important than ever. By knowing the serious offenses you can take proactive steps to maintain a clean driving record and avoid some of the common pitfalls of those who pursue a career in transportation. Note that if you are disqualified, some of your options may include appealing the decision, taking corrective actions, or even retaking the CDL tests to regain your eligibility. Keep informed, keep safe, and keep your driving future bright!
