What major traffic offenses disqualify a CDL or CLP driver?

Drivers who hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) will be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) if convicted of certain offenses while driving any type of vehicle, including a personal vehicle. These offenses include:

• Being under the influence of alcohol as prescribed by state law;
• Being under the influence of a controlled substance;
• Refusing to take a required alcohol test;
• Leaving the scene of an accident;
• Using a vehicle to commit a felony; and
• Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony involving the manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing of a controlled substance.

In addition, CDL and CLP holders will be disqualified for the following offenses if the offense was committed while operating a CMV:

• Having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater while operating a CMV;
• Driving a CMV when the driver’s CDL is revoked, suspended, or canceled, or the driver is disqualified from operating a CMV;
• Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a CMV; and
• Using a CMV in the commission of a felony involving certain types of human trafficking.

For the majority of these violations, the disqualification period for the a first conviction is one year, provided the driver is not transporting hazardous materials.

If the driver is transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification period is three years.

The disqualification period for a second conviction is life.

A driver is disqualified for life if convicted of:

• The use of a vehicle in the commission of a felony involving the manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing of a controlled substance; or
• The use of a CMV in the commission of a felony involving certain types of human trafficking.

This disqualification applies upon a first conviction.