A conviction for even a small offense can result in your losing your CDL. This post will explain when the state can suspend your CDL.
The standards for suspending a commercial driver’s license are far stricter than the standards for suspending an ordinary driver’s license.
These standards apply nationwide; federal law requires all states to suspend a CDL for a specified period of time, for certain offenses.
Serious traffic offenses
Federal law classifies certain offenses as "serious traffic offenses." If you are convicted of a serious traffic offense, you may be suspended according to this table:
Click on this link to open the table Table 1
Disqualifying offenses
A "disqualifying offense" is more serious than a "serious traffic offense." If you are convicted of a disqualifying offense, the state may suspend your CDL according to this table:
Click on this link to open the table Table 2
Violating an out-of-service order
If you are driving a commercial motor vehicle, and you are convicted of violating an out-of-service order, the State must suspend your CDL according to this table:
Click on this link to open the table Table 3
If you are convicted of a "railroad highway grade crossing offense" in a commercial motor vehicle, the State must suspend your CDL according to this table:
Click on this link to open the table Table 4
A conviction for even a relatively minor offense can lead to your losing your CDL, and also losing your livelihood. There are no exemptions allowed, to any of the above suspensions. Unlike a suspension of an ordinary driver’s license, you can’t obtain a hardship exemption. Note, however, that, these suspensions don't come into play merely because you receive a ticket. You will only be suspended if you are actually convicted, in court, of one of these offenses. So, if you get a ticket for a CDL violation, it’s a good idea to hire a CDL lawyer to represent you so that you can contest the ticket in court. Don’t lose your job because of a bogus ticket!
For information on who needs a commercial driver’s license, see last week’s post.