CDL Violations and Disqualification

If you are a professional driver, your commercial drivers license (CDL) is very important to you.  It is more than just a license; it is your livelihood and your ability to provide for yourself and your family.  For you, losing your license is often equivalent to losing your job.

Commercial drivers face a number of added rules and offenses that do not apply to C class drivers.  Violating these rules can result in disqualification—that is the temporary or permanent revocation of commercial operating privileges.  Major offenses can result in immediate disqualification for one year, and three years for hazmat drivers.  For CDL drivers, these include DUI, implied consent violations, leaving the scene of an accident, using a vehicle to commit a felony, and causing a fatality while driving negligently.

Other less serious violations do not cause immediate disqualification for a first offense, but may for subsequent offenses committed within a three-year period.  A second or third serious traffic offense or railroad-highway grade crossing offense results in a 60- or 120-day disqualification, respectively.  These offenses include exceeding the posted speed limit by 15 mph or more, tailgating, erratic lane changes, and other types of reckless driving.

For these reasons, a CDL driver facing disqualification may wish to fight these charges.  When in this situation, it is important to have experience on your side.  An attorney with experience defending CDL drivers understands what is at stake.  He or she can provide the professional and zealous defense that you require when your livelihood is on the line.