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What Happens If You Don't Fight CDL Violations?

For individuals holding a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), certain violations can have an immediate and long-term impact. 

Even seemingly minor convictions like speeding can significantly impact a CDL driver's career, making it important to maintain a clean driving record. These rules are in place to ensure safety on our roadways and apply to various offenses, leading to temporary or even lifetime suspension of commercial driving privileges.

Major Offenses

Certain severe violations, known as major offenses, carry significant penalties. These include, but are not limited to, driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, leaving the scene of an accident, or using a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to commit a felony.

• First Conviction: Typically results in a 1-year disqualification. If the offense involves transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification extends to 3 years.
• Second Conviction: Generally leads to a lifetime disqualification. In some cases, a state may allow for reinstatement after 10 years if the driver completes an approved rehabilitation program, though this option is not available for felonies related to controlled substance manufacturing/distribution or human trafficking.

Serious Traffic Violations

Less severe but still impactful, serious traffic violations can also lead to disqualification. Examples include excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper lane changes, and operating a CMV without the correct license or endorsements.

• Second Conviction (within 3 years): 60-day disqualification.
• Third or Subsequent Conviction (within 3 years): 120-day disqualification.

Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Offenses

Specific violations at railroad-highway grade crossings are also penalized to prevent dangerous incidents. These include failing to slow down, stop when required, or obey traffic control devices.

• First Conviction: No less than 60 days disqualification.
• Second Conviction (within 3 years): No less than 120 days disqualification.
• Third or Subsequent Conviction (within 3 years): No less than 1 year disqualification.

Out-of-Service Order Violations

Disobeying an out-of-service order, which prohibits a driver from operating a CMV for a specified period due to a violation, also carries strict penalties.

• First Offense (non-hazardous materials): Disqualification ranging from no less than 180 days to 1 year.
• Second or Subsequent Convictions (within 10 years, especially with hazardous materials or passengers): Disqualifications can increase to no less than 3 to 5 years.

It is critical that disqualified drivers do not operate a CMV, and employers are prohibited from knowingly allowing them to do so. These regulations are designed to maintain high safety standards for commercial transportation.

For more detailed information, please refer to the full regulation on the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations website 49 CFR 383.51.