Commercial Driver's License (CDL) violations can be costly and can seriously affect your livelihood. CDL drivers are not permitted to take plea bargains that involve diverted sentences.
Serious traffic violations include (in any vehicle):
Serious violations while driving any vehicle:
For a serious violation, the DMV will suspend the CDL for a period of 60 days if you are convicted of more than one violation or the second occurs within 3 years of the first. If you are convicted of a third offense within 3 years, it will be suspended for 120 days.
The DMV will suspend your CDL for at least 1 year if you are convicted of any of the following while driving any vehicle and being in possession of a CDL:
The DMV will suspend your CDL for life if you are convicted of 2 or more of these offenses. You may however be eligible for reinstatement after 10 years if you have not been convicted of any additional offenses. If it is reinstated and you offend again, the CDL will be suspended for life with no possibility of reinstatement. Additionally, if you are convicted of felony use of any vehicle for the manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance, you will lose the CDL for life with no chance of reinstatement.
Furthermore, the suspensions for out-of-service based on safety factors, hazardous materials and the type of vehicle being driven can be from 1 to 3 years depending on the number of violations you have
The federal penalties for a driver who violates CDL requirements are significant. There are civil penalties of up to $2,500. There could also be criminal penalties in aggravated cases with fines up to $5,000 and 3 months to 1 year in jail.
If you have been charged with a CDL violation or driving without a valid CDL, you should seek the advice and assistance of an experienced attorney. Remember, these violations can have a serious impact on your livelihood and your life.