A disqualification of a driver’s license means you lose all privileges. It can be short or long-term, but if you have a commercial driver’s license, it can impact your career.
Disqualifications can occur for various driving infractions. Many times, you do not even have to commit the violation in a commercial vehicle. In other words, what you do in your personal vehicle will impact your CDL.
Disqualification guidelines
If you have a major violation, you will likely have an automatic disqualification. You can also face this penalty if you have multiple serious violations.
Major violations
Major offenses include drunk driving, using a vehicle when committing a felony, leaving the scene of an accident and driving under suspension. They also include refusing to take a test for blood alcohol level and causing a fatal accident. Generally, you should expect major violations to include things that are criminal.
Serious violation
Serious violations put other drivers on the road at risk. They include excessive speeding, illegal turns, reckless operation and illegal lane changes. Some of the serious violations apply only when you are in your commercial vehicle. For example, reckless operation applies no matter which vehicle you drive but an illegal lane change applies only if you were in a commercial vehicle.
A disqualification means you lose your right to drive a commercial vehicle for a set period. You will lose it at least for 60 days, but the maximum is a lifetime ban. A disqualification will impact your ability to work as it makes it illegal for you to drive for any reason.