Loss of CDL — Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It

As a professional driver, you cannot afford to lose your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Therefore, it’s important to identify the reasons that can lead to the loss of CDL or disqualification from getting a CDL.

Certain violations in a commercial motor vehicle can lead to temporary/permanent loss of CDL or disqualification from getting a CDL in Ohio. Yes, that’s right. Your livelihood as a commercial driver can be taken away in an instant.

5 Things That Can Lead to Loss of CDL 

Professional drivers are subjected to a lot of scrutiny in Ohio. Even minor offenses that lead to a small fine for a conventional motorist can lead to permanent loss of CDL in the case of a professional driver. 

Even though the CDL loss is temporary in the majority of the cases, even a short-term revocation of your CDL can lead to long-term unemployment. 

So, if you don’t want to risk your CDL, we recommend you avoid the following actions.

1. Fleeing an Accident Scene: Fleeing an accident scene is treated the same as drunk driving and using a commercial vehicle in connection with a felony. 

2. Using the Commercial Vehicle to Transport Drugs: If you don’t want to get disqualified from holding a CDL, avoid transporting any form of narcotics in a commercial vehicle in Ohio. Commercial drivers associated with any drug-related felony can permanently lose their CDL.

3. Driving in an Inebriated Condition or Under the Influence of Drugs: Even though drunk driving is considered a major violation for all motorists, in the case of commercial drivers, it can lead to the permanent loss of a CDL. Per Ohio’s traffic laws, any commercial driver found with more than 0.04 alcohol content or drugs in the blood can get their CDL suspended. 

However, if it is the first offense and the driver is found with non-hazardous materials in the commercial vehicle, he/she will be disqualified for one year. Transporting hazardous materials in an inebriated condition can lead to a three-year suspension (only if it’s a CDL holder’s first offense). A second-time offense can lead to permanent disqualification of the CDL with possible reinstatement after 10 years.

What if a commercial driver refuses the breathalyzer test?

If a commercial driver refuses the breathalyzer test, he/she can get disqualified from getting a CDL permanently. Even in this case, reinstatement will only be possible after 10 years. 

4. Killing Someone: Since commercial vehicles are heavier and larger than passenger vehicles, even a small mistake can lead to a fatal accident. If a commercial driver kills someone due to negligent driving, he/she can permanently lose their CDL along with criminal charges and a lawsuit. Research shows that the majority of fatal crashes (83%) and nonfatal crashes (89%) involve large trucks and occur on weekdays. 

5. Committing Serious Traffic Violations Regularly: Commercial drivers repeatedly committing serious traffic violations, such as speeding, driving without a CDL, reckless driving, tailgating, and so on, can lose their CDL for up to 60 days (if it’s a CDL holder’s second offense). Three violations in three years can extend the suspension to up to 120 days. 

CDL-Specific Violations in Ohio

• Driving over 55 miles per hour while towing a trailer
• Exceeding weight limitations of listed highways and roads
• Failing to abide by logbook regulations
• Violating downhill grade restrictions
• Violating lane regulations 

Are You at a Risk of Losing Your CDL?

If you are at risk of losing your CDL due to a speeding ticket or one of the following reasons mentioned above, you should hire an experienced defense attorney in Ohio to protect you in court. Contact us today for a free consultation of your case.