CDL Disqualifications and Rules - Complete Guide

Maintaining your Commercial Driver License requires more than passing the initial tests—it demands ongoing compliance with strict federal and state regulations. Understanding CDL disqualifications, serious traffic violations, and registration requirements covered in Sections 1.3 through 1.5 of the CDL manual is essential for protecting your commercial driving career. This comprehensive guide covers major offenses, out-of-service orders, railroad crossing violations, and the IRP/IFTA registration requirements every commercial driver must know.

What Are CDL Disqualifications?

CDL disqualifications are penalties that temporarily or permanently revoke your privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Unlike regular traffic tickets that result in fines or points, CDL disqualifications can end your commercial driving career entirely.

The consequences are severe because commercial vehicles pose significant risks to public safety. A disqualified driver who continues operating a CMV faces additional criminal penalties, and employers who allow disqualified drivers to operate face fines up to $5,000.

Important: You may not drive a commercial motor vehicle if you are disqualified for any reason. There are no exceptions or hardship provisions that allow CMV operation during a disqualification period.

Why Disqualification Standards Are Stricter

Commercial drivers are held to higher standards than regular motorists for several reasons:

• CMVs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, causing catastrophic damage in accidents
• Many CMVs transport hazardous materials or passengers
• Professional drivers spend more hours on the road, increasing exposure to risk
• The public trusts that commercial drivers meet rigorous safety standards

Major Offenses and Alcohol Violations

The most serious CDL disqualifications result from alcohol and drug violations, leaving accident scenes, and committing felonies. These offenses carry mandatory minimum disqualification periods established by federal law.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Standards

It is illegal to operate a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.04% or more—exactly half the 0.08% limit for regular drivers. By operating a CMV, you are deemed to have given consent to alcohol testing.

First Offense Disqualifications (Minimum 1 Year)

You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first offense involving:

• Driving a CMV with BAC of 0.04% or higher
• Driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol
• Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing
• Driving a CMV under the influence of a controlled substance
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV
• Committing a felony involving the use of a CMV
• Driving a CMV when your CDL is suspended
• Causing a fatality through negligent operation of a CMV

Warning: If the offense occurs while operating a CMV placarded for hazardous materials, the minimum disqualification increases to three years.

Lifetime Disqualifications

You will lose your CDL for life for:

• A second offense of any major violation listed above
• Using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances (first offense)

There is no appeal or reinstatement process for lifetime disqualifications resulting from controlled substance felonies.

Serious Traffic Violations

Serious traffic violations don't carry the same immediate severity as major offenses, but accumulating multiple violations leads to significant disqualification periods. These violations reflect patterns of unsafe driving behavior.

What Qualifies as a Serious Traffic Violation

The following offenses are classified as serious traffic violations when committed in a CMV:

• Excessive speeding: 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit
• Reckless driving: Operating with willful disregard for safety
• Improper or erratic lane changes: Unsafe lane change maneuvers
• Following too closely: Tailgating or insufficient following distance
• Traffic offenses in connection with fatal accidents: Any violation contributing to a fatality
• Driving without a CDL: Operating a CMV without obtaining a CDL
• Driving without CDL in possession: Operating without the physical license present
• Driving without proper class/endorsements: Operating a vehicle you're not qualified to drive

Disqualification Periods for Serious Violations

Note: The three-year lookback period means violations from nearly three years ago still count toward your total. Even after a disqualification ends, previous violations remain on your record for the full three-year period.

Out-of-Service Order Violations

An out-of-service order is an official declaration that a driver, vehicle, or motor carrier operation is prohibited from continuing until a specified condition is corrected. Violating these orders carries escalating penalties.

What Triggers Out-of-Service Orders

Out-of-service orders may be issued for:

• Driver violations (hours of service, alcohol/drug use, medical certification)
• Vehicle safety violations (brakes, tires, lights, coupling devices)
• Motor carrier violations (operating authority, insurance)

Disqualification for Out-of-Service Violations

Warning: The lookback period for out-of-service violations is 10 years, much longer than the 3-year period for serious traffic violations. A violation from 9 years ago still counts toward escalating penalties.

Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Violations

Railroad crossing violations carry severe penalties because train-vehicle collisions are almost always catastrophic. Federal regulations specify six specific offenses at railroad-highway grade crossings.

Six Railroad Crossing Offenses

1. Failing to stop when required (for drivers not always required to stop): Not stopping before reaching the crossing when tracks are not clear

2. Failing to slow and check (for drivers not always required to stop): Not slowing down to verify tracks are clear of approaching trains

3. Failing to stop before crossing (for drivers always required to stop): Not stopping before driving onto the crossing

4. Insufficient space to clear: Failing to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping

5. Disobeying traffic control devices: Failing to obey signals, signs, or directions of enforcement officials at the crossing

6. Insufficient undercarriage clearance: Failing to negotiate a crossing due to low ground clearance (high-centering)

Railroad Violation Disqualification Periods

Traffic Violations in Your Personal Vehicle

Many drivers don't realize that violations in their personal vehicle can affect their CDL. The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) of 1999 established this important connection.

How Personal Vehicle Violations Affect Your CDL

License Suspension in Personal Vehicle:

• If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, cancelled, or suspended due to traffic control law violations (other than parking), you will also lose your CDL driving privileges

Alcohol/Drug/Felony Violations in Personal Vehicle:

• First offense: Lose CDL for 1 year
• Second offense (in personal vehicle or CMV): Lose CDL for life

Important: If your personal vehicle license is revoked, cancelled, or suspended, you may NOT obtain a "hardship" license to operate a CMV. Commercial driving privileges cannot be restored through hardship provisions.

Other CDL Rules (Section 1.4)

Beyond disqualifications, several federal and state rules govern CDL holders' ongoing responsibilities.

One License Rule

You cannot have more than one driver's license. Penalties include:

• Fines up to $5,000
• Possible jail time
• Retention of only your home state license (others returned)

All states are connected through a computerized system to share CDL driver information and prevent multiple license holding.

Notification Requirements

Employment Application Requirements

When applying for a commercial driving job, you must provide your employer with information on all driving jobs you have held for the past 10 years.

Prohibited Activities While Driving

• No handheld mobile phone use: Cannot hold a phone for voice communication
• No multi-button dialing: Can only use single-button speed dial
• No texting: Cannot send or read text messages while driving

Safety Belt Requirement

You must be properly restrained by a safety belt at all times while operating a CMV. Drivers not wearing safety belts are four times more likely to be fatally injured if thrown from the vehicle.

International Registration Plan (IRP) and IFTA

If you operate a CDL-required vehicle in interstate commerce, the vehicle must typically be registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA).

What Is IRP?

The International Registration Plan provides for equitable collection and distribution of vehicle license fees for vehicles traveling throughout the 48 contiguous United States and 10 Canadian provinces.

Registrant Responsibilities:

• Apply for IRP registration with base jurisdiction
• Provide proper documentation
• Pay appropriate registration fees
• Properly display registration credentials
• Maintain accurate distance records
• Make records available for jurisdiction review

What Is IFTA?

The International Fuel Tax Agreement allows motor carriers to license in a base jurisdiction for reporting and payment of motor fuel use taxes across all member jurisdictions.

Key IFTA Features:

• One set of credentials authorizes operation in all member jurisdictions
• Fuel taxes calculated based on miles traveled and gallons consumed per jurisdiction
• One quarterly tax return filed with base jurisdiction
• Records must be retained to support quarterly returns

Qualified Vehicle Requirements

For IRP (Qualified Vehicle):

• Two axles AND gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds, OR
• Three or more axles (regardless of weight), OR
• Used in combination when gross weight exceeds 26,000 pounds

For IFTA (Qualified Motor Vehicle):

• Two axles AND gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds, OR
• Used in combination when weight exceeds 26,000 pounds
• Does NOT include recreational vehicles

Individual Vehicle Distance Record (IVDR) Requirements

If registered under IRP and licensed under IFTA, you must maintain Individual Vehicle Distance Records (also called Driver Trip Reports).

Required Distance Information:

• Date of trip (starting and ending)
• Trip origin and destination (city and state/province)
• Route(s) of travel
• Beginning and ending odometer readings
• Total distance traveled
• In-jurisdiction distance
• Power unit number or VIN

Required Fuel Information:

• Date of purchase
• Seller's name and address
• Number of gallons/liters purchased
• Fuel type
• Price per gallon/liter or total sale amount
• Unit number or vehicle identifier
• Purchaser's name

When to Log Odometer Readings:

• At the beginning of the day
• When leaving each state or province
• At the end of the trip/day

Important: IVDR records must be maintained for a minimum of four years and are subject to audit. Failure to maintain complete and accurate records can result in fines, penalties, and suspension or revocation of IRP registrations and IFTA licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the BAC limit for CDL drivers?

A: The blood alcohol concentration limit for CDL drivers operating a CMV is 0.04%, exactly half the 0.08% limit for regular drivers. Any detectable amount under 0.04% results in a 24-hour out-of-service order. Testing at 0.04% or higher, or refusing to test, results in CDL disqualification for at least one year for a first offense.

Q: What are serious traffic violations for CDL holders?

A: Serious traffic violations include excessive speeding (15+ mph over the limit), reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following too closely, traffic offenses connected to fatal accidents, driving without a CDL, driving without the CDL in possession, and driving without proper class or endorsements. Two violations within three years results in 60-day disqualification; three or more results in 120-day disqualification.

Q: How long will I lose my CDL for a DUI?

A: For a first DUI offense in a CMV (BAC 0.04% or higher), you will lose your CDL for at least one year. If the offense occurs while hauling hazardous materials, the minimum increases to three years. A second offense results in lifetime disqualification. DUI in your personal vehicle also affects your CDL—first offense costs you one year, second offense results in lifetime disqualification.

Q: What is an out-of-service order?

A: An out-of-service order is an official declaration prohibiting a driver, vehicle, or motor carrier from continuing operation until a specified condition is corrected. Violating an out-of-service order results in CDL disqualification: 90 days for first violation, one year for second violation within 10 years, and three years for third or subsequent violation within 10 years.

Q: Can violations in my personal vehicle affect my CDL?

A: Yes. If your personal vehicle license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled due to traffic violations (other than parking), you lose your CDL privileges too. Alcohol, drug, or felony violations in your personal vehicle result in one-year CDL disqualification for first offense and lifetime disqualification for second offense. You cannot obtain a hardship license to drive a CMV.

Q: What are the railroad crossing violation penalties?

A: Railroad crossing violations result in 60-day disqualification for first offense, 120 days for second offense within three years, and one year for third offense within three years. Six specific offenses qualify: failing to stop when required, failing to slow and check, failing to stop before crossing, insufficient clearance space, disobeying traffic controls, and insufficient undercarriage clearance.

Q: What is IRP registration?

A: The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a registration reciprocity agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces for vehicles operating in interstate commerce. It provides for equitable collection of license fees based on distance traveled in each jurisdiction. Vehicles with gross weight over 26,000 pounds or three or more axles operating interstate typically require IRP registration.

Q: What is IFTA and who needs it?

A: The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is a tax collection agreement allowing motor carriers to report and pay fuel taxes through one base jurisdiction for operations across all member states and provinces. Qualified motor vehicles (over 26,000 pounds or combination vehicles exceeding that weight) operating interstate need IFTA licensing. Carriers file one quarterly return reporting miles and fuel for all jurisdictions.

Q: How long must I keep IRP/IFTA records?

A: You must maintain Individual Vehicle Distance Records (IVDRs) and supporting fuel receipts for a minimum of four years. These records are subject to audit by taxing jurisdictions. Failure to maintain complete and accurate records can result in fines, penalties, and suspension or revocation of your IRP registration and IFTA license.

Q: What notifications must I provide to my employer?

A: You must notify your employer within 30 days of any traffic violation conviction (except parking) regardless of vehicle type. You must notify your employer within two business days if your license is suspended, revoked, cancelled, or if you're disqualified from driving. For hazmat endorsement holders, disqualifying events must be reported within 24 hours.

Q: Can I use my cell phone while driving a CMV?

A: You cannot hold a mobile telephone for voice communication or dial by pressing more than a single button while driving a CMV. Single-button speed dialing or hands-free devices may be permitted. You are completely prohibited from sending or reading text messages while driving. Violations may be considered serious traffic violations.

Q: What happens if I have multiple driver's licenses?

A: Having more than one license is illegal. Penalties include fines up to $5,000 and possible jail time. You keep only your home state license, and all others are returned. States share CDL information through a computerized system to detect multiple licenses. Employers who knowingly allow drivers with multiple licenses to operate face similar penalties.

Q: What is the penalty for driving a CMV without a CDL?

A: Driving a CMV without a CDL can result in fines up to $5,000 and possible jail time. This applies whether you never obtained a CDL or are driving with an expired, suspended, or revoked license. Your employer can also be fined up to $5,000 or jailed for allowing an unqualified driver to operate.

Q: How does a felony affect my CDL?

A: Committing a felony involving the use of a CMV results in at least one-year disqualification for first offense and lifetime disqualification for second offense. Using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances results in lifetime disqualification on the first offense. Felony convictions can also disqualify you from obtaining or keeping a hazardous materials endorsement.

Q: What information must be on my IVDR?

A: Individual Vehicle Distance Records must include: trip dates (start and end), origin and destination (city and state/province), routes traveled, beginning and ending odometer readings, total distance traveled, distance traveled in each jurisdiction, and vehicle identification. Fuel receipts must show date, seller information, gallons purchased, fuel type, price, vehicle number, and purchaser name.

Next Steps

Understanding CDL disqualifications and rules is essential for protecting your commercial driving career. To continue your preparation:

1. Review the specific disqualification periods until you can recall them from memory
2. Understand how violations in your personal vehicle affect your CDL
3. If you operate interstate, familiarize yourself with IRP/IFTA record-keeping requirements
4. Practice with our CDL General Knowledge questions covering disqualifications

Ready to test your knowledge? Start practicing with our CDL Disqualifications and Rules questions.

See our guides on CDL Tests and Medical Documentation (Sections 1.1-1.2) for related information on obtaining your CDL.