A Refresher Course in CDL Suspensions
A Refresher Course in CDL Suspensions - AllTruckJobs.com

A Refresher Course in CDL Suspensions

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If you are new to trucking, (or simply need a quick refresher course) here are the major offenses, traffic violations, and other revocations that all drivers NEED to know. CDL suspensions can bring your trucking career to a grinding halt, and in some cases, end your career altogether. There are numerous ways that a trucker can get his or her CDL suspended. From reckless driving to failing a drug test, drivers can lose license in a number of ways. Below we’ll take a look at some of the various violations that can cause CDL suspensions.

The Lowdown on CDL Suspensions

No matter the state that you currently reside or plan to move to all of your commercial driver’s license (CDL) information is transferred. This means that your violations will follow you. The information that will be transferred is anything ranging from violations, driving history, and other offenses that are on your record. This is why it’s so important that you keep your record clean. Your permanent residence will be notified of any offense that occurs outside of your home state. Many drivers will say that your CDL is your golden ticket to an industry with great job security. Given the current climate, job security is certainly something to strive for.

CDL suspensions

Major Offenses Include:

  • Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .04% or higher
  • Use of vehicle to commit a felony
  • Leaving the scene of an accident while driving any vehicle
  • Refusal to take an alcohol test while operating a vehicle
  • Causing an accident through the reckless operation of a vehicle
  • Driving a vehicle while you have a prior offense committed while driving; CDL was suspended or invalidated

For any grouping of the above offenses, you can either be charged with a first offense or a second offense; which can determine how long your CDL is suspended for. First offenses result in the removal of your license for one year, whereas a second offense results in your license taken away for life. This basically means that two strikes and you’re out, for good. All of these offenses are putting both your life and the lives of others in danger, which is why the punishment is so severe when it comes to CDL suspensions.

Traffic Violations:

  • Speeding 15 mph or higher above the posted speed limit
  • Negligent driving
  • Driving too close the vehicle in front of you
  • Traffic offenses that occur with traffic accidents
  • Operating a vehicle without the ownership of a CDL
  • Operating a vehicle without a CDL in your possession
  • Operating a vehicle without the correct class of CDL

Within a three-year period if two traffic desecrations are committed you will lose your CDL for 60 days. Within a three-year period if three traffic desecrations are committed then this will result in losing your license for 120 days. These seem like small offenses, but they can quickly add up. Just a few violations and you’ll find yourself without a job. It’s often difficult for truckers to find a new trucking job as well with violations and CDL suspensions on his or her driving record.

Sleep Apnea CDL Suspension

One other CDL suspensions that you can expect to see is one for sleep apnea. Many drivers don’t know that doctors actually have the ability to take away a driver’s CDL. Driver’s suffering from sleep apnea can before a driving risk. Sleep apnea causes driver’s to become fatigued, and the chances of falling asleep behind the wheel become greatly increased.

There are also railroad crossing violations that need to have the necessary attention as well as all of the other violations. Be safe on the roads and drive straight so that any of these CDL suspensions do not happen to you!

Have you had your license suspended or know someone who’s had their CDL taken away? Let us know in the comments below!

Author: Hit The Road Jack

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