If you drive a semi-truck for a living, then you’re probably already quite aware of how crucial it is for you not to lose your CDL. Without it, you can’t legally do your job. That’s why it’s important to be extra cautious while on the road.
Unfortunately, though, mistakes can happen. When they do, you’ll need someone to protect you, like us. TVC Pro Driver offers CDL legal services as a part of our extensive program, so be sure to check us out. Although we’ll be there to help you with your legal troubles, it’s arguably better to never have them in the first place, which is why we’ve put together a list of major offenses that could impact your CDL license. That way, you’ll know which ones to do your best to avoid.
Driving While Under the Influence
Let’s start with the most common one: DUIs. These are a big deal in general since being intoxicated makes driving nearly impossible. It’s bad enough when someone does it in a small car, but when someone is driving a semi while drunk, the results can be much more dangerous. Of course, this also applies to other substances that impair driving, not just alcohol.
Also, refusing to take a chemical test, whether it’s a blood, breath, or urine one, will also negatively affect your CDL status. Whether you take the test or not, you’ll likely be losing your license for the next three years or so.
Negligence Resulting in Fatality
As we mentioned earlier, accidents do happen, and a lot of the time, they’re outside of your control. However, they can still occur because of your own negligence, and if someone dies because of your mistake, you’ll be looking at a suspension as well.
Don’t try to run from this either. A hit-and-run could result in you losing your CDL as well, even if the person in the other vehicle survives.
Using a Vehicle to Commit a Felony
It should be obvious not to use a CMV to commit a felony, but people still get in trouble for doing it, which is why it’s on this list. Any type of felony will apply here, but some of the most common ones are drug distribution and being involved in human trafficking. These two will lose you your license permanently.
Driving a CMV Without Your CDL
Despite how bad some of these previous ones are, the major offense that will impact your CDL license for sure is driving a CMV when you’re already suspended. This one will cause you to lose your CDL for life. Unlike the example mentioned in our last point, though, many states will allow you to earn your CDL back after ten years of being banned, but this is on a case-by-case basis.