CDL Suspended in 2025: License-Suspension Violations and How to Protect Your Career

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is your professional lifeblood, and any suspension can put your job at risk. As federal and state regulations continue to change, it’s crucial to know what violations can get you suspended and take proactive steps to stay compliant in 2025.

What Can Get Your CDL Suspended?

CDLs get suspended for many reasons, from serious traffic violations to regulatory non-compliance. Here are the infraction’s that can get you disqualified:

Serious Offenses – The Big Ones

These violations result in immediate and severe consequences and often a 1 year or lifetime disqualification:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) – BAC of 0.04% or higher for commercial vehicles.
• Refusing a breathalyzer or other chemical test.
• Leaving the scene of an accident.
• Using a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony.
• Causing a fatality through negligent or reckless driving.
• Driving a commercial vehicle while under suspension.
• Transporting hazardous materials without proper endorsements.

A second offense in any of these categories gets you lifetime disqualified from having a CDL.

Serious Traffic Violations – The Common Mistakes

Multiple offenses in a certain timeframe gets you disqualified:

• Speeding 15+ mph over the limit.
• Reckless driving or aggressive maneuvers.
• Unsafe lane changes.
• Following too closely (tailgating).
• Driving without proper endorsements.
• Traffic violations involving fatalities.

Penalties: 2 serious violations in 3 years gets you 60 days suspended; 3 or more in 3 years gets you 120 days suspended.

Railroad Crossing Violations

CDL holders must follow strict railroad crossing rules, including:

• Slow down and check for oncoming trains.
• Stop when required by law.
• Make sure it’s safe to pass before proceeding.

First offense gets you 60 days suspended, second in 3 years gets you 120 days. Third violation gets you 1 year suspended.Ignoring an out of service order gets you:

• First offense: 180 days suspended.
• Second offense in 10 years: 1 year suspended.
• Third offense: 3 year disqualified.

For hazmat transporters, first offense gets you 3 years suspended due to higher safety risk.

Technology and Equipment Violations

As regulations change, tech related violations have become a bigger deal:

• Texting while driving a CMV.
• Handheld phone use while driving.
• Failure to secure cargo including hazmat.

Fighting a CDL Suspension

When suspended, drivers have options:

• Request a DMV hearing within 10 days to contest the suspension.
• File a court appeal to challenge the decision.
• Seek administrative relief if the process was not followed properly.

In many cases, hiring an attorney experienced in commercial driving laws will help you win your suspension.

Reinstating a Suspended CDL

Reinstatement requirements vary depending on the length and reason for the suspension:

• Less than 2 years: Standard CDL renewal process.
• 2-8 years: Retake CDL knowledge tests, get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and pass skills tests.
• 8+ years: Full requalification, training, testing, and medical certification.

For those permanently disqualified, appeals may be possible in some states 10 years from the date of disqualification depending on the circumstances.

DUI and CDL

CDL holders get harsher DUI penalties than personal drivers:

• DUI BAC limit: 0.04% (0.08% for personal drivers).
• First offense: 1 year CDL suspension (3 years if hazmat).
• Second offense:Lifetime disqualified.
• Refusing a chemical test: Automatic 1 year suspended.

To reinstate a CDL after DUI, you must complete alcohol education programs and show ongoing sobriety.

How to Protect Your CDL

To protect your CDL and career:

• Keep a clean driving record – Avoid risky behavior and track your points.
• Stay compliant with HOS – Keep your logs and rest periods up to date.
• Keep your vehicle and endorsements up to date – Check compliance with safety standards regularly.* Follow all safety rules – Including cargo handling and railroad crossing laws.
• Stay up to date on new trucking regulations – Changes happen often so you must stay educated.

Can I move my suspended CDL to another state?

No. CDL disqualifications are nationwide and shared via FMCSA’s CDLIS system.

Does a CDL suspension affect my personal auto insurance?

Yes. Insurance rates increase significantly after a CDL suspension.

Do military veterans get expedited CDL reinstatement?

No. Military waivers apply to initial CDL testing but not to reinstatement after suspension.

Can I drive farm equipment with a suspended CDL?

Typically no. State laws vary but most prohibit driving farm vehicles during a CDL suspension.

Does a CDL suspension in Canada affect my US CDL?

Yes. The US and Canada share CDL violation records and a suspension in one country affects driving privileges in the other.

A CDL suspension can ruin your career but knowing what causes disqualification and taking proactive measures to stay compliant can help you avoid trouble. Stay informed and follow the rules to protect your job and your CDL in 2025 and beyond.