A commercial driver’s license (CDL) disqualification can result in an immediate employment ban and limited future job opportunities. The causes of disqualification include alcohol and drug offenses, speed limit violations, and major crimes.
Truck driving is a demanding job market in Louisiana with over 24,450 commercial drivers. The average salary for a truck driver ranges from $280 to 340$ daily. If you are looking for guidance on the different types of commercial driver’s licenses and the reasons for disqualification, read more.
This article will show the various direct consequences that a CDL disqualification can have on your career and what you can do about it.
What Happens After CDL Disqualification?
Immediate Job Loss
You cannot continue operating a CMV after disqualification. Your employer might have to terminate your services as a truck driver. Repeated road traffic violations within 3 years lead to a suspension of 60 to 120 days.
Medical Disqualification
An unmanaged health condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, and epilepsy results in failing your Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam. This can make your medical card invalid and therefore limit your ability to get hired as a CMV driver in any company.
Long-term hiring impact
Even after a suspension ends, this information will still show up on your background checks, and this could reflect poorly on your image or reputation. It might be difficult to get hired by a reputable freight company for up to 3 to 5 years.
Losing a job is already a bad thing. But when your name is tarnished, preventing other companies from hiring you, it can be a depressing experience.
What Can Lead to Disqualification of Your CDL?
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators are expected to follow the set rules and regulations that correspond to the type of vehicle they drive. Certain violations while operating a CMV will result in disqualification.
Interestingly, the violation happens whether it occurs in a commercial vehicle or your personal car. Here are different scenarios that could result in CDL disqualification.
Serious traffic violations
Careless driving that could result in life-threatening situations for the driver and pedestrians is one of the serious traffic violations that could result in disqualification. Under Louisiana Penal Code R.S. 32:61, the maximum speed limit is 70 mph on interstates, 65 mph on multi-lane divided highways, and 55 mph on other standard state highways.
Other serious traffic violations are:
- Improper lane change
- Distracted driving
- Driving a vehicle not covered by your active CDL
Failing a DOT alcohol or drug test
Most truck companies will not hire you if you have failed or refused a DOT drug or alcohol test. You will have to go through a Substance Abuse Professional Program (SAP) to work in the truck industry again.
Can you Remove CDL Restrictions?
In most cases, if you have been charged with serious traffic violations, you will have to wait for the allotted time before you can resume work. You will also have to pay a restitution fee.
However, you may appeal the decision through the court in the state where the disqualification happened. If you have been disqualified because of a medical condition, you can apply for an exemption.
Final Takeaways
- A CDL disqualification can result in an immediate employment ban.
- Disqualification can hurt your future employment opportunities, as it shows on your background check.
- As a Commercial Motor Vehicle driver, you should operate the kind of vehicle you are licensed to operate.
- Disqualification can also make your medical card invalid.
- Repeated serious traffic offenses can result in suspension.