CDL Drivers - Convicted of a Serious Traffic Violation

If you are convicted of certain traffic violations while operating a commerical motor vehicle (CMV), you are subject to stiffer penalties which may result in the suspension or revocation of your CDL. Your operator/chauffeur license may also be affected, depending on the severity of the violation.

Any traffic violation in a non-commercial motor vehicle resulting in a suspension or revocation of your operator/chauffeur license will also result in a suspension or revocation of your CDL.

The following information outlines the various penalties for convictions of alcohol-related offenses and other serious traffic violations committed while operating a CMV.

Category I violations include:

1. A traffic violation connected with a fatal accident
2. Speeding 15 mph or more over the posted limit
3. Following too closely
4. Careless driving
5. Changing/using lanes erratically/improperly

If charged and convicted, your CDL will be:

• Suspended for 60 days for any two violations in separate incidents in three years
• Suspended for 120 days for any three or more violations in separate incidents in three years
• Additionally, points may be added to your driving record

Category II violations include:

1. Operating under the influence of a controlled substance
2. Leaving the scene of a CMV accident
3. Committing a felony using a CMV
4. Manslaughter
5. Fleeing/eluding a law enforcement officer (felony)

If charged and convicted, your CDL will be:

• Suspended for one year for a first violation; three years, if transporting hazardous materials
• Revoked for a minimum of ten years for any two Category II violations occurring in separate

          incidents, or any one of them a second time in any time period

If charged with and convicted of reckless driving, negligent homicide, or fleeing/eluding a law enforcement

officer (misdemeanor), your CDL will be suspended for one year.

If charged with and convicted of committing a felony involving the manufacture or distribution of a

controlled substance, your CDL will be revoked for a minimum of ten years.

Your operator/chauffeur license may also be suspended or revoked and points may be added to your

driving record.