Answer three quick questions to see the minimum federal CDL disqualification for an offense under 49 CFR 383.51. Every state must enforce at least these periods, and many add their own penalties on top.
1. What type of offense?
Pick the closest match. Major offenses include DUI and test refusal.
2. What were you driving?
3. Any prior major offense from a separate incident?
Count any earlier conviction or test refusal from Table 1, in any vehicle.
How the federal disqualification rules work
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations set minimum periods that every state must apply to CDL and CLP holders. The rules are in four tables in 49 CFR 383.51. This checker covers the two that matter most to drivers facing a DUI or a traffic ticket.
Major offenses (Table 1)
DUI, test refusal, a 0.04 BAC in a commercial vehicle, leaving the scene and the other offenses in Table 1 carry a 1 year minimum for a first offense, or 3 years if you were hauling placarded hazmat. A second major offense from a separate incident, in any combination, means lifetime disqualification. States may let a driver apply for reinstatement after 10 years with an approved rehabilitation program, but not for the drug distribution or human trafficking felonies.
Serious traffic violations (Table 2)
Two serious violations within 3 years bring at least 60 days. Three or more bring at least 120 days. Violations in a personal vehicle only count if the conviction led to a suspension, revocation or cancellation of your license.
What this tool does not cover
- Railroad crossing violations (Table 3) and out of service order violations (Table 4)
- State penalties such as jail, fines, ignition interlock and personal license suspensions
- Drug and alcohol testing violations reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse
For the full picture, read our guides to CDL DUI penalties, the CDL masking rule and hardship licenses.
Share or link to this tool
CDL schools, carriers, safety directors and attorneys are welcome to link to this checker for their drivers and students. It is free and has no sign up. Copy this link:
<a href="https://commercialdui.com/cdl-disqualification-checker/">CDL Disqualification Checker</a>
Sources
- 49 CFR 383.51, Disqualification of drivers (eCFR)
- 49 CFR 384.226, Prohibition on masking convictions (eCFR)
- FMCSA, Commercial driver’s license information for drivers
CommercialDUI.com is an independent information resource for commercial drivers. We are not a law firm and nothing on this site is legal advice. Laws change and vary by state, so confirm details with your state licensing agency or a licensed attorney.