If you have a commercial driver’s license in Pennsylvania, you could end up in a situation where you have a disqualification. According to the Department of Transportation, a disqualification is when you lose your privileges to operate a commercial vehicle. Essentially, you have your CDL suspended. Since most people use their CDL for employment reasons, this could be a serious issue. It is important to understand what leads to disqualification so you can avoid it.
A disqualification occurs after you commit an offense while driving. You could have one offense that leads to automatic disqualification or it could be an accumulation of incidents that lead to the disqualification. It is important to note that you do not lose your CDL over minor infractions. The incidents that lead to a disqualification are serious offenses.
Immediate disqualification may occur for the most serious offenses. If you get a DUI, refuse to submit to a chemical test or leave an accident scene, you will have your CDL taken away for one year. If you get caught driving without a valid CDL, this also results is a one-year disqualification. Criminal acts also may lead to disqualification. For example, if you use your vehicle while committing a felony or operate your vehicle in a negligent way that results in a felony, you face disqualification of one year. If you commit a felony involving illegal substances that involves your vehicle, the disqualification is for life.
A disqualification is often temporary and for a set time, but it can be permanent. Some disqualification periods are as little as 60 days. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
