Suspended CDL Drivers Hit a Dead End
The last thing a commercial truck driver wants is to risk their main source of income because of a suspended license. It’s devastating to experience a CDL suspension. It affects multiple parties, from the driver and their families to the companies that have to compromise.
CDL drivers are on the road 24/7 across the United States. Due to their intense driving periods driving coast to coast, truck drivers carry a higher probability of obtaining traffic violations than local suburban drivers. Therefore they must be careful while on the road at all times.
CDL suspensions have serious consequences:
- Leaves permanent stains on commercial driving record
- Increases insurance costs
- And a financial loss for the driver during the suspension period.
Here is some additional information to know about suspensions and the different types of driving penalties for CDL drivers.
The Difference Between CDL Suspension and Disqualification
Disqualification allows the driver to operate a standard motor vehicle, not a commercial vehicle.
A CDL Suspension means the driver can’t operate any type of vehicle.
Click here to see the CDL Disqualification periods and their offenses. All offenses are considered serious violations.
What Kind of Offenses Lead to CDL Suspensions
Major Offenses go as follows:
- Operating any vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Reckless Driving
- Leaving a scene of an involved accident
- Speeding over 15 mph
- Operating a cell phone or texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle
- Obtaining a traffic violation involving a fatal accident
- Tailgating and improper lane changes
“CDL holders can have their license suspended in accordance with the traffic laws of the state in which they are licensed. For example, drivers who receive their CDL from New York State can have their license suspended after three speeding convictions within 18 months — even if none are considered excessive speeding by FMCSA.” (Adam H. Rosenblum, April 12, 2022).
When a CDL driver has a suspended license, that driver can’t drive under any circumstances.
Keep in mind that suspended licenses can happen for non-traffic-related offenses. For example;
- failure to pay child support
- or failure to pay state debts
Read about it here. We go into detail about the shocking non-traffic-related offenses that trigger license suspensions. Let us know if you were aware of these violations.
What to do While Suspended
CDL drivers that want to still be in the industry while their licenses are suspended can try to work for their current employer in a different position. Job positions like dispatcher or training positions. Find to be an asset to the company in different ways while waiting for your suspension to expire.
The most important thing to do while waiting out the suspension period is to set up safety measures to avoid suspension again. Luckily there is an easy subscription service called avoidsuspension.com. AvoidSuspension provides constant license status updates via email and text messages. They offer daily, weekly, and monthly updates with a fast response rate. Be assured of your CDL license status at all times. Carry that confidence on the road with you today!
References
https://www.callhancock.com/2019/09/18/what-to-do-when-you-have-received-a-cdl-suspension/
https://www.drivemyway.com/blog/what-to-know-about-cdl-suspensions/
https://www.driverslegalplan.com/Driver-Benefits/CDL-Questions/CDL-Suspension.aspx
