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Can You Get a CDL With Points on Your License?

March 31, 2022

Can You Get a CDL With Points on Your License?

One of the most common questions people have when they are considering getting their commercial driver’s license (CDL) is whether or not they can get a Class A CDL if they have points on their regular driver’s license. The answer is a bit complicated and depends on a lot of different factors, but there are some scenarios where you can still get your CDL (any class) with points on your license.

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL?

There are several driving violations that may prevent you from being able to qualify for a CDL and become a truck driver. Some infractions on your driving record can have a big impact on whether or not you can get your CDL, but some may be less serious.

The  infractions below will prevent you from getting a CDL or result in a suspension of your CDL if you already have one: 

  • Operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol level above 0.08%, also known as a DUI.
    • For commercial vehicle drivers, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.04% (0.01% if under 21)
  • Committing manslaughter with a vehicle
  • Fleeing the scene of an accident
  • Using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony
  • Being under the influence of controlled substances while driving

While no infractions are considered “good”, incidents like minor speeding or incorrect parking probably won’t affect whether or not you can get your CDL. But keep in mind that repeated offenses may start to have a bigger impact. 

If your current driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you will not qualify for a CDL, and if you have 6 points in the two years leading up to your application for a CDL, you will not qualify. 

How does the CDL point system work?

The CDL point system is pretty straightforward. The number of points you get for any infraction will vary, but the rules for license suspension and revocation are clear.

If you get 8 points on your CDL within 18 months, your license will be suspended for 30 days the first time, 60 days the second time, and 90 days each time after that. 

You will lose your CDL for a year if you get 12 points in 2 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months. 

Refusing a breath or blood test, driving without required endorsements, and other serious violations can result in the immediate suspension or revocation of your CDL. When your CDL is suspended, you cannot operate any commercial motor vehicle (CMV). 

How do you accumulate points on your license?

Traffic violations, like speeding, reckless driving, texting and driving, and driving under the influence will result in points on your license if you live in a state that has a point system. The number of points on your license for each infraction depends on a variety of factors. For example, if you get a speeding ticket, the points may increase depending on how far over the limit you were driving. 

Below are common infractions and moving violations that will cause you to get points on your CDL

  • Driving over the posted speed limit
  • Driving when already disqualified
  • Driving with an expired license
  • Not keeping to the right
  • Failure to signal lane changes
  • Following too closely
  • Wrong lane
  • Commercial driving without a CDL

Points for serious traffic violations typically stay on your regular driver’s license for up to three years. Some states allow you to take defensive driving courses or other driver training to remove or reduce points on your license. However, no such programs exist for CDL holders, so make sure to follow all posted traffic laws and drive safely at all times to maintain your driving privileges.

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