Virginia CDL Violations And License Disqualification Rules


It is critical for those who are facing charges to have a defense lawyer available to them, especially if they are a commercial driver. Charges of any type could lead to the suspension or disqualification of your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Here’s a summary of the key points to keep in mind.
Higher Standards for CDL Holders
CDL holders are held to higher standards than regular drivers due to the size, weight, and potential hazardous materials in commercial vehicles. A criminal conviction can have severe consequences, including losing your CDL, which could impact your livelihood and quality of life if you can no longer do your job as a result of the accident.
Offenses Leading to CDL Disqualification
The following are some of the consequences you could face in these cases:
- 1-Year Disqualification: Offenses like driving with a BAC of .04 or greater, DUI, refusal of breath/blood tests, hit and run, using a vehicle to commit a felony, and causing a fatality through negligent operation can lead to a 1-year disqualification. If these offenses involve hazardous materials, the disqualification extends to three years.
- Lifetime Disqualification: Repeated offenses or involvement in drug manufacturing/distribution using a commercial vehicle can result in a lifetime CDL disqualification.
- Out-of-Service Orders: Violations while transporting 16 or more passengers can lead to a 2-year disqualification, with subsequent violations leading to five years.
- Involuntary Manslaughter: Conviction for involuntary manslaughter due to CMV operation results in a five-year disqualification.
- Serious Traffic Violations: Offenses like speeding, reckless driving, improper lane changes, and texting while driving can result in a 60-day disqualification for two offenses within three years and 120 days for three or more offenses within the same period.
- CDL Driving Record Points: Accumulating too many driving points within a certain period can lead to CDL suspension, followed by probation, which can be difficult to escape once it starts.
Legal Defense for CDL Holders
Drivers charged with any type of traffic violation that could result in the loss of their CDL should immediately seek legal guidance. That includes any charges of DUI or criminal traffic violations that carry serious consequences.
The attorneys at Welch & Wright, PLLC, will work to protect your CDL by potentially reducing charges to infractions that do not affect your CDL or by fighting for your rights in court. We offer free consultations to those charged with these crimes to provide clear insight into your legal options. Contact us right away for guidance, or fill out our online contact form.

Written By Nick T. Wright
Attorney Nick T. Wright is one of the founders of Welch & Wright, PLLC. Nick T. Wright focuses his practice on criminal defense cases, particularly ones involving DUI defense, traffic violations, petty theft, and nonviolent sex offense cases. Nick Wright has handled thousands of cases in Hampton Roads, the Greater Richmond, VA area, and northern Virginia. He received his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. Nick T. Wright is associated with the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (VACDL) and the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD), among other affiliations.
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