What Are the Disqualifications for a CDL License?
Largely because of the ongoing truck driver shortage, officials estimate that the industry will need a million new drivers over the next ten years just to keep up with current demand. This projected job growth has many people asking about qualifications for a CDL.
In South Carolina, it usually takes between four and six months to obtain a CDL. Most people qualify. But there are some disqualifying conditions. Some other issues could result in temporary suspension or raise the driver’s insurance rate to an unaffordable level.
We understand how badly this state, and this country, needs truck drivers. We also understand that the consequences of a truck crash are often catastrophic for victims. If you were hurt in a truck accident and need money to pay bills, our Lake Wylie truck accident lawyers are here to help.
Alcohol-Related Suspensions
An official, usually a presiding judge, will issue an OSO (Out of Service Order) if the commercial driver has any issues related to consuming alcohol and driving. Examples include:
- A conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving with an Unlawful Alcohol Concentration (DUAC), even if the driver was in a private vehicle
- Failed breath or blood test
- Refusing to provide a chemical sample
The length of suspension varies. It’s usually 90 days for a first infraction, up to two years for a second infraction within ten years, and up to five years for a third infraction within ten years. Depending on the facts, a second or third infraction could also mean permanent disqualification.
Criminal Suspensions
If you are convicted of any of the following crimes in South Carolina, your CDL could be suspended for up to a year:
- Using any motor vehicle during the commission of any felony
- Leaving the scene of an accident, whether or not you were at fault
- Driving any vehicle on a suspended license
- Causing a fatal accident
Generally, a suspended CDL doesn’t automatically become valid when the suspension period ends. Instead, the driver must apply for reinstatement. That process usually involves paying a fee and presenting proof of insurance.
Traffic Suspensions
Not all South Carolina traffic tickets affect your CDL. This penalty only applies to serious violations, such as:
- Speeding higher than 15mph above the limit
- Following too closely
- Changing lanes unsafely
- Driving recklessly
- Operating a commercial vehicle without a valid license in hand
- Breaking any traffic law if the violation results in serious injury
Each conviction (not arrest) is a point. Two points in three years is a 60-day suspension. A third point within three years is another 120-day suspension.
Commercial drivers, like all other operators, must obey the rules of the road.
Contact The South Carolina Car Accident Lawyers At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys For Help Today
For more information, please contact our car accident lawyers in South Carolina and North Carolina at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve York County, Lancaster County, and its surrounding areas in South Carolina:
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Rock Hill
212 E Black St, Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 324-7574
Open 24hrs
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Lancaster
204 A S Main St, Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 902-7065
Open 24hrs
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Fort Mill
1201 Carolina Pl Suite 102D, Fort Mill, SC 29708
(803) 902-4045
Open 24hrs
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Lake Wylie
264 Latitude Ln #102A, Lake Wylie, SC 29710
(803) 902-3608
Open 24hrs
We also proudly serve Mecklenburg County and its surrounding areas in North Carolina:
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Charlotte
1100 S Mint St #109, Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 340-8620
Open 24hrs
