If you work in a field that requires you to transport passengers, goods or hazardous materials, there is a good chance you have a commercial driver’s license. The commonwealth regularly issues these to drivers who meet specific requirements.
Because you cannot have an ordinary Virginia driver’s license and a CDL at the same time, the loss of your CDL may leave you temporarily unable to drive any vehicle. Here are three ways you may end up losing your commercial driving privileges.
1. Committing major traffic violations
Arguably, the easiest way to lose your CDL is to commit major traffic violations. A first-time citation for a major traffic violation is likely to result in a one-year suspension of your CDL. If you have two or more major traffic violations on your driving record, you may permanently lose your commercial license.
Likewise, committing serious traffic violations that do not rise to the level of major ones may also result in the suspension of your CDL. Typically, though, you must have two or more serious infractions before receiving a temporary suspension.
2. Manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance
Obviously, you should only use your commercial vehicle to perform legal activities. If you use it to manufacturer or distribute a controlled substance, you are not likely to remain eligible for a CDL. That is, using your vehicle for drug-related activities usually results in a lifetime ban in addition to criminal charges.
3. Failing to keep your medical certificate current
CDL holders must be healthy enough to drive safely. To monitor this requirement, officials at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles require commercial drivers to submit current medical cards.
Ultimately, if you fail to keep your medical certificate current, you may lose your CDL even without violating any traffic or other laws.
