Common truck driver disqualifications in Texas include operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, serious traffic violations, and failure to meet physical and medical standards.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) administers commercial driver’s license (CDL) licensing and disqualification requirements under applicable state and federal regulations.
If you violate state and federal regulations, your commercial driver’s license (CDL) could be suspended, revoked, or disqualified.
Major Offenses That Can Cause a Truck Driver to Lose Their CDL
Being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, refusing to take a breathalyzer or blood test, and leaving the scene of an accident are three acts that can result in disqualification.
Committing a major offense while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) or a personal vehicle can result in a one-year disqualification or three years for hauling hazardous materials. A second offense can result in a lifetime disqualification to reduce the risk of preventable Texas truck crashes.
Serious Traffic Violations That Can Lead to CDL Disqualification
You may be subject to automatic CDL disqualification if you are convicted of two or more serious traffic violations within a three-year period. Examples of serious traffic violations can include:
- Speeding 15 miles per hour (MPH) or more over the limit
- Reckless driving
- Erratic lane changes
- Following too closely
- Texting or using a handheld phone while driving
If you have two serious traffic violations in three years, you may have to deal with a 60-day disqualification. Those with three or more such violations in three years may face a 120-day disqualification.
Physical and Medical Standard Violations That Can Prompt a CDL Disqualification
If you cannot pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination, you may be ineligible to get a CDL in Texas.
Those who test positive for a controlled substance or refuse a drug test can be placed in a “Prohibited” status in the national Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse.
If this happens, you may not be permitted to operate a CMV until you complete the required return-to-duty process.
Other Common Trucker Disqualifications in Texas to Consider
Railroad-highway grade crossing violations are heavily enforced due to the extreme danger of train-truck collisions. For these, disqualification can depend on the number of offenses.
In Texas, an initial railroad-highway grade crossing violation can result in disqualification that lasts at least 60 days.
A second violation within three years can lead to a minimum disqualification of 120 days.
Those who receive three violations within three years may be subject to a disqualification of at least one year.
When You Can Receive a Lifetime CDL Disqualification in Texas
Your CDL could be automatically and permanently disqualified if you are found to be using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony that involves the manufacturing, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance.
You may be subject to automatic and permanent disqualification if you’re found to have knowingly used a commercial vehicle to transport, conceal, or harbor undocumented immigrants.
CDL Reinstatement Requirements in Texas
If your CDL or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) has been disqualified because of a conviction of two or more serious traffic offenses, you are not subject to any reinstatement requirements.
Your CDL or CLP can be automatically reinstated following the required disqualification period as long as there aren’t any other enforcement actions on your driving record.
In certain cases, if you have been disqualified for life, you may be eligible for reinstatement via the DPS after 10 years. This may be an option for you if you have voluntarily entered and completed a DPS-approved program.