Arizona CDL Disqualifications: What You Need to Know

Arizona CDL disqualifications affect your chances of getting a CDL in Arizona in a variety of ways, with different offenses leading to temporary, long-term, or permanent bans. There are nine major categories of disqualifications, including DUI, serious traffic violations, falsification, fraud, out-of-service order violations, railroad crossing violations, and federal imminent hazard notifications. Understanding each type is crucial for drivers to maintain compliance and protect their careers. This guide breaks down the laws in plain language and outlines the penalties for each type of disqualification.

What are Arizona CDL disqualifications?

Arizona CDL disqualifications occur when the Department of Transportation prohibits a driver from operating a commercial motor vehicle due to specific violations. Disqualifications can range from 60 days to permanent, depending on the severity of the offense.

1. Major violations

Major violations

Major violations are among the most serious offenses that can threaten your driving career. These include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) or BAC ≥ 0.04
• Refusing a required alcohol or drug test (28-1321)
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony
• Operating a commercial vehicle while previously suspended or revoked
• Causing a fatality through negligent operation, including manslaughter, homicide, or negligent homicide
• Violating Chapter 4, Article 3 while operating a noncommercial motor vehicle

Penalty:

• 1-year disqualification for first offenses
• Longer penalties for transporting hazardous materials (see section 2)

Disqualification generally starts 10 days after the report, unless flagged as an imminent hazard by federal authorities

2. Hazardous material violations

Hazardous material violations

When major violations occur while transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, penalties increase due to the added risk.

Penalty:

• Minimum of three years’ disqualification (Applies only to Major Violations – see section 1)
• Longer penalties may apply if combined with multiple Major Violations

3. Multiple major violations

Multiple major violations

Drivers with two or more separate major violations after December 31, 1989, also result in Arizona CDL disqualifications

Penalty: 

• Lifetime ban.
• May be reduced to at least 10 years under DOT rules.
• Any subsequent major violation after reduction will lead to permanent disqualification.

4. Felony drug

Felony drug or trafficking violations

If a person uses a commercial motor vehicle to commit a drug-related felony or any of the following trafficking offenses:

• Sex trafficking (13-1307)
• Trafficking of persons for forced labor/services (13-1308)
• Child sex trafficking (13-3212)

Then, the person is permanently disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle.

5. Serious traffic violations

Serious traffic violations

Even non-felony traffic offenses can affect your Arizona CDL. Violations include:

• Excessive speeding (≥15 mph over the posted limit)
• Reckless driving
• Aggressive driving
• Racing
• Improper or erratic lane changes
• Following too closely
• Violations contributing to a fatal accident
• Driving a commercial motor vehicle without a valid CDL
• Driving a commercial motor vehicle without a valid endorsement for the type of vehicle or vehicle combination
  
• Driving a commercial motor vehicle without the CDL in your possession.
• Using a handheld wireless device while driving a CMV

Penalty:

• 60 days for two violations within three years
• 120 days for three or more violations within three years

Applies to commercial or non-commercial vehicles if the violation results in license suspension, revocation, or cancellation

6. Falsification and fraud

Falsification and fraud

Arizona CDL disqualifications may occur when a person:

• Provides false information or falsified documentation during the CDL licensing process.
• Commits fraud related to obtaining or issuing a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Penalty:

• 60-day disqualification for falsification
• 1-year disqualification for fraud related to permits or CDL

7. Out-of-Service Order Violations

Out-of-Service Order Violations

Drivers who operate a commercial motor vehicle while under an out-of-service (OOS) order face mandatory disqualification.

Standard penalties (all drivers):

• 1st violation: 180 days
• 2nd violation within 10 years (separate incident): 2 years
• 3rd or subsequent violation within 10 years (separate incidents): 3 years

Enhanced penalties (hazardous materials or 16+ passengers):

• 1st violation: 180 days
• 2nd or subsequent violation within 10 years: 3 years

These penalties apply whether the driver holds a CDL or is required to have one.

8. Railroad grade crossing violations

Railroad grade crossing violations

Violating federal, state, or local railroad grade crossing laws can result in CDL disqualification. This applies to both convictions and findings of responsibility.

• 1st violation: 60 days
• 2nd violation within 3 years: 120 days
• 3rd or subsequent violation within 3 years: 1 year

9. Federal imminent hazard disqualification

If a federal agency determines that a commercial motor vehicle driver is operating in a manner that constitutes an imminent hazard, the driver will be disqualified for up to 1 year upon notification by the state.

This disqualification runs concurrently with any other disqualification the driver may already be serving.

*Imminent hazard: A condition presenting a substantial likelihood that death, serious illness, severe personal injury, or substantial endangerment to health, property, or the environment may occur before the reasonably foreseeable completion of formal proceedings to reduce the risk.

FAQs

1. Can felons get a CDL in AZ?

Yes, felons may be eligible to obtain a CDL in Arizona, but eligibility depends on the type of felony and whether a commercial motor vehicle was involved. Certain convictions lead to mandatory disqualification, including:

• Drug-related felonies (manufacturing, distributing, or possessing controlled substances with intent).
• Using a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony.
• Trafficking offenses (sex trafficking, child trafficking, or forced labor) if a commercial motor vehicle was used.

Other felonies, including most violent crimes not involving a commercial vehicle, do not automatically disqualify someone from obtaining a CDL, though they may affect employment opportunities, since many companies perform background checks.

2. How long after a DUI can you get a CDL in Arizona?

In Arizona, according to A.R.S. 28‑3312:

• For a first DUI (BAC ≥ 0.04 or equivalent violation), a driver is disqualified from holding a CDL for at least 1 year.
• If the DUI occurs while transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification lasts at least 3 years.
• For a second DUI or extreme/repeated violations, the disqualification is lifetime according to Arizona’s MVD‑courts manual.

You can generally get a CDL again only after your disqualification period ends, assuming you meet all other CDL requirements.

Conclusion

Arizona CDL disqualifications cover nine key types of violations, each carrying its own penalties and potential impact on a driver’s career. Understanding these rules, staying compliant with traffic laws, and following DOT guidelines can help drivers avoid costly mistakes, maintain safe operation of commercial vehicles, and protect their livelihoods. Being informed and proactive is essential for every commercial driver in Arizona.