Indiana CDL Disqualifications And Penalties You Shouldn’t Ignore

Indiana CDL disqualifications are essential regulations that every commercial driver in Indiana must understand to safeguard their license and career. So, what exactly are the Indiana CDL disqualifications? In this guide, we’ll break down each situation that can lead to disqualification in Indiana, helping you stay informed and avoid these risks. Let’s dive in!

What are the Indiana CDL disqualifications?

Indiana CDL disqualifications happen when drivers commit major offenses like DUI, hit-and-run, or repeated traffic violations, leading to suspension or loss of CDL privileges.

Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, and commission of a felony

Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, and commission of a felony

Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is strictly illegal if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.04% or higher. By driving a CMV, you are automatically considered to have given consent to alcohol testing.

For a first offense, your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will be disqualified for at least one year if you are found:

• Driving a CMV with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
• Operating a CMV under the influence of alcohol.
• Refusing to submit to a BAC test.
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV.
• Committing a felony while using a CMV.
• Driving a CMV while your CDL is suspended or revoked.
• Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a CMV.

If the violation occurs while you are operating a CMV transporting hazardous materials, the disqualification period increases to a minimum of three years.

A second offense will result in a lifetime CDL disqualification. Likewise, you will be permanently disqualified if you use a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances. Additionally, if you are found with a BAC below 0.04%, you will still be placed out of service for 24 hours.

Serious traffic violations

Serious traffic violations

Serious traffic violations include offenses such as:

• Driving 15 mph or more over the posted speed limit.
• Reckless driving.
• Making improper or erratic lane changes.
• Following another vehicle too closely (tailgating).
• Committing a traffic offense while operating a CMV that results in a fatal accident.
• Operating a CMV without holding a valid CDL.
• Driving a CMV without the proper class of CDL or without the required CDL endorsements.

If you commit these violations while operating a CMV, you will face CDL disqualification:

• At least 60 days for committing two serious traffic violations within a three-year period.
• At least 120 days for committing three or more serious traffic violations within a three-year period.

Violation of out-of-service orders

Violation of out-of-service orders

An out-of-service order violation occurs when a driver operates a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) despite being placed under an official restriction prohibiting them from driving. Such violations are taken very seriously and carry strict penalties. If you violate an out-of-service order while holding a CDL, you will face disqualification as follows:

• At least 90 days for a first violation of an out-of-service order.
• At least one year for a second violation within a ten-year period.
• At least three years for three or more violations within a ten-year period.

These penalties are designed to ensure drivers comply with safety regulations and do not put themselves or others at risk by ignoring legally enforced restrictions.

Railroad-highway grade crossing violations

Railroad-highway grade crossing violations

Violating railroad-highway grade crossing laws is a serious offense for commercial drivers. If you commit such violations, your CDL will be disqualified as follows:

• At least 60 days for a first violation.
• At least 120 days for a second violation within three years.
• At least one year for a third or subsequent violation within three years.

These violations include breaking federal, state, or local regulations related to six specific grade crossing offenses, such as:

For drivers not required always to stop:

• Failing to stop before reaching the crossing when the tracks are not clear.
• Failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train.

For drivers required always to stop:

• Failing to make a complete stop before entering the crossing.

For all CMV drivers:

• Failing to ensure there is enough space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping.
• Failing to obey traffic control devices or law enforcement directions at the crossing.
• Getting stuck at the crossing due to insufficient undercarriage clearance.

These strict rules are designed to prevent catastrophic accidents at railroad crossings and emphasize the responsibility of commercial drivers to exercise extreme caution.

Hazardous materials endorsement background check and disqualifications

Hazardous materials endorsement background check and disqualifications

If you plan to obtain a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement for your CDL, you must submit fingerprints and undergo a thorough background check conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

You may be denied or lose your HazMat endorsement if you meet any of the following conditions:

• You are not a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• You have renounced U.S. citizenship.
• You are currently wanted or under indictment for certain felonies.
• You have been convicted in a civilian or military court of specific disqualifying felonies.
• You have been legally declared mentally incompetent or committed to a mental health institution.
• TSA determines that you pose a potential security threat.

It’s important to note that background check procedures may vary slightly depending on your state of licensing. Your state licensing agency will provide you with all the necessary instructions and resources to complete the mandatory TSA background check process.

Traffic violations in your personal vehicle

Traffic violations in your personal vehicle

Under the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) of 1999, commercial drivers are held accountable not only for their actions behind the wheel of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) but also for violations committed in their personal vehicles. Certain offenses in a personal vehicle can directly impact your CDL and may lead to disqualification.

• If your personal driver’s license is revoked, suspended, or canceled due to violations of traffic control laws (other than parking violations), you will also lose your CDL privileges.
• If your personal driving privileges are revoked, suspended, or cancelled because of alcohol-related offenses, controlled substance violations, or a felony conviction, you will face a one-year CDL disqualification. A second conviction, whether in a personal vehicle or a CMV, will result in a lifetime CDL disqualification.
• If your personal driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you are not eligible for a hardship license to operate a CMV during the suspension period.

FAQs

1. Can you get a CDL with a DUI on your record in Indiana?

Yes, but it depends on the circumstances and timing. If you have a DUI conviction, it may affect your eligibility for a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). Here’s how:

• If you have a DUI on your record, but the conviction is at least 5 years old, you may still be eligible for a CDL. However, this depends on the nature of the DUI, whether it was for alcohol or drugs, and whether there were other aggravating factors.
• A DUI conviction within the past 5 years is a disqualifier for getting a CDL. If the conviction is related to operating a commercial vehicle, the disqualification period could be even longer (typically 1-3 years, or lifetime for repeat offenders).

2. What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Indiana?

There are several reasons that could disqualify you from obtaining a CDL in Indiana, including:

• Serious traffic violations: DUI, reckless driving, or having a pattern of traffic violations,… can disqualify you.
• Felony convictions: Certain felony convictions (especially involving a motor vehicle) may make you ineligible for a CDL.
• Drug or alcohol use: Having a history of substance abuse or a DUI conviction within the last 5 years.
• Medical conditions: If you have a medical condition that could impair your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle (such as severe vision problems, epilepsy, or heart issues), you may be disqualified unless you provide medical documentation clearing you to drive.
• Drug or alcohol testing: A history of failing drug or alcohol tests, or refusal to take them, may disqualify you.
• Out-of-Service orders: Being under an out-of-service order or having your CDL revoked or suspended.
• Fraud or misrepresentation: Providing false information on your application or during testing can disqualify you.

Final thoughts

Indiana CDL disqualifications are certainly something no driver wants to experience. Therefore, understanding which violations can lead to disqualification will help you be more cautious. Any violation can potentially result in the loss of your license. We hope you can avoid these violations entirely to ensure a safe and successful truck driving career.