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What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in California?

Tina Tran

Created at September 7, 2025

Are you worried that a past traffic violation or a medical condition could prevent you from obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in California? Understanding the details of what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in California is crucial to your success. This guide explores key reasons for CDL disqualification, including medical conditions, legal issues, and safety violations. By knowing the rules ahead of time, you can take steps to address potential problems and move forward confidently in your commercial driving career.

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in California?

To operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) in California, you must meet both federal and state requirements. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), following the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), enforces strict rules on who can and cannot hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

You may not drive a CMV if you are disqualified for any reason below. Disqualifications apply whether violations occur in a commercial vehicle or, in many cases, even in your personal vehicle.

Alcohol, drugs, leaving an accident scene, and felonies

Violations involving alcohol, drugs, accidents, or felonies are among the most serious CDL disqualifiers in California. These include:

Driving a CMV with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Refusing an alcohol or drug test (implied consent applies to CDL holders).
Leaving the scene of a CMV accident.
Committing a felony involving the use of a CMV.
Driving a CMV while your CDL is suspended or revoked.
Causing a fatality through negligent CMV operation.

Penalties:

First offense: CDL loss for at least 1 year.
While transporting HazMat (placarded vehicle): CDL loss for at least 3 years.
Second offense: CDL loss for life.
Using a CMV for a felony involving controlled substances: Lifetime disqualification.
Even with detectable alcohol under 0.04% BAC, you face a 24-hour out-of-service order.

Serious traffic violations

Not all violations are classified as felonies, but repeated serious traffic offenses can also lead to CDL disqualification. Common examples include:

Excessive speeding (15 mph or more above the posted limit).
Reckless driving.
Improper or erratic lane changes.
Following another vehicle too closely.
Traffic offenses are connected to a fatal accident.
Operating a CMV without a valid CDL, without carrying your CDL, or without the proper class and endorsements.

Penalties:

Two violations within a 3-year period: CDL suspension for 60 days.
Three or more violations within a 3-year period: CDL suspension for 120 days.

Violating out-of-service orders

When a commercial driver or vehicle is placed out of service, it means operating conditions are unsafe or unlawful.

Ignoring such orders is treated as a major safety violation with progressively severe penalties:

First offense: Minimum 90-day disqualification from operating a CMV.
Second offense within 10 years: Minimum 1-year disqualification.
Third or subsequent offenses within 10 years: Minimum 3-year disqualification.

These penalties reflect the serious risk created by disregarding mandatory safety restrictions.

Medical disqualifications

To operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), drivers must meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical standards. Certain health conditions may disqualify you from holding a CDL in California, including:

Uncontrolled diabetes requiring insulin, without an FMCSA exemption.
Severe vision impairment (worse than 20/40 corrected) or inability to distinguish standard traffic signal colors.
Significant hearing loss, such as the inability to perceive a forced whisper at 5 feet.
Epilepsy or seizure disorders, unless cleared through an exemption.
Cardiovascular conditions that create a risk of sudden incapacitation.

All CDL holders must maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876), issued by a federally certified examiner. Certificates are generally valid for up to 24 months, but may be issued for shorter periods based on medical conditions. A missing, expired, or failed medical certificate results in a CDL downgrade or disqualification until compliance is restored.

Railroad-highway grade crossing violations

Railroad-highway grade crossings are among the most dangerous points for CMVs. Federal and state law impose strict disqualifications for the following violations:

Failing to stop when the tracks are not clear.
Not slowing down or checking for approaching trains.
Failing to stop when required by signage or law.
Entering a crossing without sufficient space to completely clear it.
Ignoring warning devices or law enforcement directions.
Becoming stuck on the tracks due to insufficient clearance.

Disqualification periods are as follows:

First violation: 60 days.
Second violation within 3 years: 120 days.
Third violation within 3 years: 1 year.

These rules are designed to eliminate preventable collisions that can have catastrophic consequences.

Hazardous materials endorsement disqualifications

Because hazardous materials present significant security risks, drivers seeking a HazMat endorsement must undergo a TSA fingerprint-based background check. Disqualification occurs if the applicant:

Is not a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen.
Renounces U.S. citizenship.
Is under indictment or wanted for certain felonies.
Has been convicted of specific disqualifying felonies (civilian or military).
Has been legally declared mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed.
Is identified by the TSA as a security threat.

Traffic violations in a personal vehicle

A commercial driver’s personal driving record also directly affects CDL status. If a driver’s regular Class C license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, the CDL is automatically invalidated. Unlike non-commercial drivers, CDL holders are not eligible for a “hardship license” that would allow them to operate a CMV during suspension.

Penalties:

Alcohol, controlled substance, or felony convictions in a personal vehicle: 1-year CDL disqualification.
Second conviction of these violations: Lifetime disqualification.

Violation point counts in California

California operates a Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) that assigns points for driving violations. For CDL holders, violations committed in a CMV count 1.5 times more than the standard point value.

Record retention periods:

Major violations/disqualifications: 55 years.
Out-of-service violations: 15 years.
Serious violations and accidents: 10 years.
Railroad crossing violations: 4 years.
Minor convictions: 3 years.

CDL disqualification thresholds under NOTS:

4 points within 12 months.
6 points within 24 months.
8 points within 36 months.

Exceeding these limits results in suspension of both personal and commercial driving privileges.

Cell phone and texting violations

Federal law prohibits handheld mobile phone use and texting while operating a CMV. Hands-free devices are permitted, but repeated handheld violations quickly lead to loss of CDL privileges.

These violations carry CDL-specific penalties in California:

Second violation within 3 years: 60-day disqualification + 1 violation point.
Third violation within 3 years: 120-day disqualification + 1 violation point.

Restoring your CDL eligibility in California

If your CDL has been suspended or disqualified, regaining eligibility typically involves following a formal return-to-duty or reinstatement process:

Complete the mandatory suspension period and any required educational or court-ordered program (e.g., DUI school).
For cases involving drug or alcohol violations, a “prohibited” status in the FMCSA’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse must be resolved, known as the return-to-duty process, before DMV can reinstate your commercial privileges.
Optionally request a DMV hearing within 10 days of suspension if you wish to challenge or prevent the suspension.
Apply for a restricted license, if eligible, which may allow limited driving for work or school purposes during the reinstatement waiting period.
Submit proof of compliance, such as enrollment in required programs, proof of insurance (e.g., SR-22), medical clearance, and pay the DMV’s reinstatement or reissue fees.

Because requirements can vary depending on the violation type (e.g., DUI vs. alcohol testing refusal), always review both federal (FMCSA) and state (CA DMV) guidelines when pursuing reinstatement.

FAQs

1. Can a felon get a CDL in California?

Yes, felons can sometimes get a CDL in California, but it depends on the nature of the conviction. Felonies involving the use of a commercial motor vehicle, controlled substances, human trafficking, or violent crimes often lead to lifetime disqualification. Other felonies may not automatically bar you, but could prevent you from obtaining endorsements such as HazMat.

2. How can I restore CDL eligibility after a suspension in California?

Restoring CDL eligibility usually requires serving the full suspension period, paying reinstatement fees, and meeting all DMV requirements. Depending on the violation, you may also need to complete court-ordered programs, retake knowledge or skills tests, or provide updated medical certification. For HazMat endorsements, reapplication through the TSA background check may also be required.

Final thoughts

In summary, the list of what disqualifies you from getting a CDL in California is extensive, covering alcohol/drug violations, serious traffic offenses, safety violations, and even personal vehicle misconduct. Some violations cause temporary suspensions, while others can result in lifetime disqualification. If you’re pursuing a career in commercial driving, the key is to maintain a clean driving record, follow all federal and state safety rules, and stay medically compliant. By doing so, you’ll protect your CDL status and ensure a long-term career in trucking or passenger transport.