Major offenses, such as refusing to take an alcohol or controlled substance test, DWI, etc., carry penalties of a one-year, three-year or lifetime disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicles, depending on the number and severity of the incidents.
Serious offenses (excessive speed, reckless driving, following too closely, etc.) carry a penalty of 60 days for two violations in a three-year period and 120 days for the third or subsequent violation.
A driver who receives a disqualification notice may not operate a commercial vehicle until the CDL privileges are reinstated.
Alcohol Offenses
Revocation of Class D (Non-CDL) Privileges and Disqualification of CDL Privileges
You may not drink alcohol while you are on-duty or consume any alcoholic beverage within four hours before you go on duty. If you are found to have a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or more while operating a non-commercial vehicle, your class D driving privileges will be revoked and you will be disqualified from driving CMVs for at least one year.
Commercial License Disqualifications:
- You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first offense if:
- You drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance (for example, illegal drugs)
- You refuse to submit to an alcohol or drug test.
- You drive a CMV when your blood alcohol concentration is 0.04 percent or more.
- Your blood alcohol concentration is less than 0.04 percent but you have any detectable amount, you will be put out of service for 24 hours.
- You leave the scene of an accident involving a CMV that you were driving.
- You use a CMV to commit a felony.
- You drive with a revoked, suspended, canceled, denied or disqualified CDL.
- You cause a fatality through negligent or criminal operation of a CMV.
- You commit an offense in another state that would be grounds for disqualification in Minnesota.
If a first disqualifying offense occurs while you are operating a CMV that is placarded for hazardous materials, you will lose your CDL for at least three years.
A second disqualifying offense will result in losing your CDL privileges for life.
You will also lose your CDL for life if you use a CMV to commit a felony involving a controlled substance.
Other Offenses
- If you have committed two serious traffic violations while operating a CMV within a three-year period, you will lose your CDL for at least 60 days.
- If you have committed three serious traffic violations while operating a CMV within a three-year period, you will lose your CDL for at least 120 days.
Note: A limited license will not be issued for a class A, B or C license. If qualified, a limited license may be issued for class D driving only.
Notice of Violation by Commercial Driver
The holder of a Minnesota CDL who is convicted of a criminal offense; a serious traffic violation, as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 383.5; or of violating any other state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control, other than a parking violation, in any type of motor vehicle in another state or jurisdiction, shall notify the Division of Driver and Vehicle Services and the person’s employer within 30 days after the date of conviction.
Use the Notification of Violation by Commercial Driver Form (PS30370) – for notification to the Division.
You can contact Driver Evaluation for more information pertaining to your CDL Disqualification:
- In person:
St. Paul: 445 Minnesota Street in St. Paul's Town Square building (refer to the DVS Office Locations Map for directions).
Open Monday - Friday, an appointment is not required; however, we recommend you arrive by 3 p.m., if you do not have an appointment. To schedule an appointment, call: (651) 205-4086
Metro Driver's License Exam Stations: Services are available on a walk-in basis, Monday - Friday at the Arden Hills, Eagan and Plymouth exam stations (refer to the DVS Office Locations Map for directions). Please arrive by 3 p.m.
Greater Minnesota: Please schedule an appointment by calling (651) 205-4086
