Skip to main content
DPS - Home
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
TOP
MENU
Home
Our Divisions
Driver and Vehicle Services
License and ID
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
CDL disqualification

CDL disqualification

Federal and state law regarding CDLs

If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or were driving a vehicle that needs a CDL to operate, you might lose your license because of federal CDL disqualification, based on Minnesota law. 

Even if you’re driving a regular car, truck, motorcycle, or other non-commercial vehicle, some violations can still cause your CDL to be taken away. For a complete list of what can lead to disqualification and what the penalties are, you can check the federal regulations.

Policies and procedures 

You may lose your ability to drive a commercial vehicle for a certain length of time depending on the number and severity of incidents. 

A driver who receives a disqualification notice may not operate a commercial vehicle until the CDL privileges are reinstated. 

Commercial license disqualifications

You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first offense if:

  • You drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • You refuse to submit to an alcohol or drug test.
  • You leave the scene of an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle that you were driving.
  • You use a vehicle to commit a felony.
  • You drive with a revoked, suspended, canceled, denied or disqualified CDL.
  • You cause a death with your careless or criminal driving.
  • You commit an offense in another state that would get your license taken away in Minnesota.

An offense committed while driving a vehicle that transports hazardous materials will result in you losing 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 vehicle to commit a felony involving a controlled substance. 

Multiple offenses 

You will lose your CDL for at least 60 days if you commit two serious traffic violations while operating a commercial vehicle in a three-year period. 

You will lose your CDL for at least 120 days if you commit three serious traffic violations while operating a commercial vehicle in a three-year period. 

Return of driving privileges 

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. 

You may be allowed to drive a non-commercial vehicle before you are able to get your CDL back.