Commercial Driver’s Licenses and the Law

Your commercial driver’s license can be disqualified or suspended for violations committed in a commercial or non-commercial vehicle.

Penalties for a Michigan CDL Suspension

Violations can include DUI/OWI or other related offenses, preliminary breath test refusal, speeding, reckless driving, and violation of out-of-service orders. A violation can result in the suspension of a commercial driver’s license. You are subject to a 1-year disqualification for a 1st violation of any major offense, including alcohol or drug-related offenses, refusal to submit to a chemical test, committing a hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident, and committing a felony with your commercial vehicle. The disqualification is extended to three (3)years if a violation occurs while carrying hazardous material. The disqualification is a lifetime for a 2nd offense.

Driving under the influence in a commercial vehicle is having a blood alcohol content of 0.04% or higher. You can be placed out of service for 24 hours if you refuse a preliminary breath test, consume alcohol within four (4) hours of driving a commercial vehicle, or consume any alcohol while operating a commercial vehicle.

Additionally, you must notify your employer within 30 days of any traffic conviction, the end of the next day after receiving a suspension/disqualification notice, and within 24 hours of an out-of-service order. It is important to note that offenses committed in a non-commercial vehicle can count against your CDL and result in a commercial driver’s license suspension.

CDL Suspension Hearings in Michigan

If you are considering contesting the suspension or disqualification of your CDL, you should have the assistance of a Michigan driver’s license appeal attorney. There are special rules and deadlines, and you should have legal help to navigate the system.

Generally, administrative hearings need to be requested within 14 days of your arrest or suspension. Some documents and evaluations must be completed and forwarded to a hearing officer before the hearing date.

Reinstatement of Your Michigan CDL

The requirements for reinstatement of your Michigan CDL vary depending on the reason for the disqualification and whether your non-commercial driver’s license has also been revoked or suspended. The requirements can vary from completing an application for reinstatement to retaking the CDL driving skills and knowledge test. There are fees required to reinstate your CDL too. You should have the help of a Michigan driver’s license appeal attorney to ensure you are completing the process correctly.

Impact of Losing a Commercial Driver’s License

Losing a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Michigan can significantly impact someone’s income, particularly if their occupation relies on driving commercial vehicles. Here are some ways it can affect income:

Unemployment: If a person’s CDL is suspended or revoked, they may be unable to continue working in their current driving-related job. This could result in a loss of income and potential unemployment until the license is reinstated or alternative employment is secured.

Job Loss: Some employers require a valid CDL as a job requirement. If a person loses their CDL and cannot reinstate it within a specific timeframe, their employer may be forced to terminate their employment. This can lead to a sudden loss of income and potentially make finding a new job more challenging.

Limited Job Opportunities: Many jobs in trucking, delivery services, and transportation industries require a CDL. If someone’s CDL is suspended or revoked, their employment options may be limited to non-driving positions, potentially resulting in a decrease in income or settling for lower-paying jobs.

Financial Impact: Losing a CDL can result in financial burdens. Legal fees, fines, reinstatement fees, and other expenses associated with license suspension or revocation can cause financial strain. Additionally, the loss of income during the period without a CDL can lead to difficulties meeting financial obligations such as bills, rent or mortgage payments, and other expenses.

Career Setbacks: Losing a CDL and experiencing a significant interruption in driving-related employment can cause setbacks in a person’s career progression. It may be challenging to regain the same level of seniority, benefits, or wages previously attained. This can impact long-term earning potential and overall financial stability.

It is important to note that the specific impact on income will depend on various factors, such as the reason for the CDL suspension or revocation, the duration of the loss of the license, and the individual’s ability to secure alternative employment. Consulting with an attorney specializing in traffic and CDL-related matters can provide more specific guidance based on the situation’s circumstances.

Extensive experience in getting driver’s licenses reinstated.

LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has decades of experience getting clients their driver’s license reinstated. Our attorneys are the Michigan driver’s license appeal lawyers that people can count on to get them back on the road legally after a commercial driver’s license suspension. Your livelihood depends on your CDL remaining valid. If you have had your CDL suspended, or believe it may be soon, contact LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation. We can help you get back on the road.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.