Like other truck drivers, you more than likely take your CDL license for granted. It might not occur to you just how inconvenient not being able to drive – and therefore work – would be. Then something happens, and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (OBMV) suspends your CDL license for one of the following reasons:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol (.04 percent or higher)
- Numerous serious traffic violations
- Felonies involving a vehicle
- Out-of-service violations
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) test refusal
- Drug-related offenses
Depending on the reason for the suspension, you can lose your CDL license as per the following:
- 60-120 days for numerous serious traffic violations such as the following within three years:
- Driving without the proper endorsements
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Railroad grade crossing violations (depends on number of violations)
- One year for major offenses such as:
- BAC test refusal
- DUI-alcohol (.04 percent or higher)
- Felonies involving a vehicle
- Hit and runs
- Drug-related offenses
- Three years for major offenses committed while transporting hazardous materials
- 180 days to three years for out-of-service violations
A second major offense might result in the loss of your license for the rest of your life.
I need my CDL license. Is there anything I can do to get it back?
Yes. You retain the right to challenge the suspension. However, time is of the essence. Within 30 days of the date of the notice, you must request an administrative hearing. An acceptance of your request from the OBMV places a hold on the suspension of your license. If the suspension resulted from a court case, the court handles any contest you wish to file.
If you wish to challenge a suspension of your CDL license, it would be beneficial to enlist the advice and assistance of an attorney. An attorney who regularly deals with license suspensions (regular and CDL) understands the paperwork and documentation requirements. Furthermore, he or she can help you prepare for your hearing in order to help you avoid any surprises.
