What is considered a serious traffic violation that can affect your CDL?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious traffic violation that can significantly impact your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) status. This is because operating a commercial vehicle while intoxicated poses a greater danger to public safety than when driving a regular personal vehicle. Given the size and weight of commercial vehicles, the potential for accidents and injuries is heightened, leading regulations to classify DUI as a severe offense.

Consequently, a conviction for DUI can result in the suspension or revocation of a CDL, which would prevent the individual from being able to operate a commercial vehicle legally. The seriousness of DUI is reinforced by the legal framework in the United States, where a single offense can lead to severe repercussions, including loss of driving privileges, fines, and even imprisonment.

Other violations like speeding, running a red light, or failing to signal can also have consequences for a CDL holder, particularly if they accumulate points on their driving record. However, these infractions do not carry the same level of severity as a DUI, which is recognized across all states as a significant threat to road safety that directly impacts a driver's ability to maintain their commercial driving credentials.