CDL Disqualifications and Rules Cheat Sheet - Quick Reference Guide

This quick reference guide provides essential information about CDL disqualifications, serious traffic violations, out-of-service orders, and IRP/IFTA requirements at a glance. Use it for fast lookup of penalty periods, notification deadlines, and compliance requirements when studying for your CDL or maintaining your commercial driving privileges. This covers Sections 1.3 through 1.5 of the CDL manual.

Major Offense Disqualifications

Critical: Using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances results in LIFETIME disqualification on the FIRST offense.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Rules

Remember: CDL limit is 0.04%—exactly HALF the standard 0.08% limit.

Serious Traffic Violations

What Counts as Serious:

• Excessive speeding: 15+ mph over posted limit
• Reckless driving
• Improper or erratic lane changes
• Following too closely
• Traffic offense in CMV connected to fatal accident
• Driving CMV without CDL
• Driving CMV without CDL in possession
• Driving without proper class/endorsements

Disqualification Periods:

Out-of-Service Order Violations

Important: Out-of-service violations have a 10-YEAR lookback period—much longer than the 3-year period for serious traffic violations.

Railroad Crossing Violations

The Six Railroad Crossing Offenses:

1. Failing to stop when tracks aren't clear (if not always required to stop)
2. Failing to slow and check for trains (if not always required to stop)
3. Failing to stop before driving onto crossing (if always required to stop)
4. Entering without sufficient space to clear crossing
5. Disobeying traffic signals or enforcement officials
6. Failing to negotiate due to insufficient undercarriage clearance

Vehicles That Must ALWAYS Stop at Railroad Crossings:

• Buses carrying passengers
• School buses (loaded or empty)
• Vehicles with placarded hazardous materials
• Cargo tank vehicles (loaded or empty)

Personal Vehicle Violations Affecting CDL

Warning: NO hardship license is available for CMV operation if your personal license is suspended.

Notification Requirements

Other CDL Rules Quick Reference

Hazmat Endorsement Disqualifications

You will be DENIED or LOSE your hazmat endorsement if you:

• Are not a lawful permanent U.S. resident
• Renounce U.S. citizenship
• Are wanted or under indictment for certain felonies
• Have conviction for certain felonies (military or civilian)
• Are adjudicated as lacking mental capacity
• Have been involuntarily committed to mental health facility
• Are determined to be a security threat by TSA

IRP/IFTA Quick Reference

What Is IRP?

International Registration Plan - Registration fee apportionment for interstate vehicles

What Is IFTA?

International Fuel Tax Agreement - Fuel tax reporting and payment across jurisdictions

Qualified Vehicle Thresholds:

IVDR (Individual Vehicle Distance Record) Requirements

Distance Information Required:

• Date of trip (start and end)
• Origin city and state/province
• Destination city and state/province
• Route(s) of travel
• Beginning odometer reading
• Ending odometer reading
• Total distance traveled
• Distance per jurisdiction
• Vehicle ID or VIN

Fuel Receipt Information Required:

• Date of purchase
• Seller's name and address
• Number of gallons/liters
• Fuel type
• Price per gallon or total amount
• Unit number or vehicle identifier
• Purchaser's name

When to Log Odometer Readings:

1. At the beginning of the day
2. When leaving each state/province
3. At the end of the trip/day

Record Retention Requirements

Warning: Failure to maintain complete IRP/IFTA records can result in fines, penalties, and suspension/revocation of registration and licenses.

Key Numbers to Remember

Lookback Period Comparison

Disqualification Period Summary

Pre-Trip Compliance Checklist

Before Each Trip:

• CDL valid and in possession
• Medical certificate current
• Proper endorsements for vehicle/cargo
• No outstanding disqualifications
• Hours of service compliant
• Vehicle inspection complete
• IRP/IFTA credentials displayed (if interstate)
• IVDR form ready for entries

Ongoing Compliance:

• Log odometer at each state line
• Obtain and retain all fuel receipts
• Report all violations within deadlines
• Monitor driving record quarterly
• Track violation lookback periods
• Renew certifications before expiration

Quick Reference FAQs

Q: What's the CDL BAC limit?

A: 0.04%—half the standard 0.08% limit. Any detectable amount results in 24-hour out-of-service.

Q: How fast is "excessive speeding"?

A: 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit.

Q: How many serious violations trigger disqualification?

A: Two in 3 years = 60 days. Three or more in 3 years = 120 days.

Q: How long is the out-of-service lookback?

A: 10 years—violations from 9 years ago still count toward escalating penalties.

Q: Do personal vehicle violations affect my CDL?

A: Yes. License suspension = CDL suspension. Alcohol/drug violations = CDL disqualification.

Q: How long do I keep IRP/IFTA records?

A: Minimum 4 years. Records are subject to audit.

Q: What's the fine for driving without a CDL?

A: Up to $5,000 and possible jail time.

Q: Can I get a hardship CDL?

A: No. There are no hardship provisions for commercial driving.

Q: When must I report a violation to my employer?

A: Within 30 days of conviction (any traffic violation except parking).

Q: When must I report license suspension to my employer?

A: Within 2 business days.

Key Points to Remember

• 0.04% BAC is the CDL limit—half the regular limit, easy to exceed
• Lifetime disqualification occurs on second major offense OR first controlled substance felony using CMV
• Three-year lookback applies to serious traffic and railroad violations
• Ten-year lookback applies to out-of-service violations—much more severe
• Personal vehicle violations directly affect your CDL—no separation
• No hardship CDL exists—if your regular license is suspended, you can't drive a CMV
• 30 days to report violations to employer; 2 business days for license status changes
• Four years minimum retention for all IRP/IFTA records
• All states connected through computerized system—no hiding violations or multiple licenses
• When in doubt, don't drive—the consequences of disqualification far outweigh any single trip

Next Steps

Use this cheat sheet alongside our comprehensive guides for complete understanding:

• Study the complete guide for detailed explanations
• Review the FAQ for answers to specific questions
• Practice with questions covering disqualifications and rules
• Memorize key numbers especially BAC, timeframes, and lookback periods

Ready to test your knowledge? Start practicing with our CDL Disqualifications and Rules questions.

For complete information, see our CDL Disqualifications and Rules Complete Guide.