A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may be suspended, disqualified or revoked for certain violations of the Idaho Code, including DUI. For a complete list of all possible CDL suspensions refer to Idaho Code section 49-335.  A driver of a commercial vehicle is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a period of not less than one (1) year if convicted of a first violation under any state or federal law of:

• Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance;
• Operating a commercial motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration of .04 or more;
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving a motor vehicle driven by the person; or
• Using a commercial motor vehicle in the commission of any felony.

Any person holding a CDL is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a period of not less than one (1) year if they refuse to submit to an evidentiary test to determine the driver’s alcohol concentration.  If the driver submits to the evidentiary test and the level is less than .04 percent but there is a detectable amount of alcohol, the driver is placed “out of service” for 24 hours.

If the above-described offenses occur while transporting a hazardous material, that is required to be placarded, the driver is disqualified for a period of not less than three (3) years.

A CDL will be lost for life if the driver is convicted, forfeits bond, or receives a withheld judgment for any of these disqualifying offenses, or any combination of these offenses, for a second time.

A CDL will be lost for life if an individual uses a motor vehicle to commit a felony involving the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance. Some lifetime disqualifications may be reduced to a 10-year disqualification if an approved rehabilitation program is completed and reinstatement requirements are met.

A CDL will be lost for life if a driver is convicted of causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a commercial motor vehicle.  Such crimes include, but are not limited to, vehicular manslaughter, homicide by motor vehicle, or negligent homicide by motor vehicle.

These suspensions are in addition to penalties or suspensions resulting from conviction for the offense. Additional information on these laws may be found in the Idaho Driver's Manual.  A periodic review of all applicable manuals is recommended for all commercial drivers.