Major offenses
The federal table identifies major-offense categories including specified alcohol, controlled-substance, testing-refusal, accident-scene, felony, disqualified-driving, and fatality-related convictions.
The table generally lists one year for certain first major offenses and three years in specified placarded-hazardous-material circumstances. A subsequent qualifying major offense from a separate incident can result in lifetime disqualification.
Serious violations and separate tables
The federal table describes sixty-day and one-hundred-twenty-day disqualifications for specified repeated serious-traffic convictions from separate incidents.
Separate federal tables govern railroad-highway grade-crossing convictions and out-of-service-order violations.
Personal-vehicle DUI and commercial status
Federal major-offense rules can apply to specified DUI or testing-refusal convictions involving a noncommercial vehicle. Commercial disqualification is distinct from an ordinary-license restriction or criminal court case.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What period does the federal table generally list for a first major offense?
The table generally lists one year for certain first major offenses and three years in specified placarded-hazardous-material circumstances.
Can a second qualifying major offense result in lifetime disqualification?
Yes. A second qualifying major offense from a separate incident can result in lifetime disqualification under the federal table.
Can a personal-vehicle DUI affect a CDL?
A qualifying DUI or refusal conviction involving a noncommercial vehicle can affect commercial privileges under specified federal rows.
Does a state probationary privilege necessarily authorize commercial driving?
No. A state restricted privilege does not necessarily authorize commercial-motor-vehicle operation or override a federal disqualification.
Are all CDL disqualification periods concurrent?
No. Federal rules can require a period to be in addition to a previous disqualification.
Official Colorado and federal sources
These official government sources support the factual copy above. Source availability, laws, and agency information can change.
- FMCSA — State CDL Requirements and Disqualifications
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 49 C.F.R. § 383.51
- FMCSA — Commercial Driver’s License Program
- FMCSA — CDL Drivers
Sources checked August 22, 2026. Attorney reviewed August 22, 2026.