COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) SUSPENSIONS IN LOUISIANA
CDL’s are suspended more easily than standard licenses. This is because commercial drivers are held to very high standards. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) suspensions and disqualifications are regulated by both Louisiana state and federal laws. Federal suspension regulations controlled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) include:
- License disqualifications and fines for violating out-of-service orders.
- Suspensions and disqualifications ranging from 60 days to life for violations and convictions, such as Violating railroad-highway grade crossings, Excessive speeding and reckless driving, DUI/DWI and leaving the scene of an accident.
For more information on federal regulations and penalties, please see the FMCSA website. For information about your specific CDL suspension visit your local Louisiana OMV reinstatement office, call them at (225) 925-6146,
or complete an online request on the LA DMV website. *PLEASE NOTE: OMV field offices are no longer accepting in-person reinstatement fees until further notice.* The Louisiana OMV will send you information regarding your specific circumstances by mail. To reinstate your CDL, please see “Reinstate Your Suspended Driver’s License” above.
NOTE: In addition to Louisiana DMV penalties, you may also face additional criminal charges from state/federal courts.
Your CDL will be suspended for 1 year, or 3 years if driving with hazardous materials, for violations including:
- DWI/DUI convictions and failing/refusing a BAC test.
- Felonies involving your vehicle.
- Hit and runs.
- Violations of your existing revocation, suspension, or disqualification.
- Texting and driving.
If you commit any of the above offenses more than once, your CDL will be disqualified permanently.
Your CDL will be suspended for 1 year if you receive 3 convictions for reckless driving within 12 months. If you drive with a suspended license, you may receive an additional 1-year suspension from the LA OMV.
Other violations that may result in a CDL suspension/disqualification include:
- Speeding 15 mph or more above the speed limit.
- Following too closely to other cars.
- Erratic lane changes.
- Commercial vehicle/truck accidents.
- Driving without the proper commercial driver’s license endorsements.
For information about your specific reinstatement requirements and suspension duration:
NOTE: Some violations can result in the suspension or revocation of both your CDL and non-commercial driver’s license. For more information, please see our Suspended License in Louisiana page.