CDL Ticket and Disqualification Defense
By Chad M. Seibel, former prosecutor · Last reviewed October 2026
For a commercial driver, a ticket that would be minor for anyone else can put a CDL, and a job, at risk. Florida's rules for CDL holders are stricter, and they apply even when you're driving your own car.
This page explains how Florida treats traffic tickets and criminal traffic charges for people who hold a commercial driver license (CDL) or commercial learner's permit. It is general information, not legal advice about a specific case.
Why a Ticket Is Different for CDL Holders
Most Florida drivers who get a ticket can elect a basic driver improvement course ("traffic school") to avoid points, or ask the court to withhold adjudication. CDL and commercial learner's permit holders can't use the ordinary traffic-school election under section 318.14(9), whatever vehicle they were driving. Federal law also prohibits masking a qualifying traffic conviction, deferring judgment, or using diversion to keep it off the national CDL record. Don't assume a withhold of adjudication will protect a CDL.
That means paying a ticket without thinking it through can lead to a conviction on the driver's record, which may count toward disqualification.
Serious Traffic Violations
Florida lists these as "serious traffic violations" for CDL holders:
Speeding 15 mph or more over the limit
Reckless driving
Improper lane change
Following too closely
Texting or using a handheld phone while driving
A traffic violation connected to a crash that causes a death
Driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL, without the right class or endorsement, or without the CDL in your possession
Two serious violations from separate incidents, with offenses occurring within 3 years: 60-day disqualification
Three serious violations from separate incidents, with offenses occurring within 3 years: 120-day disqualification
Violations in a personal vehicle count toward these totals only if they lead to a suspension, revocation or cancellation of driving privileges.
Major Offenses
The following offenses generally carry a 1-year CDL disqualification, or 3 years if the driver was hauling hazardous materials, subject to exceptions:
DUI, or a blood or breath alcohol level of .04 or higher in a commercial vehicle
Refusing a breath, blood or urine test
Leaving the scene of a crash
Using a vehicle in a felony
Driving a commercial vehicle while disqualified
Causing a death through negligent operation of a commercial vehicle
Some major offenses, including DUI, can disqualify a CDL holder even in a personal vehicle. Others, such as the .04 limit and negligent operation causing a death, specifically require driving a commercial vehicle. The vehicle and the exact offense matter.
Two major offenses from separate incidents lead to permanent disqualification. Some offenses carry permanent disqualification on a first qualifying offense, including certain drug felonies involving use of a vehicle and human trafficking felonies involving a commercial vehicle. See DUI Defense.
Other CDL Disqualifications
Florida also disqualifies drivers for violating an out-of-service order (starting at 180 days) and for railroad-crossing violations (starting at 60 days).
What a Defense Lawyer May Look At
Whether the ticket is a "serious violation" at all, and whether it may be resolved as a non-serious one. No outcome is guaranteed.
The evidence for the speed or violation charged.
How a conviction would count with the driver's existing record and time periods.
For out-of-state truck drivers cited in Florida: depending on the charge and the court, your lawyer may be able to appear for you. See Plea in Absentia.
Talk With a Former Prosecutor Before You Pay the Ticket
Chad M. Seibel is a former Florida prosecutor. If you hold a CDL and got a ticket or criminal traffic charge in Florida, call or text 407-846-8008 for a free, confidential consultation. From outside the U.S., dial +1 407-846-8008. You can also request a consultation online.
Attorney Chad M. Seibel, Of Counsel at Perez LaSure Law. Office in Kissimmee. Consultations and meetings available throughout Florida by appointment. Hablamos español. Atendemos em Português.
Official sources
Section 322.61, Florida Statutes (CDL disqualification)
Section 318.14, Florida Statutes (traffic school and withholds not available to CDL holders)
49 C.F.R. § 384.226 (no masking of CDL convictions; exceptions for parking, weight and vehicle-defect violations)