CDL suspensions: Arrest for driving a non-commercial motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more (.02 or more if the driver is under age 21)

How long will my license be disqualified?

• First incident: 1 year
• Second incident or more: For life

Will my CDL be affected if I enter a deferred prosecution program?

Your Commercial Driver License (CDL) may still be disqualified when you enter into a deferred prosecution program following an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) or physical control. We’ll stay (stop) the suspension or revocation against your personal driving privilege, but we’re required to disqualify your CDL endorsement.

If you don’t have a CDL, we’ll invalidate your commercial driving privilege, which prevents you from getting a CDL for the time periods shown. You’ll receive credit for any suspension time you served before we processed the deferred prosecution.

How do I re-qualify?

• First incident:
  • Pass the CDL knowledge and driving tests.
  • For a hazardous materials endorsement, pass a separate knowledge test. (We also may require you to show us a letter from the Transportation Security Administration stating you passed their background check.)
  • Pay a $20 re-qualification fee.
• Second incident or more: You can’t re-qualify from a lifetime disqualification.

Can I appeal the disqualification?

No, you may only request a hearing for the suspension of your personal driving privileges, not your commercial driving privileges.

Related laws

RCW 46.25.090: Disqualification — Grounds for, period of — Records.