How long will my license be disqualified?
First incident
We'll disqualify you from holding a Commercial Driver License (CDL) for 1 year (or 3 years if the incident occurred while you were transporting hazardous materials).
Second incident
A second refusal to submit to a breath or blood test while driving any motor vehicle will disqualify you from holding a CDL 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 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 above.
How do I re-qualify?
You can't re-qualify from a lifetime disqualification.
First incident
- Pass the CDL knowledge and driving tests
- Show a certificate of completion dated after January 2009 from a registered CDL training school or a registered employer
- 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 $35 re-qualification fee
Can I appeal the disqualification?
Yes, the hearing will cover both your personal and commercial driver license. We will send you the form to request a review with your notice of disqualification.
Related laws
RCW 46.25.090(1)(e) and (2): Disqualification - Grounds for, period of - Records.
