Getting a commercial driver’s license in Arizona is supposed to help ensure that drivers have a minimum level of skill before operating a large, heavy truck on public roadways. Nonetheless, truck drivers may take dangerous actions that can increase the likelihood of a commercial truck crash. The Scottsdale truck accident lawyers at Stone Rose Law can explain your legal rights and options during a free consultation you can arrange by contacting us online or calling us at (480) 428-2697.

Disqualifications for Truck Drivers 

In Arizona, a CDL license holder can receive a disqualification that prevents them from obtaining a CDL license or driving a commercial motor vehicle. Under Arizona law, the different types of disqualifications a commercial motor vehicle operator may receive include:

  • Permanent disqualification, which occurs if the driver is convicted of using any motor vehicle during the commission of a felony involving the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance
  • Lifetime disqualification, which occurs if the driver receives two or more serious traffic violations
  • Three-year disqualification, which occurs if the driver is convicted of a serious traffic violation while transporting hazardous materials, if the driver is found responsible for a second or subsequent violation of any out-of-service order during a ten-year period while the driver is transporting hazardous materials or operating a motor vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or if the driver is found responsible for the third or subsequent violation of any out-of-service order during any ten-year period
  • Two-year disqualification, which occurs if the driver is found responsible for a second or subsequent out-of-service order during any ten-year period 
  • One-year disqualification, which occurs if the driver refuses a breath or blood test related to a DUI investigation or upon a first-time conviction for certain crimes involving a vehicle
  • Up to one-year disqualification, which occurs if the driver operates the motor vehicle in a manner that constitutes an imminent hazard
  • Six-month disqualification, which occurs if the driver is found responsible for the first violation of an out-of-service order 
  • 120-day disqualification, which occurs for the third or subsequent traffic violation that occurs within a three-year period or the second conviction for violating a local, state, or federal railroad crossing law
  • 60-day disqualification, which occurs if there is a conviction of two serious traffic violations within a three-year period, a conviction for violating a local, state, or federal railroad crossing law, or if the driver falsified information or documentation as part of the licensing process.

Serious Truck Violations in Arizona

Serious traffic violations may result in a commercial driver disqualification. Serious traffic violations recognized under Arizona law include convictions or finding of responsibility for any of the following offenses:

  • Speeding at least 15 mph over the posted speed limit 
  • Aggressive driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Racing 
  • Improper or erratic traffic lane changes
  • Following another vehicle too closely
  • Driving a commercial motor vehicle without a CDL or valid endorsement for the type of commercial motor vehicle necessary
  • A violation that is related to a fatal traffic accident 

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer with Stone Rose Law 

If you were involved in a truck accident caused by the driver’s unsafe actions, a truck accident lawyer from Stone Rose Law can help. Contact us online or call us today at (480) 428-2697 to start a free case consultation.

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