Pennsylvania is giving second chance to those who want CDL back
Truckers who were previously banned from driving commercial vehicles due to violations will soon be able to get their CDL back and return to the industry.
Pennsylvania has tough laws for the disqualification of drivers from holding a CDL. While federal regulations provide for one- and three-year suspensions, Pennsylvania may issue a lifetime ban for certain offenses.
The new bill will allow people who had their commercial driver’s license suspended for life due to a conviction for drunk driving or other offenses to apply for their reinstatement 10 years from the start of their lifetime ban.
Exceptions will be people convicted of the following offenses:
• Using a commercial vehicle to commit a crime related to the manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance.
• Use of a commercial vehicle for human trafficking.
The bill will allow drivers who had their CDL revoked to apply for a CDL reinstatement if they meet several conditions, including if they:
• Completed a rehabilitation program if they were deprived of their CDL due to drunk driving or refusing to take a drug or alcohol test.
• Passed a driver training course.
• Paid the CDL recovery fee.
• Meet all federal and state requirements for a CDL.
• Comply with all the requirements of the verdict on the main conviction.
• Have not been convicted of any CDL waiver offense for at least 10 years.
The bill will be voted in the House of Representatives. If it is passed by both houses of the General Assembly and becomes law, it will enter into force in 18 months. This time will allow PennDOT to review and prepare records of drivers without a CDL.
