Can a CDL Holder Lose His or Her Driving Privileges Forever?

 Posted on June 11, 2025 in CDL

According to the Bureau of Labor, more than 1.7 million people across the nation work as large commercial truck drivers, and many more drive large buses, dump trucks, and large delivery trucks. California is second only to Texas for the number of commercial truck drivers, with 130,000. This means that eight out of every 1,000 jobs in the state belong to a truck driver.  

Large commercial trucks move the vast majority of the freight that is moved across the United States, more than any other form of transportation by far. A CDL holder (Class A and Class B) in the state of California must protect his or her driver’s license even more than most of us with a "regular" or Class C license.  Those with a CDL rely on their license to make a living, so the loss of that license can result in significant adverse effects.

If your CDL license is in jeopardy, whether through a DUI or another issue, it is essential that you speak to a knowledgeable Richmond, CA CDL license attorney. We can examine your situation from every angle and then determine the best option for you.

Class A vs. Class B CDL License Holders

A Class A CDL license in California is for professionally trained drivers who operate large, heavy, commercial motor vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, and flatbed trucks. A Class A CDL allows the driver to operate a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more or to haul a trailer that weighs 10,000 pounds or more.

A Class B CDL is for drivers operating single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. Drivers in these two categories are held to a higher standard than other drivers simply because the sheer size of these vehicles can cause serious injury or death to other drivers in the event of an accident.

What Could Cause a California Truck Driver to Lose His or Her CDL License Forever?

There are a variety of driving issues that can result in a truck driver losing his or her driver’s license permanently. These issues include:

Violations of the California Vehicle Code Regarding DUI

A truck driver who violates Subdivision (a), (b), (c), or (d) of Section 23152 or Subdivision (a),(b), or (d) of Section 23153 could potentially lose his or her CDL driver’s license for a specified period of time. These sections include driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.04 percent, leaving the scene of an accident, or using a motor vehicle to commit a felony.

A person who receives a second or subsequent DUI could lose his or her license permanently, as could a driver who leaves the scene of an accident while under the influence or uses a motor vehicle to commit a felony while under the influence.

Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without a License

A commercial motor vehicle driver who is found driving while his or her CDL license is revoked, suspended, or canceled may have his or her CDL license revoked indefinitely. This is regardless of why the person’s CDL license was revoked, suspended, or canceled in the first place. The CDL driver could also face arrest for this offense.  

Other Reasons a CDL Driver Could Lose His or Her License Permanently

A CDL driver who is found to be at fault for an accident resulting in the death of another person or a CDL driver who is found guilty of eluding police while driving a commercial motor vehicle can have his or her license revoked for life. Using a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony and refusing to undergo chemical testing are offenses that can also result in permanent revocation of a CDL holder’s license.

Contact a Napa, CA CDL License Lawyer

There are many different defenses an experienced San Francisco, CA CDL license attorney from Burglin Law Offices, P.C. can use on your behalf to potentially prevent you from losing your CDL license and your livelihood. Attorney Burglin is widely recognized by prosecutors and judges as a skilled and tenacious advocate for his clients. To schedule a free consultation, call 415-729-7300.