Previous DUI Convictions Make it Difficult To Obtain Licensure
We know that the long term implications can be life-altering if you are charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania. But for those looking to advance in their careers, those DUI charges can make it difficult to move ahead. The Scranton DUI lawyers of Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam explain.
DUI Convictions Make Obtaining, Renewing Commercial Driver’s License Complicated
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) defines disqualification as the temporary or permanent withdrawal of a person’s privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle. However, if you have multiple DUI convictions, how long is temporary? And, is there a way to pay restitution to get licensure back?
PennDOT has specific limits on the length of disqualification depending on the violation as well as the driver’s record. While the minimum suspension is 60 days in most cases, they could potentially last a lifetime.
For an already commercially licensed driver to have a disqualification, all that may occur is a single conviction for a major offense or a series of traffic offenses. In general, two major offenses will result in a lifetime disqualification.
The following chart explains the penalties for the most common major offenses.
It is important to remember that if your commercial license includes the ability to transport hazardous material, a major offense will result in a longer disqualification. Also, if you have been accepted in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, it also counts towards a conviction for sanctioning a CDL holder.
DUI Arrests, Convictions in PA: How can I make them go away?
If you have prior DUI convictions and now are having difficulties getting your commercial license or the disqualification is still on your record, you may have options.
If your disqualification is only pertinent to your commercial license, you may be able to apply for a noncommercial driver’s license to drive during that time.
But if you are looking to restore your commercial driving privileges, in addition to serving the required length of disqualification, you will also have to pay a restoration fee to PennDOT before your CDL license is returned to you.
In the case of multiple convictions, if this is your first time applying for a CDL license or you have been denied in the past, you will need a qualified Scranton DUI attorney to review the facts of your case and to help prove that you have served the time, and paid restitution, for your convictions.
DUI Charges and Commercial Licenses: MVSK Law
You’re trying to advance your career. Don’t let prior DUI convictions stand in your way. Contact the Scranton DUI lawyers of Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam today. Our team will review your case, help you through any application process, or assist you in the ARD program if you qualify. Your future should not be implicated in the mistakes of the past. Contact us today for a free case review.
