John W. Redmann | July 12, 2024 | Truck Accidents
In the United States, there are 1,356,501 drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). These licenses allow them to drive a variety of commercial vehicles, which are generally categorized by weight. In Louisiana, all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators must hold a CDL that corresponds to the type of vehicle they drive.
A CDL is required to operate vehicles that weigh 26,001 pounds or more. It’s also a requirement to operate vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials. Learn more about the types of licenses available and what can cause a CDL to be revoked.
Class A Commercial Driver’s License
This license is required to drive vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
It covers the use of vehicles that include:
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Livestock carriers
- Tanker vehicles
- Flatbeds
People 18 and older with a Class A CDL can also operate vehicles within the B and C classes with the necessary endorsements throughout the state. Only after turning 21 does this license allow interstate transportation.
Class B Commercial Driver’s License
The Class B CDL is needed to drive a single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more or to tow a vehicle weighing a maximum of 10,000 pounds.
The license covers “straight vehicles” like:
- Large passenger buses
- Straight trucks
- Box trucks
A straight vehicle does not have a moveable joint in its frame between the passenger compartment or cargo and the driver seat. The driver has to be 21 or older to drive a Class B vehicle across states.
Class C Commercial Driver’s License
This type of license is required to operate vehicles that transport 16 or more occupants, including the driver, or to transport hazardous materials.
With a Class C CDL, a driver can operate:
- Passenger vans
- Combination vehicles not covered in Class A and B licenses
- Small hazmat vehicles
Those under 21 can’t drive outside of Louisiana with this kind of license.
CDL Revocation and Disqualification
CMV operators have special rules they must adhere to. If they fail to do so, they can have their licenses revoked or disqualified. If that happens, the driver can’t obtain a hardship or drive a CMV.
Serious Traffic Violations
A driver who commits several serious traffic violations within three years can have their CDL revoked. Having two offenses within three years means a 60-day revocation, while three or more offenses mean a 120-day revocation.
These kinds of traffic violations include:
- Speeding
- Improper lane change
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Any traffic violation involving a fatality
Driving any commercial vehicle without the appropriate license or endorsement is also considered a serious traffic violation.
Railroad Crossings
Around railroad crossings, CMVs must adhere to all signals. Not doing so can result in a minimum 60-day license disqualification. For a second offense, it’s at least a 120-day disqualification, and for a third offense, it’s a year.
Out-of-Service Orders
Some safety violations result in an immediate, temporary out-of-service order. One type of violation is driving with alcohol in the system. Driving in violation of this order will result in license disqualification.
Major Violations
Major violations require a mandatory one-year disqualification.
These violations include:
- Refusing a chemical test
- DUI
- Leaving the scene of an accident
Any of these violations that occur while the driver is operating a hazmat vehicle will result in a three-year revocation. A second offense results in a lifetime revocation.
Getting Legal Help After a Commercial Truck Accident in Louisiana
If you’ve been in a commercial truck accident and suffered personal injury, hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need. Because these collisions can result in more serious losses than those possible in a regular car accident, getting help as soon as possible is essential.
Contact the Metairie Truck Accident Lawyers of The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC for Help Today
If you were injured in an accident in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our truck accident attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to schedule a free case review today.
We serve Jefferson Parish County and Louisiana’s surrounding Areas
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Metairie, LA Office
2901 N Causeway Blvd, STE 202
Metairie, LA, 70002
(504) 500-5000
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