While the specific rules for initial acquisition of an Alabama Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a prior DUI vary based on the nature and recency of the conviction, it is clear that a DUI conviction will significantly impact an individual's ability to maintain or potentially re-obtain a CDL in Alabama due to specific disqualification periods.
CDL Disqualification Penalties for DUI in Alabama
Under Alabama law, if an individual holding a CDL is subsequently convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), their CDL endorsement will be disqualified, meaning it will be removed. The duration of this disqualification is determined by whether it is a first or subsequent offense.
- First DUI Conviction: For a first DUI offense, the CDL endorsement will be disqualified for one year.
- Second or Subsequent DUI Conviction: A second or any subsequent DUI conviction results in a lifetime disqualification of the CDL endorsement. This means the individual will permanently lose their privilege to operate commercial motor vehicles.
The following table summarizes these disqualification periods:
| DUI Offense Type | CDL Disqualification Period |
|---|---|
| First DUI Conviction | 1 Year |
| Second or Subsequent | Lifetime |
Understanding "Disqualified"
When a CDL is "disqualified," the holder is legally prohibited from operating any commercial motor vehicle. This is a severe penalty, especially for individuals whose livelihood depends on commercial driving. Even after the disqualification period ends for a first offense, reinstatement of the CDL may require fulfilling specific requirements, such as completing programs or paying applicable fees.
Implications for Future CDL Acquisition
Although the information provided specifically details what happens to an existing CDL upon a DUI conviction, the consequence of a lifetime disqualification for a second DUI offense strongly implies that an individual with such a record would be unable to obtain a new CDL in Alabama. Furthermore, any history of DUI, even a single offense, is a significant factor that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) would likely consider when evaluating a new CDL application, as it indicates a history of impaired driving behavior.
