Louisiana’s Commercial Driver’s License Laws

Louisiana requires all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). There are several classes of CDLs and various endorsements that authorize different cargo and vehicle weights. This article outlines the requirements for obtaining the different types of commercial licenses and the reasons that can lead to a CDL being revoked.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Requirements in Louisiana

A CDL is required to operate any combination of vehicle(s) weighing 26,001 or more pounds. A CDL is also required for vehicles designed to carry hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers. (La. Stat. Ann. § 32:401 (2024).)

Emergency responders and military personnel are exempt from CDL requirements. Also exempt are CMVs used for personal use and farm machinery within 150 miles of the farm.

Louisana's CDL License Classes

There are three classes of CDLs relating to the weight of the truck and/or trailer(s).

The driver's license class must meet or exceed the applicable weight limits. For example, a class A CDL can be used to operate any size or weight of CMV.

Louisiana's CDL Endorsements for Passengers and Special Cargo

Certain vehicles and cargo require endorsements, which are added to the CDL. To obtain an endorsement, the driver must meet the applicable requirements. For example, a hazardous material endorsement requires the driver to pass a background check and the hazmat knowledge examination.

How To Get a CDL in Louisiana

Applying for a CDL. CDL applicants must submit a CDL application, provide proof of residency, and complete a driving record check. Then, after passing the written knowledge exam, the driver will be issued a commercial learner's permit (CLP). The CLP can be used to practice driving a CMV under the supervision of a licensed commercial driver. When ready and after holding a CLP for at least 14 days, the CLP-holder can take the driving test to obtain a CDL. (La. Stat. Ann. § 32:408 (2024).)

Age requirements. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CLP or CDL. However, drivers who are younger than 21 years old can't transport hazardous materials or operate a CMV out-of-state.

Medical exams. All applicants must obtain and maintain a medical certification from their physician indicating adequate physical health to operate a CMV.

Exemptions. A driver with at least two years of military service operating a CMV can be exempted from the CDL driving test. But the driver must be free of recent traffic violations and suspensions.

Self-reporting requirements. A CDL applicant also must disclose prior driving history. Additionally, after licensure, a CDL holder must disclose all future traffic violations and suspensions to the state and their employer.

Louisiana's Rules for CDL Revocation and Disqualification

CMV operators are subject to special rules and requirements. Failure to obey these rules will result in CDL disqualification. A disqualified driver can't obtain a hardship or work CDL. (La. Stat. Ann. § 32:414.2 (2024).)

Serious Traffic Violations

The commission of multiple "serious traffic violations" within three years will result in license revocation. "Serious traffic violations" include:

• speeding 15 miles per hour or more over the limit
• improper lane change
• following too closely
• texting while driving, and
• any traffic violation involving a fatality.

Driving a CMV without a CDL, driving with the wrong endorsements, or driving without having the CDL on-person will also be a serious traffic violation.

Having two offenses in three years results in a 60-day revocation and having three or more violations in three years carries a 120-day revocation.

Major Violations

Certain violations, called "major violations," result in a mandatory one-year disqualification. Major violations include:

• chemical test refusal
• OWI (operating while intoxicated)
• leaving the scene of an accident
• using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony
• driving a CMV while revoked, and
• negligently causing a CMV-related fatality.

Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% (or .04% in a CMV) or more will also result in a one-year revocation. Any of the above-listed violations that occur in a hazmat CMV will result in a three-year revocation. A second offense of these violations will result in a lifetime revocation. Unless the driver receives another violation, he or she may apply for reinstatement after 10 years.

A driver who uses a motor vehicle to manufacture or distribute controlled substances will be permanently disqualified from CMV operation.

CDL Out-of-Service Orders

Certain safety violations can result in an immediate, but temporary, out-of-service order (OSO). For example, driving with any amount of drug or alcohol in your system will result in a 24-hour OSO. Driving in violation of an OSO will result in license disqualification, the period of which depends on the number of prior OSO violations within the past 10 years.

• First offense. 180-day to one-year license disqualification (180 days to two years if in hazmat CMV or vehicle designed for more than 15 passengers).
• Second offense. Two-to five-year license disqualification (three to five years if in hazmat CMV or vehicle designed for more than 15 passengers).
• Third offense. Three-to five-year license disqualification.

Railroad Crossings Rules for Commercial Vehicles

Special rules apply to CMVs around railroad crossings. Violating a crossing signal or stopping over the railroad will result in a violation. A railroad crossing violation will result in a minimum 60-day license disqualification. The disqualification period is at least 120 days for a second offense and one year for a third offense. All offenses in the last 10 years are counted.

Implied Consent Rules for Commercial Drivers

All CMV operators are deemed to have given consent to a chemical test of their breath, blood, urine, or other bodily substances to determine the presence of alcohol or drugs. An officer who has reasonable cause to believe the driver is under the influence can request that the driver submit to a chemical test. Failure to comply with a lawful request will result in license penalties and possible fines.

Special Rules for School Bus Drivers

A CDL-holder with a school bus endorsement will be disqualified for 10 years for refusing to submit to a chemical test or for a DWI conviction. Early reinstatement is possible after completing a rehabilitative program.