Georgia CDL Points & Disqualification Rules: 2026 Guide

Georgia enforces a strict Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) points system to regulate safety on highways. The system tracks traffic violations and assigns points to your driving record, which can lead to disqualification, suspension, or permanent revocation of your CDL. Federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Georgia state laws under the Department of Driver Services (DDS) govern these rules.

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Georgia’s CDL points and disqualification rules stem from two primary sources:

Federal Regulations (FMCSA)

• 49 CFR Part 383: Establishes minimum CDL standards, including disqualification triggers for serious traffic violations.
• 49 CFR Part 384: Outlines state compliance requirements for CDL programs.
• FMCSA’s Commercial Driver’s License Program: Mandates that states enforce minimum disqualification periods for specific offenses.

Georgia State Laws (DDS & OCGA)

• Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 40-5-142: Governs CDL disqualifications and point assessments.
• Georgia DDS Administrative Rules (Chapter 375-3): Details point values for traffic violations and suspension thresholds.
• Georgia CDL Manual (2024): Provides state-specific guidance on violations, points, and disqualifications.

Key Agencies:

• Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS): Issues CDLs, tracks points, and enforces disqualifications.
• FMCSA: Oversees federal compliance and may impose out-of-service orders for severe violations.
• Georgia State Patrol (GSP): Enforces traffic laws and reports violations to DDS.

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Georgia assigns points to your driving record for traffic violations committed while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) or a personal vehicle. Points remain on your record for 2 years from the violation date.

Point Values for Common Violations

Point Thresholds for Disqualification

• 15+ points in 24 months: Suspension of CDL privileges (not necessarily your regular license).
• Serious traffic violations (2+ in 3 years): 60-day disqualification (FMCSA mandate).
• Major violations (e.g., DUI, hit-and-run): 1-year disqualification (1st offense), lifetime (2nd offense).

Note: Points for non-CMV violations (e.g., speeding in a personal car) still count toward your CDL record.

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Step 1: Violation Occurs

• A law enforcement officer issues a citation for a traffic violation.
• The violation is reported to Georgia DDS and FMCSA (if federal).

Step 2: Points Assigned (If Applicable)

• DDS reviews the violation and assigns points based on the Georgia Point System.
• Major violations (e.g., DUI, leaving the scene) trigger automatic disqualification (no points needed).

Step 3: Notice of Disqualification

• DDS sends a Notice of Disqualification via mail to your last known address.
• The notice includes:
• Reason for disqualification
• Start and end dates
• Reinstatement requirements

Step 4: Disqualification Period

• 60 days: For 2 serious violations in 3 years (e.g., speeding + reckless driving).
• 120 days: For 3 serious violations in 3 years.
• 1 year: For major violations (DUI, hit-and-run, using CMV in a felony).
• 3 years: For major violations while transporting hazardous materials.
• Lifetime: For 2 major violations or 1 major violation + 1 railroad crossing violation.

Step 5: Reinstatement Process

1. Serve the full disqualification period.
2. Complete any required courses (e.g., DUI Risk Reduction Program).
3. Pay reinstatement fees ($210 for CDL reinstatement in Georgia).
4. Submit proof of compliance (e.g., SR-22 insurance for DUI).
5. Visit a DDS office or apply online via Georgia DDS Reinstatement.

Required Documents for Reinstatement:

• Proof of identity (CDL, passport, or birth certificate)
• Social Security card
• SR-22 insurance (if applicable)
• Completion certificate (for DUI or defensive driving courses)
• Payment receipt for reinstatement fee

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Mistakes That Lead to Disqualification

❌ Ignoring a traffic ticket → Results in a default conviction, adding points automatically. ❌ Driving a CMV with a suspended CDL → Additional 1-year disqualification (FMCSA rule). ❌ Failing to report an out-of-state violation → Georgia requires self-reporting of all traffic convictions within 30 days. ❌ Assuming non-CMV violations don’t count → All traffic violations (even in a personal car) affect your CDL.

Exceptions & Mitigation Strategies

• ✅Defensive Driving Course: Can reduce 7 points from your record once every 5 years.
• ✅Probation Before Judgment (PBJ): Some courts allow PBJ for first-time offenders, avoiding points.
• ✅Appealing a Disqualification: File a hearing request with DDS within 10 days of the notice.
• ✅Hardship License: Not available for CDL holders—Georgia does not issue restricted CDLs.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Driving with a disqualified CDL: $2,500–$5,000 fine + 1-year disqualification extension.
• Falsifying records: Felony charges + lifetime CDL ban.
• Employer violations: Companies allowing disqualified drivers to operate CMVs face FMCSA fines up to $11,000 per violation.

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How many points can a CDL driver have in Georgia before disqualification?

Georgia CDL holders face disqualification at 15+ points in 24 months. However, 2 serious violations in 3 years (e.g., reckless driving + speeding) trigger a 60-day disqualification, regardless of total points.

Can I get a CDL back after a DUI in Georgia?

Yes, but only after 1 year (1st offense) or lifetime (2nd offense). You must:

• Complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program.
• File SR-22 insurance for 3 years.
• Pay a $210 reinstatement fee.
• Pass knowledge and skills tests (if license was revoked).

Do out-of-state traffic tickets affect my Georgia CDL?

Yes. Georgia DDS automatically receives reports from other states via the Driver License Compact (DLC). All out-of-state violations count toward your CDL record.

What happens if I get a speeding ticket in my personal car with a CDL?

The violation still appears on your CDL record and counts toward disqualification thresholds. For example, two speeding tickets (15+ mph over) in 3 years trigger a 60-day disqualification, even if committed in a personal vehicle.

How long do points stay on my Georgia CDL record?

Points remain on your CDL record for 2 years from the violation date (not conviction date). After 2 years, they no longer count toward disqualification, but the violation itself stays on your record for 10 years.

Can I check my CDL points online in Georgia?

Yes. Visit the Georgia DDS Online Services Portal (https://dds.georgia.gov/) and:

1. Log in with your driver’s license number and SSN.
2. Select "View Driving Record".
3. Pay the $6 fee to access your full motor vehicle report (MVR).

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Immediate Action Plan

✔ Check your CDL points via Georgia DDS Online Services. ✔ Attend a defensive driving course if you have 7+ points (can remove up to 7 points). ✔ Report any out-of-state violations to DDS within 30 days. ✔ Request a hearing if you receive a Notice of Disqualification (must act within 10 days). ✔ Avoid driving a CMV if your CDL is suspended—penalties are severe.

Official Contacts & Resources

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute formal legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. For specific legal concerns, consult a licensed attorney or the Georgia Department of Driver Services.