Reinstatement of a CDL after a DUI in Oklahoma is possible in some cases. A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is essential for truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators, but a DUI conviction can lead to serious consequences, including the suspension or revocation of a CDL. If you have lost your CDL due to a DUI in Creek County, Oklahoma, you may be wondering whether it is possible to reinstate your license and what steps you need to take.

What Happens to a CDL After a DUI in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma law imposes stricter DUI penalties on CDL holders than on regular drivers:

First DUI Conviction (or BAC of 0.04% or Higher in a Commercial Vehicle)

• CDL disqualification for one year (even if the DUI occurred in a personal vehicle).
• CDL disqualification for three years if transporting hazardous materials at the time of the offense.

Second DUI Conviction

• Lifetime CDL disqualification (with a possibility of reinstatement after ten years in some cases).

These penalties apply even if the CDL holder was not driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the DUI. In other words, a DUI in a personal car still leads to a CDL suspension.

Can You Reinstate Your CDL After a DUI?

Reinstating a CDL after a first-time DUI is possible, but you must complete the disqualification period before applying for reinstatement. The process typically includes:

1. Serving the Full One-Year Disqualification – You cannot operate a commercial vehicle during this period.
2. Reinstating Your Regular Driver’s License – If your non-commercial license was suspended, you must satisfy all reinstatement requirements before applying for a new CDL.
3. Completing Court-Ordered Requirements – This may include DUI education programs, substance abuse treatment, or probation terms ordered by the court.
4. Paying Reinstatement Fees – You must pay all necessary fines and fees required by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS).
5. Passing CDL Testing Requirements – You may need to retake CDL knowledge and skills tests to obtain a new commercial license.

For second-time offenders, reinstatement is far more difficult. A lifetime CDL disqualification generally means that you cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle again. However, in some cases, a ten-year waiting period applies, after which a driver may be eligible for a CDL reinstatement appeal if they have successfully completed an approved rehabilitation program.

You may have the option to appeal the suspension through the Oklahoma DPS administrative process. Successful appeals could result in reduced penalties or even dismissal of the suspension in certain cases.

Creek County DUI Attorneys

If you lost your commercial driver’s license due to a DUI in Creek County, you may be able to reinstate it after the required disqualification period, but the process is complex and strictly regulated. First-time DUI offenders may regain their CDL after one year, while second-time offenders face a lifetime disqualification with limited options for appeal.

If you are facing CDL suspension or revocation, our team at Kania Law – Creek County Attorneys can help you through the process and advocate for you. Call us at 918-209-3709 for a free and confidential consultation or ask a legal question here.