CDL Ticket Defense and Dismissal Q & A

What happens when you get a ticket with a CDL?

As a commercial driver, keeping your driving record clean and free of CDL tickets is the most important factor in determining your job possibilities and the future of your career. Commercial drivers are held to stricter standards than drivers of passenger vehicles – in part because there is more potential for greater damage caused by accidents involving commercial vehicles. Even minor offenses can have an affect on your driving career if you have more than one on your record. One important thing to note is that you are required to report any tickets you receive to your employer within 30 days.

All commercial drivers have a CSA (Compliance, Safety and Accountability) score on record with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is based on their individual roadside inspection and crash data. Potential employers will check your CSA score and your MVR before hiring you to make sure you are a good candidate for their company, so it’s important to make sure your records are accurate and to take immediate action if you are ticketed or involved in an accident. A legal firm who specializes in trucker law can help you fight a case or have fines and points reduced so you maintain a good record.

Laws and penalties for commercial drivers vary from state to state, but there are some general rules regarding CDL traffic violations and tickets. In general, the number of points given for violations in commercial vehicles is usually about one-and-a-half the number of points given for violations that occur in a personal vehicle. Drivers with special endorsements, such as HAZMAT drivers, can face even more severe penalties and higher points, which can make CDL ticket dismissal more difficult.

The number of points you receive if ticketed will depend on whether the offense is considered minor or major. In all states, the violations that are considered major include:

• following too closely
• driving in excess of 15 mph over the speed limit
• improper lane changes
• causing a fatal accident by violating a major traffic control law
• reckless driving
• railroad crossing violations
• failure to possess your CDL while driving a commercial vehicle
• operating a commercial vehicle without the proper endorsement
• texting or using a handheld device while operating a commercial vehicle
  
  

If it is your first offense, your CDL license likely will not be suspended. However, if you commit another offense within three years, it may be suspended for up to 60 days and up to 120 days for a third offense.

The important thing to remember is that any CDL ticket you receive can have a permanent effect on your driving record and your career, so you should never just pay a ticket without letting a legal expert help you fight for the lowest fine and number of points possible. Our legal team specializes in trucker law and we can help you. We will employ an attorney in your ticket jurisdiction to represent you at no charge to you if necessary.

How A CDL Traffic Ticket Lawyer Can Help You

If you are issued a ticket in your commercial vehicle for any reason, the steps you take next are important and can affect your career for the long term. Be sure you are aware of the requirements in your state for notifying your employer of the ticket. In most states, your employer must be notified within 30 days. You should also contact a CDL traffic ticket lawyer as soon as possible, and before you pay any fines. A CDL traffic ticket lawyer can help you protect your license and your future by fighting for your driving record and making sure you don’t pay any unnecessary fines or have additional points added to your record.

Many times, an experienced CDL traffic ticket lawyer can help you get a reduced number of points or even get a CDL ticket dismissal. Lawyers with experience with trucker law know the different regulations and can help you understand your rights and how to fight to defend your record.

With our affordable CDL ticket defense plan, you can drive with the peace of mind knowing you are covered 24/7 in any vehicle you drive. If you receive a ticket for any reason, just contact us day or night and let us help. Our experienced professionals will ask you about where you are licensed, where the ticket occurred, and any details regarding the occurrence. We will begin the process of defending you immediately – and will appear in court with you when necessary. We will employ an attorney in your ticket jurisdiction to represent you at no charge to you, if necessary. In many cases, we can help you get a CDL ticket dismissal and reduce the points added to your record.