If You Get a Ticket in New York

Please note that your state and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regularly update these CDL requirements. Please visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website and the FMCSA website for the most authoritative and up-to-date information regarding CDL requirements and processes.

Any commercial driver who receives a ticket in New York should be aware that, regardless of the number of points currently on their record or the number of offenses in their driving history, it is always possible that they could lose their CDL. Whether or not you lose your license will depend on the severity of the charge against you. Typically, if you are convicted of speeding more than 15 mph over the speed limit, it will be considered a serious violation and will be recorded on your record that way. Two serious violations within a 3-year period will result in a 60-day suspension of your license. Additionally, your employer has a legal right to fire you over a traffic violation. The outcome will depend on the company’s policies and your good standing with company officials and other factors, but the law requires commercial drivers to report any traffic violations to their employer within 30 days. However, you are not required to report it until you have been convicted or plead guilty. Be aware that the simple act of paying the ticket is considered a plea of guilty, and that’s why it’s important that you speak with a legal representative who knows and understands trucker law and can help you defend your driving record in court. Having a knowledgeable, experienced legal professional on your side can help the process move quicker and keep points off your record.

Remember, the most important thing to remember when you receive a ticket is that you should never just pay the ticket or the court fees without first talking to a legal representative who understands trucking laws. While you want to maintain a clean driving record, unforeseen violations can happen. When they do, you need expert legal protection. Drivers Legal Plan, the Nation's Leading CDL Defense Law Firm, is ready to defend your rights and your career.