If You Get a Ticket in Pennsylvania

Please note that your state and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regularly update these CDL requirements. Please visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation website and the FMCSA website for the most authoritative and up-to-date information regarding CDL requirements and processes.

Updates from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT):
On August 5, 2024, PennDOT began to use the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a secure online system that helps monitor commercial drivers for drug and alcohol violations. You can learn more on our Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse page.
On August 28, 2023, PennDOT introduced a new CDL Skills Test for all CDL applicants. For details, visit our Modernized Commercial Driver License Skills Testing page.

Drivers who hold a CDL in the state of Pennsylvania are required to report any traffic tickets they receive to their employer within 30 days. If you receive a ticket in any state outside of Pennsylvania, you must report it to PennDOT within 30 days. Any ticket you receive outside of Pennsylvania will be recorded in the national database, the National Driving Register. Employers and other organizations in any of the 46 participating states can access this information; therefore, it’s important that you report any violations.

Violations or suspensions that are issued in other states will most likely apply in Pennsylvania as well. That’s why it’s important to know that even though you are required to report the violation, you should never just pay the fine, which is recorded as an automatic “guilty” plea. You do have options, and an experienced attorney can help you determine what to do and how to keep the fewest number of points on your record possible. They can appear with you in court, regardless of the state of origin or the severity of the offense. It’s an important step in maintaining your driving record and your ability to continue to work.

Commercial Driving Laws in Pennsylvania
Traffic violations committed in a commercial vehicle in Pennsylvania may result in a temporary or permanent loss of your license, depending on the severity of the violation.

The following are considered major violations. A first-time offense for a major violation will result in a one-year disqualification of your license (three years if you are transporting hazardous materials). Second offenses result in lifetime disqualification, with eligibility for reinstatement only under certain conditions after ten years.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol: Operating any vehicle while impaired can result in immediate CDL disqualification.
• Driving under the influence of a controlled substance: Includes both prescription misuse and illegal drug use while driving a commercial vehicle.
• Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04% or greater: The federal BAC limit for commercial vehicle drivers is significantly lower than for non-commercial drivers.
• Refusing to take an alcohol test: Refusal is treated as a positive result and leads to automatic disqualification.
• Leaving the scene of an accident: Failing to remain at the scene is a serious criminal offense and a major CDL violation.
• Using a vehicle to commit a felony: Any felony committed with a vehicle, regardless of whether it is commercial or personal, may result in lifetime disqualification.
• Driving a CMV with a revoked, suspended, canceled license, or while disqualified: Continuing to operate a CMV after being disqualified is a major offense under FMCSA regulations.
• Causing a fatality through negligent operation of a CMV: Includes motor vehicle manslaughter, negligent homicide, and other criminally negligent conduct.
• Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony involving controlled substances: Manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing illegal drugs while operating a vehicle can result in permanent disqualification.

The following are considered serious violations. First-time offenses for serious violations do not result in disqualification. Second offenses within three years result in a 60-day disqualification, and a third serious violation within three years results in a 120-day disqualification.

• Speeding 15 miles per hour or more above the speed limit: Considered excessive speeding and classified as a serious violation for commercial drivers.
• Driving recklessly, as defined by Pennsylvania law: Includes aggressive, careless, or erratic driving behavior that endangers others.
• Driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL or without having it in your possession: All commercial drivers must carry and be properly licensed at all times when operating a CMV.
• Driving a CMV with an improper class or endorsements on your CDL: You must be certified for the specific type of vehicle and any required endorsements (e.g., air brakes, hazmat, passenger).
• Making improper lane changes: Unsafe or abrupt lane changes are a common cause of accidents and are treated as serious traffic violations.
• Following too closely: Tailgating in a commercial vehicle can lead to disqualification, especially if it results in a collision.

Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings (RRHGC)
Pennsylvania has specific measures in place for RRHGC violations while operating a CMV. First offenses will result in disqualification for no less than 60 days. Receiving a second violation within three years will result in disqualification of no less than 120 days. A third violation within three years will result in a disqualification of no less than one year.

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.