Commercial Driver’s License

Truck driver with a CDL

How a Traffic Ticket Can Impact Your CDL in California

In order to be a professional truck driver, it requires an individual to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). That’s why when an individual loses his or her CDL it can reap serious consequences for those in California. This is why it is so important to consult with a qualified traffic attorney, who can help you with these charges. A traffic ticket can jeopardize your CDL and therefore your means for making a living. It is imperative that you understand what is at stake and that you have someone you can turn to should such a situation arise. 

It may appear that one traffic ticket isn’t a big deal, but regardless of whether or not your drive professionally, the charge has the potential to greatly impact much of your personal life. For those who are professional drivers the stakes are that much higher. 

CDL Drivers in California

It is always important that drivers follow the rules of the road. However, for anyone in California who has a commercial driver’s license the responsibility to follow all traffic rules and guidelines is even more imperative. Traffic citations of any type can result in the suspension of your California CDL. This can often lead to a loss of money due to the payment of fines as well as a loss of income due to the suspension of your license and inability to earn a living. 

Off-Duty Traffic Violations Can Impact Your CDL

Incurring off-duty citations can have a significant impact on one’s ability to earn an income as well as their CDL depending on their employer’s individual tolerance and policies. Some employers have mandatory probation periods or may have a zero-tolerance policy and may fire the driver immediately. 

Those convicted twice of off-duty traffic violations within a three-year period may incur serious penalties. Such violations include:

• Following too closely
• Reckless driving
• Excessive speeding (more than15 mph over the limit)
• Any violation involving alcohol or drugs
• Erratic or improper lane changes

Suspended CDLs in California

Your CDL may be suspended for a variety of reasons. It is likely that you will receive a one-year suspension for any of the following:

• Refusing to take a BAC test
• Negligently operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
• Committing any felony with your CMV
• Driving under the influence
• Driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration at 0.04% or higher
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving your CMV
• Driving a commercial vehicle while your CDL is suspended or revoked

You can also face suspensions for up to three years, if the offense committed occurs while operating a CMV carrying hazardous materials. If any felony was being committed involving controlled substances, you could lose your CDL for life.

Reinstating Your California CDL

You may be able to apply for a CDL reinstatement in California, though the associated fees differ depending upon your specific charges. A qualified California traffic ticket attorney can help you to navigate serious violations that have the potential to greatly impact your CDL and professional license. 

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys Help Those Who Have Received a Traffic Ticket

Although you may feel inclined to try to handle the situation yourself, you may not find yourself ending up with the best outcome. If you have received a traffic ticket, it can have a big impact on your rights to drive professionally and to maintain your CDL. That is why it is so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket attorney who understands the law, the consequences, and how to best minimize them on your behalf – as soon as possible. 

At Cheap Traffic Attorneys, we are dedicated to defending California motorists and professional drivers against law officers and prosecutors who seek to carry out the toughest penalties. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.

Driver with CDL suspension on a highway..

You’ve Received A Commercial Driver’s License Suspension: Now What?

California State requires anyone driving a vehicle weighing over 26,001 pounds, excluding trailers, hauling trailers that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, vehicles accommodating 16 or more passengers, including buses, and any vehicle used to transport materials that are hazardous to first obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if they are being used for commercial or business purposes. For truck and other professional drivers, a commercial driver’s license is a necessity; it allows them to make a living. Because of this, a professional driver must act quickly if their commercial driver’s license is at risk for a suspension. If you have a CDL suspension, you will be unable to perform the main duties of your job, which can therefore also be at risk. 

Why Might I Get a CDL Suspension?

There are various reasons as to why a professional driver may face fines, traffic charges, or even license suspension. These factors include:

  • Alcohol or drug-related offenses
  • Carrying cargo weighing more than the limit
  • Driving without insurance
  • Failure to stop at weigh stations
  • Habitual traffic violations
  • Logbook violations
  • Safety regulation violations
  • Speeding
  • Traffic violations while driving a personal vehicle

“Serious Traffic Violations”

If a commercial driver has been convicted of two “serious traffic violations” on separate occasions, within a period of three years, while operating a commercial vehicle, he or she may lose their license for up to 60 days. Furthermore, if a commercial driver has been convicted of three serious traffic violations within a period of three years, that suspension will be increased to 120 days.

It is important to note that these license suspensions are applicable regardless of where the violations take place – inside or outside of California. “Serious traffic violations” for commercial drivers include:

  • Driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL
  • Speeding by a minimum of 15 miles over the limit
  • Tailgating
  • Traffic violations involving fatalities
  • Unsafe lane changes

Aggravated Offenses

A commercial driver can lose his or her license for a period of one year (or three years if transporting hazardous materials at the time) if they commit one of the following offenses:

  • Driving a commercial vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of .04% or higher
  • Using the vehicle to commit a felony
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Refusing to blood alcohol testing
  • Operating a commercial vehicle with a CDL that is either suspended or revoked

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys Help Those in California Who Are Facing a CDL Suspension

Since the suspension or revocation of a CDL can have a major effect on your financial health due to inability to make a living, it is quite imperative that you speak with an experienced and knowledgeable California Commercial Ticket Attorney who will represent you aggressively in order to protect your license and therefore your livelihood. 

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys’ skilled Traffic Ticket Attorneys have the experience with assisting commercial drivers dealing with potential points on their licenses, fines, and penalties. If you are looking at a potential suspension or revocation of your CDL, Cheap Traffic Attorneys can help. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!