What Are CDL Tickets?

A CDL ticket refers to any traffic violation that is issued to a driver holding a Commercial Driver’s License, WHILE the driver is driving in a commercial capacity. These tickets can be for any traffic related violations, major or minor. However, even minor infractions can have major consequences for CDL drivers, especially when it comes to their ability to maintain employment or avoid suspension of their license.

Why Are CDL Tickets More Serious?

Commercial drivers are subject to stricter regulations than non-commercial drivers. This is because they are often behind the wheel of large vehicles, such as trucks and buses, that can cause significant harm if operated improperly. As a result, violations can lead to:

• Points on Your Record: CDL drivers accumulate points on their driving record for infractions, just like regular drivers. However, with a CDL, even a small violation can lead to a significant number of points, which can add up quickly and result in the suspension of your commercial driving privileges.

• Employment Consequences: Many trucking and transport companies have strict policies regarding traffic violations. A few citations or an accumulation of points on your record can put your job in jeopardy, especially if you drive for a company that requires a clean record for insurance purposes.

• License Suspension or Revocation: Serious violations, such as DUIs or reckless driving, can result in the suspension or even permanent revocation of your CDL. This can leave you unable to work and could have a significant financial impact on your livelihood.

How Can CDL Drivers Handle Traffic Tickets?

While a CDL ticket can feel overwhelming, there are steps you can take to handle it and minimize the impact on your career. Here’s how:

1. Don’t Ignore the Ticket First and foremost, don’t ignore a CDL traffic ticket. Failing to address the citation could lead to more severe consequences, including a possible warrant for your arrest, further fines, or an automatic suspension of your license. Always respond by either paying the fine or contesting the ticket in court.

2. Consider Contesting the Ticket Depending on the nature of the violation, it might be in your best interest to contest the ticket. Contesting a ticket involves challenging the evidence or the officer’s interpretation of the law in a court of law. There are sometimes some procedural tricks that can be put into play to make it harder for an officer to meet all the challenges of proving his or her case. If contesting the ticket successful, it could result in a reduction or dismissal of the ticket, preventing points from being added to your record.

3. Seek Legal Assistance If you're unsure how to proceed or if the violation is serious, it may be worthwhile to consult a traffic attorney with experience handling CDL cases. Our skilled attorneys can help you understand the charges, advise you on the best course of action, and represent you in court to help reduce the consequences of the ticket. In some cases, an attorney might even be able to negotiate a deal that prevents points from being added to your record or helps reduce the fine.