Having a commercial driver’s license places drivers under a great deal of responsibility. Not only are drivers handling a larger vehicle on the road, but there are many more federal and state laws to which they must adhere when driving. Some traffic offenses can lose drivers their license for which they have worked so hard.
Even not-so-serious traffic offenses can earn points on the license. Drivers who earn more than 18 points in 2 years will have their license suspended. Points accrued driving a personal vehicle also count toward a CDL driver’s total, so it is important to be cautious whenever on the road.
Some offenses, if convicted, lead to a lifetime license disqualification, meaning drivers would have to hang up their livelihood. These include:
- Operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of either drugs or alcohol
- Refusing a breathalyzer test
- Leaving a scene of an accident in which the driver was involved
- Committing a felony while driving a commercial motor vehicle
- Driving a commercial vehicle under a suspended or revoked CDL
For less serious violations, a CDL might be suspended for a certain period of time. Some violations may also lead to a fine or a ticket.
It is important to maintain all required documentation and permits to avoid problems with your commercial license. Once the authorities suspend or revoke a CDL, there is no conditional license available to allow you to keep driving for work.
However, it is possible to fight traffic tickets and CDL violations to maintain a clean record and provide for your family. You may want to have a lawyer help you through the process, because you may be facing criminal charges as well as administrative charges to keep your license. Something as simple as a speeding ticket could also find you out of a job or prevent you from receiving your CDL. You should look into fighting a ticket to find the best possible outcome.
