CDL holders are held to a higher standard while on the road. This makes some sense, as commercial drivers must handle larger, heavier, and more difficult to control vehicles than personal automobiles. As a consequence, incidents that result in CDL traffic tickets tend to have heavier consequences.
If you are a CDL holder, you might be subject to higher fees and penalties if you are ticketed–even while in your personal vehicle. This also means that there is a higher chance that you might have your license revoked, which can limit your employment prospects as a commercial driver.
Major Offenses that a CDL Driver Should Avoid
It goes without saying that anyone with a driver’s license should avoid getting a traffic ticket. CDL traffic tickets have heavier penalties attached to them because the larger vehicles they drive have the potential to cause more damage when an accident happens.
Major offenses can lead to criminal charges and result in a CDL suspension and the possibility of heavy fines and imprisonment. The major offenses every CDL driver should avoid are:
- Driving under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
- Causing a Fatality Due to Reckless Driving
- Leaving the Scene of an Incident
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Distributing or Dispensing Controlled Substances in a Vehicle
A traffic ticket can be devastating for your career as a CDL driver. However, you always have the option to contest a citation. Many trucking organizations offer legal services to their members. Their services can include challenging CDL traffic tickets. It is highly recommended to join a trucking organization, as they can provide support while you are driving across the country.
