CDL Drivers Facing Traffic Violations

The CDL driver industry is highly competitive and CDL drivers facing traffic violations may find they need help. These good high paying jobs can be affected detrimentally by as little as one or two traffic violations. For commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, speeding tickets can have more severe consequences than other drivers. Hiring a skilled traffic attorney to fight a CDL traffic violation in Georgia is strongly advised due to the importance of having a clean driving record for potential future employment opportunities.

How Speeding Tickets Can Lead to CDL Revocation

Because of the added safety risks that come with driving large trucks and other commercial motor vehicles, Georgia holds CDL drivers to a much higher standard than other drivers. Traffic violations that would typically be considered minor when driving a private vehicle could cause a commercial driver to have their license suspended or, worse, cost them their job. 

Major Traffic Violations

Under Georgia CDL law, a major violation results in a one-year suspension of your CDL on the first offense and a permanent commercial driver’s license disqualification on the second offense. 

Major violations include:

  • DUI or a BAC greater than 0.04 when driving a commercial vehicle
  • Driving under the influence of a controlled substance
  • Refusing a field sobriety test/alcohol blood testing
  • Leaving the scene of an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle
  • Committing a felony with a vehicle
  • Driving with a suspended CDL or revoked CDL
  • Causing a fatality through negligent driving
  • Driving a commercial motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol

Serious Traffic Violations

Receiving two serious traffic violations while driving a commercial vehicle within three years can result in a 60-day suspension, and a third within three years results in a 120-day suspension. 

Serious traffic violations include:

  • Speeding greater than 15 MPH over the posted limit
  • Reckless driving
  • Improper lane changes
  • Following too closely
  • Violation leading to a fatal accident
  • Not having a valid CDL for the type of vehicle being driven

You only have one driving record. And for commercial drivers, the stakes are higher. CDL holders can lose their livelihood for getting one too many traffic convictions. 

Many violations have potential defenses or can be negotiated down to a type of violation that will not lead to a CDL suspension. That’s why it’s crucial to hire an experienced Savannah traffic lawyer𑁋it might be the difference between keeping your job and being let go.

Hiring a Savannah Traffic Attorney for CDL Traffic Violations

Georgia’s court system is particularly tough on commercial drivers. You need a Savannah traffic attorney who will fight to reduce the impact on your professional and financial prospects.

If you have a CDL and receive a ticket in Georgia, contact me to discuss your options for fighting the ticket. Help keep your CDL and your job.