CDL holders may have an option when it comes to dealing with traffic tickets

A few years ago, the California Legislature passed AB 1888. The bill gave commercial drivers who got traffic tickets an alternative to fighting those tickets in court by allowing them to attend traffic school if they got an off-duty citation.

The passage of AB 1888 was significant for many reasons

By successfully attending a traffic school, either online or in person, a driver with an off-duty citation stands a good chance of getting the charges suppressed or even possibly dismissed. In turn, this means that penalties that could be imposed by employers are more limited now than before. Prior to the passage of AB 1888, drivers could face disciplinary probation after getting a ticket. In other instances, such as those employers with a zero tolerance policy, a driver who got a ticket usually meant losing their job.

Now, upon completing traffic school, any points a driver gets for a qualifying violation will be removed from their CDL personal driving record. Violations will still be recorded on their CDL records and the violations are still accessible to insurance companies which means that a driver’s auto insurance rates may go up, but the important element here is that a CDL violator stands a much better chance of keeping their job than ever before.

It’s also important to note that traffic school will not suppress some violations, including:

• Violations involving the use of drugs or alcohol
• Excessive speed, defined as a violation of going 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit
• Reckless driving
• Speeding over 100

Your best bet may still be to hire a CDL traffic ticket attorney

Under many circumstances, your best bet will still be to retain an experienced commercial driver’s license (CDL) traffic ticket attorney. In fact, depending on your circumstances, you may not have the option of attending traffic school and will need the best possible representation. As a commercial driver, your livelihood and your financial health depend heavily on your ability to be able to legally and successfully operate a motor vehicle on California roadways. While you may view the costs associated with hiring an attorney to represent you, the best way to think about this situation is how much money it would cost you if you gambled and lost your case and possibly your CDL.

The Law Office of David Leicht serves the California communities of Barstow, Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Adelanto, Baker, Needles, Lucerne Valley, Big Bear, San Bernardino, Mojave, Phelan, and Wrightwood.

For a free consultation, Call (760) 256-3104.