Commercial Drivers Tickets in California: What’s at Stake?
Posted on March 16, 2023 by John
If you’re a commercial driver in California, you know that getting a traffic ticket can be a big deal. Depending on your employer, just one traffic ticket can cause you to lose your job. And legally, depending on how your violation is classified, you may temporarily or permanently lose your CDL.
As a commercial driver who’s gotten a ticket, you’ll need an attorney to help you with these charges as soon as possible.
Major Violations and Their Penalties
Regarding driving violations, commercial drivers face serious consequences for various offenses. If caught committing a major violation, you could lose your commercial driver’s license (CDL) for good.
Major violations include:
- Operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Refusing to submit to a blood-alcohol test
- Fleeing the scene of an accident
- Using the vehicle to commit a crime
The first violation results in a one-year suspension. A second major violation results in permanent disqualification.
Other Serious Violations and Their Penalties
California law considers serious traffic violations lower on the scale of severity than the major violations mentioned above. However, they still have strict consequences. Serious violations include:
- Speeding
- Negligent driving
- Reckless driving
- Improper lane changing
- Following too closely
The first offense will not result in suspension. A second serious violation within three years will result in a 60-day suspension. A third serious violation within three years will result in a 120-day suspension.
How Can an Experienced Traffic Attorney Help Commercial Drivers Who Have Been Charged with Violations?
Commercial drivers in California face unique challenges that can make navigating the legal system more difficult.
There are ways that an experienced traffic attorney can help commercial drivers who have been charged with violations, such as:
- Helping you understand what penalties you might face if convicted of your charge(s)
- Negotiating with the prosecution to reduce or dismiss your charges
- Explaining your options, including whether you should consider fighting your case or pleading guilty and paying the fine instead
- Fighting for the best possible outcome, even if it means going to trial.
The California Commercial Traffic Ticket Attorney You Need
If you’re a commercial driver in California who has been cited with a traffic violation, you must take action immediately. You need an experienced lawyer on your side—someone who understands how important this issue is to you personally and professionally.
At the Law Office of David Leicht, we know what it takes to defend your rights and protect your livelihood as a commercial driver in California. We’ll fight hard against any charges brought against you so that you can continue doing what matters most: driving safely on our roads.
Don’t hesitate—contact the Law Office of David Leicht at (760)-256-3104 or use our online form to set up a free consultation and put the power of an experienced attorney on your side.
Serving Barstow, Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Adelanto, Baker, Needles, Lucerne Valley, Big Bear, San Bernardino, Mojave, Phelan, Wrightwood, and the surrounding California communities.
534 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311
