Does a Speeding Ticket Affect My CDL?

Unfortunately for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, they will face more severe consequences of a speeding ticket than regular drivers. Therefore, if you are a CDL holder, it is crucial to know the basics of speeding commercial driving violations, especially if it may lead to your CDL being revoked.

When Speeding Tickets Lead to CDL Revocation

While both can lead to license suspension, there is a significant difference between getting a speeding ticket using a personal vehicle and operating a commercial vehicle.

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Speeding Violations (CDL Speeding Tickets)

Traffic violations that are considered “serious violations” often lead to CDL revocation. Even though state laws differ, exceeding the posted speed limit by 15 mph or more in a CMV is categorized as a serious violation in all states.

Luckily, there is no suspension for the first serious traffic violation. However, a second serious violation within three years following the first is a minimum 60-day CDL revocation. If a driver makes a third serious violation within the three years, the CDL revocation gets increased to at least 120 days.

Personal Vehicle Speeding Violations

Unlike CDL drivers getting a speeding ticket on a CMV, getting a CDL revocation on a personal vehicle is much less strict. The driver will only lose their CDL privileges based on a speeding ticket if the driver loses all driving privileges, in general. For example, if a driver receives a speeding ticket and later loses their normal driving privileges, their CDL privileges will be revoked. There are also other ways these types of suspensions occur.

In most states, there are traffic violation demerit point systems. Typically for speeding tickets, the Department of Motor Vehicles, also known as the DMV, will examine a specific number of demerit points on a driver’s record. For example, speeding violations in Michigan result in a range between one to four points. Depending on the severity of the driver’s exceeded speed limit, the more points they will receive. When drivers collect too many points on their driver’s records within a certain period of time, they may face license suspension.

In some states, speeding violations can result in license suspension no matter how many points are accumulated on the driving record. For instance, California automatically suspends licenses for motorists violating the speed limit at 100 mph or more.

How Long Do Speeding Violations Stay on a CDL Record

Any speeding tickets that are considered serious violations will be considered priors for the sake of CDL revocation for three years. However, it is crucial to note that the conviction will most likely be visible to employers for more than three years. Depending on the situation, its severity, and the state it occurs in, traffic violation points typically expire after a certain amount of time.

Can Commercial Drivers Attend Traffic School to Avoid Points and Convictions?

Unfortunately, unlike regular drivers, commercial drivers do not usually qualify for traffic school to avoid receiving violation points or get point credit.

If you are a commercial driver’s license holder and have received a speeding ticket, call the Law Office of David Leicht at (760)256-3104 for a free consultation today.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.