Since possessing a CDL (commercial driver’s license) means being held to a higher standard on the roadways, the implications of traffic violations can be more serious. Often times a standard traffic violation would just mean a fine, but for people with a CDL, it could mean losing the license and your job.
A common misconception is that you would only risk losing your CDL when receiving a ticket while operating your company vehicle. That’s not true. You could end up losing your CDL even if you’re ticketed while driving your personal/family vehicle.
The most obvious tactic to avoid this problem is to obey the law and not give police officers a reason to pull you over. Here are some of the most common violations that could cause a person to lose their CDL:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or a controlled substance
- Fleeing the scene of an accident
- Negligent driving that leads to a death
- Refusing an alcohol test
- Having a blood alcohol content over the legal limit
- Using the vehicle to commit a felony
- Trucking while your CDL is suspended
However, getting a traffic violation doesn’t always result in having your CDL pulled. It could also mean a suspension or revocation, after which you need pay reinstatement fees. You could also accrue points on your license depending on the state where you live. If enough points are accumulated you could lose your license eventually.
Other penalties include higher insurance rates, large fines, and even jail time.
Possessing a CDL means that there is a professional responsibility associated with operating a vehicle on the roadways. For this reason, whenever someone with a CDL is pulled over they can be treated more critically than an average driver.
Stay within the limits of the law and don’t get the authorities a reason to cite you with a violation!