Professional Drivers

Getting a traffic ticket isn’t rare. However, for professional drivers, the stakes are much higher. A single mistake on the road for professionals can lead to lasting consequences, impacting both career and livelihood.

Rules for Commercial/Professional Drivers

Maintaining a clean driving record is critical for anyone in the driving profession. Violating traffic regulations can lead to severe repercussions, including:

• Points added to your driving record
• Hefty fines
• Increased insurance premiums
• License suspension for accumulating too many points

For commercial drivers, a suspended license can be career-ending. Understanding Indiana state-specific laws is essential for protecting your career. Seeking help from an experienced Indiana PA criminal lawyer goes a long way in safeguarding your rights and future.

Notification Requirements

If you hold a CDL (Commercial Driving License), there are specific rules you must adhere to. One key requirement is the notification rule:

• CDL holders must notify both their employer and PennDOT within 30 days of receiving a traffic violation. This includes offenses received out of state.
• Failing to inform your employer or PennDOT could result in further penalties.

Given the nuanced requirements, discussing your options with an Indiana PA DUI attorney is highly recommended to ensure compliance.

Penalties for CDL Violations

Traffic violations for commercial drivers come with significant penalties. If it’s your first offense, PennDOT mandates a minimum one-year suspension of your CDL for any of the following reasons:

1. Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) despite having a revoked, suspended, recalled, or canceled CDL.
2. Committing a felony while operating a CMV.
3. Failing to report an accident or fleeing the accident scene.
4. Causing damage to property or an unoccupied vehicle with a CMV.
5. Being involved in a CMV-related accident that leads to injury or death.
6. Operating a CMV under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
7. Driving a CMV with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .04 or more (half the legal limit in Indiana, PA).
8. Refusing to take a mandatory alcohol or drug test.

If you’re transporting hazardous materials, the penalties become even harsher. A first-time offense in such cases can result in a three-year CDL suspension.

For second offenses, your CDL could be revoked for life. A skilled Indiana PA criminal lawyer can help you manage such cases effectively, ensuring that you take the best possible steps to minimize penalization.

If you commit two serious traffic violations within three years, you risk having your license suspended for 60 days. For accumulating three violations, the suspension lengthens to 120 days. Working closely with an experienced Indiana PA DUI attorney can help you better understand your options during such situations.

Out-of-State Violations for CDL Drivers

Out-of-state violations can be particularly troubling for professional drivers. If your CDL gets suspended in another state, the record will be accessible via the National Driver Register, a shared database. Pennsylvania, like most states, enforces reciprocal license suspensions. That means a suspension in one state is likely to result in suspension in Pennsylvania as well.

Even minor infractions committed in another state can affect your driving record and employment. When facing such situations, consulting with a reputable Indiana PA criminal lawyer ensures your side of the story doesn’t go unheard.

The Importance of Legal Representation

When professional drivers are accused of traffic violations, the stakes are much higher than fines and points on a driving record. A suspended CDL can jeopardize your livelihood. That’s why it’s crucial to seek professional legal help immediately.

An Indiana PA DUI attorney will:

• Examine the evidence against you.
• Determine the best defense strategy.
• Work to have your charges reduced or dismissed.

Legal representation can also minimize associated costs such as increased insurance premiums, accumulated fines, or career consequences. Choosing the right defense attorney could save your job and secure your future.

Professional Help from Logue Law Group

When faced with a traffic violation, especially as a CDL holder, time is of the essence. At Logue Law Group, our experienced attorneys specialize in CDL and DUI cases, offering expert guidance to commercial drivers in Indiana, PA, and the surrounding areas.

Our attorneys focus on personalized defense strategies, ensuring that every client’s unique situation is meticulously reviewed. By working with a professional Indiana PA DUI attorney, you have a better chance of minimizing or even eliminating your penalties.

Contact Logue Law Group Today

Don’t risk losing your livelihood. If you have received a traffic citation, reach out to an Indiana PA criminal lawyer immediately for professional advice and legal representation.

Contact Logue Law Group for a complimentary initial consultation. Call 844.PITT.DUI or reach us online any time, day or night. We proudly serve Indiana PA, Indiana PA, and the surrounding regions, as well as community clients across West Virginia and Ohio.

Choose expertise, choose reliability, and safeguard your future with Logue Law Group.