Professional Drivers

The Serious Consequences of Traffic Violations for Professional Drivers

Receiving a traffic ticket may be commonplace, but for professional drivers, it can have far-reaching consequences. Errors made by individuals in the driving profession carry significant weight and could greatly impact their careers and livelihoods.

Instead of accepting infractions as unavoidable, maintaining a clean driving record is essential. If you’re dealing with accusations of a traffic violation, don’t delay in enlisting an experienced criminal lawyer who can assess your situation and fight for your best outcome.

At Logue Law Group, our skilled and reputable attorneys have successfully represented numerous CDL (commercial driving license) cases. Their expertise can help you secure the reduction or even dismissal of charges, making a lasting difference in your case.

Partnering with a competent Mercer DUI attorney is an investment in your future. It can help you avoid the mounting costs of increased insurance premiums, fines, and, most importantly, protect your career.

Rules and Consequences for Commercial and Professional Drivers

The Impact of Traffic Violations

For professional drivers, violating traffic laws can lead to profound consequences, including the following:

• Points added to your driving record
• Hefty fines
• Higher insurance premiums

Accumulating too many points could result in a license suspension, which is particularly devastating for those whose livelihoods rely on maintaining an active commercial driving license.

Reporting Violations

If you’re a CDL holder in Mercer County, you’re required to notify both your employer and PennDOT within 30 days of receiving any traffic violation—even for out-of-state offenses.

Penalties for Professional Drivers

PennDOT enforces strict penalties, especially for first-time violations, which can result in a one-year suspension of your commercial driving license (CDL). This applies if you are caught for any of the following reasons:

• Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) while under a suspended, revoked, or canceled CDL
• Using a CMV to commit a felony
• Failing to report or fleeing from the scene of an accident
• Causing property damage to an unattended vehicle or property using a CMV
• Being involved in a CMV-related accident resulting in injury or death
• Operating a CMV under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances
• Driving a CMV with a blood alcohol level of .04 or higher (half the legal limit in Pennsylvania)
• Refusing to comply with a blood alcohol test

For a second violation of these offenses, a driver faces a lifetime suspension.

If you’re transporting hazardous materials at the time of any of the above violations, a first-time offense will result in a three-year license suspension. Clearly, as a professional driver in Mercer County, understanding these penalties is vital. If you’re ticketed, consult with a skilled Mercer criminal lawyer immediately.

Repeat Violations

• Two serious traffic violations within three years result in a minimum 60-day license suspension.
• Three such violations lead to a 120-day license suspension.

Engaging a qualified Mercer DUI attorney promptly can make all the difference in scenarios like these.

Out-of-State Violations

A professional driver with a suspended license in another state is not out of the woods. License suspension data is shared via the National Driving Register, accessed by employers and other parties. If you’re suspended in another state, Pennsylvania will also suspend your license, no matter how minor the infraction might seem.

Professional Legal Support

If you’ve been accused of a traffic violation, having an experienced and dedicated Mercer criminal lawyer in your corner is critical. Traffic laws for CDLs are complex, and a skilled lawyer can assess the charges against you, strategize the most effective defense, and work to protect your livelihood.

Failure to address a citation could jeopardize your ability to work and sustain your career. Take action immediately. If you’re issued a traffic citation in Mercer County, contact a Mercer DUI attorney today.

Contact Logue Law Group

We offer complimentary initial consultations to assess your case and help you take the necessary next steps to protect your future. Reach out to us online or call 844.PITT.DUI anytime, 24/7.

Logue Law Group proudly serves Mercer County, including the surrounding Pennsylvania regions.