Professional Drivers

Getting a traffic ticket happens to the best of us, but for professional drivers, the stakes are much higher. Mistakes behind the wheel carry more weight in this profession, often leading to long-lasting consequences that can threaten your career.

Instead of just accepting the penalties, it’s vital to fight for a clean driving record. If you’re facing traffic violation allegations, don’t wait to hire an experienced Morgantown criminal lawyer.

At Mountaineer Law Group, our team features skilled defense attorneys with a strong track record in handling Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) cases. With their deep expertise, they can work to have your charges reduced or even completely dismissed.

Investing in a qualified Morgantown DUI attorney is a smart move. Not only can it save you money down the road in fines and insurance premiums, but it also safeguards your ability to earn a living.

Rules for Commercial/Professional Drivers

Violating traffic laws doesn’t just mean a slap on the wrist; it results in points on your record, hefty fines, and skyrocketing insurance rates. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension, a devastating outcome for anyone who drives for a living.

Notification

As a CDL holder, you are required to notify both your employer and PennDOT within 30 days of receiving a traffic violation, regardless of whether it happened in your home state or elsewhere.

Penalties

If you are caught breaking the rules for the first time, PennDOT will suspend your CDL for at least one year for any of the following offenses:

• Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) with a suspended, revoked, canceled, or recalled CDL.
• Using a CMV to commit a felony.
• Leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it.
• Causing damage to property or an unoccupied vehicle with a CMV.
• Being involved in an accident with a CMV that results in injury or death.
• Driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
• Operating a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration of .04 or higher (half the legal limit in Pennsylvania).
• Refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test, among other reasons.

A second offense could result in a lifetime suspension of your professional driver’s license.

If you commit any of these offenses while transporting hazardous materials, your CDL could be revoked for three years for just a first offense. Professional drivers must understand how complex these situations can get. If you receive a ticket from police, contact a reputable Morgantown criminal lawyer in the area immediately.

If you are found guilty of two serious traffic violations within a three-year period, your license faces a minimum 60-day suspension. If you accumulate three violations, that suspension extends to 120 days.

Out of State

If your license is suspended in another state, your employer and other entities can access this information via the National Driving Register. If one state suspends your license, Pennsylvania will automatically follow suit. Even minor infractions can have a major impact on your driving record.

Professional Help From a Lawyer

When accused of a traffic violation, having a dedicated and reputable Morgantown DUI attorney by your side is essential. They can help determine the best legal strategy and work tirelessly to protect your rights and your job.

Don’t risk your livelihood. If you receive a traffic citation, call an attorney right away.

For a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer from Mountaineer Law Group, contact us online or call (304) 381-3656 anytime, day or night.

Our group proudly serves Southwestern Pennsylvania, including Berks County and surrounding areas, as well as West Virginia and Ohio.