Professional Drivers

Getting a traffic ticket can be a minor inconvenience for most, but for professional drivers, the stakes are significantly higher. A simple mistake on the road can lead to serious and lasting consequences that affect your career.

It’s tempting to just accept a ticket and move on, but maintaining a clean driving record is vital for your profession. If you’re a professional driver facing a traffic violation allegation, it is critical to seek legal help immediately. Hiring an experienced criminal lawyer can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.

At Logue Law Group, our Steubenville criminal lawyer consists of skilled and reputable defense attorneys with a proven track record of successfully handling cases involving commercial driving licenses (CDL). With their expertise, you can work towards getting your charges reduced or potentially dismissed entirely. Investing in a competent lawyer is a wise decision. It can save you from high insurance premiums and hefty fines, and most importantly, it can help protect your livelihood.

Rules for Commercial/Professional Drivers

Violating traffic laws can lead to points on your driving record, significant fines, and a spike in your insurance rates. For professional drivers, accumulating too many points can result in a license suspension, which is devastating when your job depends on driving. A Steubenville DUI attorney can help you navigate the complexities of these rules.

Notification Requirements

As a CDL holder in Ohio, you must notify your employer and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) within 30 days of receiving a traffic violation, regardless of whether it happened in or out of state.

Penalties for Violations

If you are convicted of a major violation for the first time, the Ohio BMV will suspend your Commercial Driving License (CDL) for at least one year. These major offenses include:

• Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a suspended, revoked, or canceled CDL.
• Committing any felony using a CMV.
• Leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it.
• Causing damage to an unoccupied vehicle or property with a CMV.
• Being involved in an accident with a CMV that results in injury or death.
• Operating a CMV while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
• Driving a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04% or higher (half the standard legal limit in Ohio).
• Refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test.

A second offense of this nature could lead to a lifetime suspension of your professional driver’s license. A knowledgeable Steubenville criminal lawyer can provide essential guidance in these serious situations.

If you commit any of these offenses while transporting hazardous materials, the penalty for a first offense is a three-year CDL revocation. As a professional driver, understanding the gravity of these situations is critical. If you get a ticket, don’t wait to contact a reputable traffic ticket lawyer in the Steubenville area.

If you are found guilty of two serious violations within a three-year period, your license can be suspended for a minimum of 60 days. Three serious violations in the same timeframe will result in a 120-day suspension.

Out-of-State Violations

If your license is suspended in another state, that information is shared through the National Driver Register, a database accessible to your employer and other authorities. This means that if another state suspends your license, Ohio will likely do the same. Even minor offenses committed out-of-state can have an impact on your driving record. It is always wise to consult with a Steubenville DUI attorney in these circumstances.

Getting Professional Help From a Lawyer

When you are accused of a traffic violation, having a dedicated and reputable traffic ticket lawyer in Steubenville is crucial. Your attorney will help you figure out the best strategy for your case and work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests.

Don’t put your career at risk. If you’ve received a traffic citation, it is important to call a lawyer immediately.

For a free initial consultation with an experienced Steubenville criminal lawyer from Logue Law Group, contact us online or call 844.PITT.DUI anytime, day or night.

Logue Law Group proudly serves Steubenville, including Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, as well as West Virginia and Ohio.