Professional Drivers

A traffic citation or DUI can threaten a commercial driver’s livelihood. Logue Law Group helps Pittsburgh-area CDL holders evaluate the charge, the evidence, and the separate consequences for commercial and personal driving privileges.

Before paying a ticket or entering a plea, review how the disposition may affect your CDL. A penalty that appears minor for another driver can carry additional consequences for a commercial driver.

Our defense team reviews the citation, driving history, vehicle involved, and PennDOT notices. We assess available defenses and explain the consequences of a proposed resolution before you decide how to proceed.

For alcohol or drug allegations, see our Pennsylvania DUI defense information. A DUI in a personal vehicle can still affect a CDL. Pennsylvania sets a BAC threshold of 0.04% for commercial vehicles other than school buses or school vehicles, and 0.02% for school buses or school vehicles, subject to the statutory timing requirements.

Rules for Commercial/Professional Drivers

Commercial disqualification is different from a suspension of ordinary driving privileges. Review both before driving. PennDOT explains that ARD participation can count as a conviction for CDL sanctioning, so diversion does not necessarily protect your commercial license.

Notification 

Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1604, covered drivers must notify their employer in writing within 30 days of a qualifying citation, arrest, or charge, and within 15 days of a qualifying conviction. Parking violations are excluded. A suspension, revocation, cancellation, loss of commercial driving privilege, or disqualification must be reported to the employer by the end of the next business day after receiving notice. Out-of-state events can also trigger reporting duties; additional federal or employer requirements may apply.

Penalties

A first qualifying major offense can result in a one-year CDL disqualification. The exact statutory offense and driving circumstances matter; merely being involved in an accident is not itself the same as a qualifying conviction. Issues to review include:

• The exact statute charged and whether the event occurred in a commercial or personal vehicle
• DUI, chemical-test refusal, or leaving-the-scene allegations
• Whether the driver held a CDL when the violation occurred
• Any driving while disqualified or suspended allegation
• Whether an accident charge requires particular injury, fault, or reporting elements
• Prior qualifying offenses or refusals and their incident dates
• Hazardous-material placards, passenger capacity, or an out-of-service order
• The proposed plea or ARD disposition and its licensing consequences

Two qualifying major offenses or refusals from separate incidents can lead to lifetime disqualification. Certain controlled-substance felonies involving a motor vehicle can carry a lifetime disqualification on the first conviction. Do not assume all second traffic tickets produce the same penalty.

Certain first major offenses or refusals involving placarded hazardous materials or a vehicle designed for 16 or more occupants, including the driver, can produce a three-year disqualification. Out-of-service violations have their own rules.

Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1611, two qualifying serious traffic violations from separate incidents within three years can produce 60 days of disqualification; three can produce 120 days. Whether a personal-vehicle violation counts depends on the statutory conditions.

Out of State

Out-of-state convictions and administrative actions can affect a Pennsylvania CDL, but the consequence depends on the offense and action reported. Obtain the actual record and notices. See PennDOT’s disqualification fact sheet for the distinction between major, serious, and other violations.

Professional Help From a Lawyer

Bring your citation, employer notices, current driver history, and any suspension or disqualification letter to your consultation. We can review the alleged violation, available evidence, and deadlines for the court case and licensing action.

If only your commercial privilege is disqualified, you may be eligible to apply for a noncommercial license. That does not allow you to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Review our license suspension and restoration information for related issues.

For a free consultation about a CDL traffic or DUI matter, contact Logue Law Group or call 412.387.6901.

This page addresses Pennsylvania CDL issues. Logue Law Group also serves clients in Ohio and West Virginia; the applicable state law and licensing authority must be reviewed for those matters.