What Happens When Commercial Drivers Are Cited for Traffic Offenses?
April 9, 2025
Commercial drivers play a crucial role in keeping the economy moving, and transporting goods and passengers safely across the state and beyond. With a higher level of responsibility on the road, they also face stricter regulations when it comes to traffic violations.
Citations for traffic offenses can have serious consequences, affecting not just a driver’s record but also their livelihood. For commercial driver's license (CDL) holders, even a minor infraction can lead to significant penalties, including license suspension, hefty fines, and potential job loss.
Attorney William L. Pomeroy in Brentwood, Tennessee, will use clear communication to tell you what happens after receiving a citation. He’ll break down the impact of traffic offenses and what options you have.
The Impact of Traffic Violations on CDL Holders
Traffic offenses carry weightier consequences for CDL holders than for regular drivers. The law holds them to higher standards, and any violation can lead to more severe penalties. Some of the key consequences include:
License suspension: Accumulating too many violations or committing serious offenses can lead to the suspension or revocation of a CDL. This can present significant barriers to future employment in the industry.
Employment consequences: Many trucking companies have strict policies regarding traffic violations, and drivers with citations on their records may face termination or difficulty finding work.
Higher insurance rates: A traffic violation can lead to increased insurance premiums, making it more expensive for a driver to stay on the road.
Disqualification from driving: Certain traffic offenses result in immediate or long-term disqualification from operating a commercial vehicle, which can derail a driver's career.
Even a single ticket can cause long-term repercussions. That’s why it’s important for CDL holders to understand the types of violations that carry the most severe penalties. Having this knowledge will help you make the right decisions so you don’t jeopardize your career.
Major Traffic Offenses and Their Consequences
While all traffic offenses can present problems, some violations are considered particularly serious for CDL holders. If convicted of one or more of these offenses, drivers may face severe penalties, including automatic disqualification. These include:
Driving under the influence (DUI): A CDL holder found guilty of a DUI, even with a blood alcohol content (BAC) as low as 0.04%, faces license suspension and possible job loss.
Leaving the scene of an accident: This is a criminal offense that can lead to immediate CDL disqualification and potential legal charges.
Using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony: This can lead to a lifetime ban from holding a CDL.
Reckless driving: Considered a serious offense, reckless driving charges can result in fines, license suspension, and disqualification.
Excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the limit): A single conviction may not result in disqualification, but multiple offenses can lead to long-term consequences.
Committing any of these offenses while operating a commercial vehicle can put a driver’s entire career at risk. However, even minor violations can add up and lead to significant penalties over time.
How Minor Violations Can Add Up
While major offenses carry the most severe consequences, minor traffic violations shouldn't be ignored. Repeated infractions can result in license suspension or employment termination. These include:
Failure to obey a traffic control device
Following too closely
Improper lane changes
Failure to yield the right of way
Driving without proper endorsements or documentation
Even though these offenses may not seem as severe as DUIs or reckless driving charges, they can accumulate over time and lead to disqualification. Additionally, some violations are considered “serious traffic offenses,” meaning multiple infractions within a certain timeframe can result in suspension or revocation.
What CDL Drivers Should Do After Receiving a Citation
The steps taken immediately after getting a traffic ticket can make a big difference in the outcome. Here’s what commercial drivers should do:
Read the citation carefully: Understanding the charges and court date is crucial.
Consult a traffic attorney: An experienced lawyer can advise on the best course of action.
Gather evidence: If possible, collect witness statements, dashcam footage, or other evidence to support a defense.
Decide whether to contest the ticket: Fighting a ticket can prevent long-term consequences, so it’s worth considering.
Taking immediate action can help reduce the penalties associated with a CDL violation.
The Legal Process After Receiving a Citation
When a commercial driver is cited for a traffic offense, they must respond to the citation in a timely manner. The legal process generally follows these steps:
Receiving the citation: The officer issues a ticket, detailing the alleged offense, location, and court information.
Court appearance or plea: Depending on the severity of the violation, a driver may need to appear in court or may have the option to plead guilty and pay the fine. Ignoring court orders can result in more serious consequences, such as arrest warrants.
Potential penalties: If convicted, the court may impose fines, license suspension, or other penalties, depending on the nature of the offense.
Reporting to employers and the Department of Safety: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, CDL holders are required to inform their employers of traffic violations within 30 days, and the state’s Department of Safety records the offense.
Challenging the citation: Drivers may contest the ticket in court, often with the help of a defense attorney who can work to reduce or dismiss the charges.
CDL holders should carefully consider their options before simply paying a fine, as accepting responsibility for a violation can have long-term consequences.
Why Fighting a CDL Traffic Ticket Matters
Many drivers assume that paying a fine is the easiest way to deal with a traffic ticket, but for CDL holders, that can be a costly mistake. Reasons to contest a ticket include:
Preventing points from accumulating on a driving record
Avoiding suspension or disqualification
Protecting employment opportunities
Reducing insurance premium increases
Maintaining a clean CDL for future job prospects
Hiring a lawyer can increase the chances of getting charges reduced or dismissed, which can help minimize the impact on a driver's record and career. They’ll take your case seriously and will give it the personal attention needed for a quality defense.
Defenses Against Traffic Violations
Depending on the specifics of the case, there are several defense strategies a lawyer might use to challenge a CDL traffic violation. These include:
Lack of evidence: If there’s insufficient proof that a violation occurred, charges may be dismissed.
Errors in the ticket or officer’s report: Mistakes in documentation can sometimes be used to challenge a citation.
Faulty equipment: If a speeding ticket was based on radar or other devices, their accuracy can be questioned.
Necessity defense: In some cases, drivers may argue that they had to take certain actions to prevent a more dangerous situation.
Officer’s subjective judgment: Certain violations, like reckless driving, are often based on an officer’s opinion, which can sometimes be challenged in court.
Having an attorney review the case can help determine the best defense strategy for a CDL holder facing a citation.
Contact an Attorney Today
A traffic citation can have serious consequences for commercial drivers, affecting their ability to work and maintain a clean driving record. Consulting the attorney at William L. Pomeroy Law may be the best way to fight a ticket and minimize its effects. He serves clients in Davidson County, Williamson County, Rutherford County, and Brentwood, Tennessee. Call today.