Commercial truck drivers are held to incredibly high standards. Every single action they take is heavily monitored and scrutinized, and for good reason. Considering the size and braking capabilities of the vast majority of commercial trucks, ensuring the safety of other travelers can only be possible through the strict enforcement of regulatory standards. A CDL violation can come with life-changing ramifications. If you have been charged with a CDL violation, it is time to seek out the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney.

The Implications of a CDL Violation

CDL violations can come in any number of forms. A violation can be strictly centered around driver error, such as a speeding citation, erratic lane changing, or following another vehicle too closely. In other instances, a violation can come from a driver violating their contract and using drugs or alcohol while on the job. Some of the most common violations have nothing to do with the driver themselves and are caused by negligence on the part of the trucking company. These violations can include falsification of driving log hours or operating an overweight cargo. Regardless of the type of violation, it is time for you to react.

In many instances, a violation will result in an automatic suspension of your CDL (these violations include excessive speeding, drunk driving, or other forms of criminal conduct). If you have been falsely charged with a violation, it is time to speak with your attorney. For instance, if you were accused of speeding but the truck speed limit sign was noticeably difficult to see, you may be able to have the violation removed from your record.

When a person earns a commercial driver’s license (CDL), they are granted the privilege to operate large commercial vehicles on a consistent basis. Commercial driver’s licenses are not handed out without a strict regulatory process, considering the increased likelihood of potential collisions. That being said, it should come as no surprise that losing a CDL can be much easier than most people would like to assume. Below we will examine some of the most common CDL violations and how you should react if you believe you may be in danger of losing your CDL.

Common CDL Violations

When a person is cited for violating the regulations of their CDL, the coming weeks can be quite frightening. For commercial truck drivers, a CDL is critical to a healthy financial future. If you have been cited for violating your CDL privileges, it is time to seek out the assistance of a skilled legal professional.

Failure to Properly Check Equipment: In a large percentage of CDL violation cases, the violation is simply caused by a driver’s inability to double-check the truck and ensure it is running properly. For instance, 24% of all annual roadside CDL violations involved issues with lights or reflective equipment. If a driver simply checks the lights of the vehicle and reports a lighting defect in the inspection report, prior to driving, they will likely avoid a violation.

Every single year, thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries in collisions involving commercial trucks. Given the sheer size of most commercial trucks, these collisions often times result in fatalities. Because of this, commercial truck drivers are held to strict regulatory standards. Violation of these standards can result in loss of your commercial driver’s license. In some instances though, the violation that the truck driver was cited for was not the fault of the driver. Below we will examine some of the most common instances in which commercial trucking companies violate these standards. If you are cited for a CDL violation, seek out legal representation immediately.

Common Company Caused Violations

While some CDL violations are directly related to driver error, such as a DUI or reckless driving charge, many other violations are the direct fault of the trucking company. If a driver is cited for violating a driver out-of-service order regarding the transportation of hazardous materials, it is possible that they were not educated on the order by their company. If a driver is cited for driving an overweight truck, it is likely that the company overloaded the vehicle to minimize delivery time, putting their bottom line ahead of the safety and wellbeing of the driver.

In other instances, a driver may be violating regulations regarding their electronic logbook, due to pressure from the company to work extended hours. In all of these cases, a driver could ultimately lose their CDL due to the negligence of their company.

Here in the United States, commercial truckers are an integral part of our economy. Commercial trucking continues to be the No. 1 form of shipping. According to the American Trucking Association, there are an estimated 3.5 million truckers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) nationwide. With so many truckers on the road, truck accidents are common.

Due to the severity of many commercial trucking collisions, law enforcement is always on the lookout for commercial drivers in violation of state or federal laws. If you are cited for a CDL violation, it is critical to seek experienced legal guidance right away. 

Individuals who hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are often held to a higher standard on the road - and for good reason. Most of the time, commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are very large and can do a lot more damage to property and other vehicles when they are involved in a collision. This is why there are certain actions that can result in the disqualification of a CDL. Some of these actions are illegal no matter what type of license that a driver holds, but many are also specific to CMVs. 

Losing a CDL can affect you differently than losing your personal driver’s license. If you have made a career out of operating a CMV, your job and finances could suffer greatly if you are disqualified from holding a CDL. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has developed guidelines for how CDL violations are categorized and how they are punished.

Major Offenses

Certain offenses are more serious than others, and major offenses typically have the most serious penalties, with first time offenders receiving a one-year disqualification. Major offenses include: