Accumulating a certain number of points on your driving record within a specific period of time will result in the suspension or revocation of your commercial driver’s license. A suspension or loss of a CDL for most commercial drivers can result in a serious financial setback.
If you or someone you know is facing the suspension of your commercial driver’s license, it is important to immediately contact a Central Valley CDL defense attorney to help you.
California Commercial Driver’s License Rules
California follows federal guidelines, which provide for three categories of commercial motor vehicles:
- Class A: any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds.
- Class B: any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds.
- Class C: any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that fails to meet
the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or
more passengers, including the driver, or is transporting material that has
been designated as hazardous.
You may lose your CDL license on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on how your violation is characterized. The two major violation categories are:
- Major violations (which includes any violation that is major, such as a DUI or leaving the scene of the accident)
- Serious traffic violations (which involve any violation that is traffic related, such as excessive speeding or improper lane changing)
Regardless of what type of violation you are facing, it is important to immediately consult with an experienced CDL defense attorney to protect your commercial driver’s license.
Suspended CDLs in California
Your CDL could get suspended in the state of California in many different ways. You can expect to find your CDL being suspended for at least one year for a first offense when:
– Refusing to take a BAC test
– Negligently operating a CMV
– Committing any felony with your CMV
– Driving under the influence
– Driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration at 0.04% or higher
– Leaving the scene of an accident involving your CMV
– Driving a commercial vehicle while your CDL is suspended or revoked
You can also face suspensions for a maximum of three years if the offense happens while operating a commercial vehicle carrying hazardous materials. If any felony was being committed involving controlled substances, you could lose your CDL for life.
It is important to note that drivers holding a CDL are subject to federal regulations as well as California state laws, including potential suspensions of your commercial driver’s license.
Reinstating Your California CDL
Just because your CDL was suspended, it does not mean that you can’t get the suspension lifted. You may be eligible to apply to have your CDL reinstated, even if you had a restricted commercial driver’s license. You will have to pay a certain fee for the reinstatement based on the specific charges against you.
It is important to identify a Central Valley CDL traffic ticket attorney who can assist you with any serious violations that occurred in your personal vehicle that impact your CDL as well as your professional license.
Call an Experienced Central Valley CDL Defense Attorney
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with CDL defense attorney Gurjit Srai, please call us at (209) 323-5558.