People generally have a commercial driver’s license as part of their work. While any type of traffic violation is serious, the stakes are much higher for commercial drivers. In some cases, if you get a traffic violation while driving a commercial vehicle it can significantly impact your career and ability to make a financial living. If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or if you drive a commercial vehicle as part of your job, it is important to immediately hire a Central Valley traffic ticket lawyer.
Violations Resulting in Disqualification of Your CDL
You can lose your CDL for at least one year for first offense of any of the following under California law:
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with blood alcohol content (BAC) of is .04 percent or greater
- Operating a CMV under the influence of any controlled substance
- Failing to take a blood alcohol test after getting pulled over
- Failing to remain at the scene of a crash while driving a CMV (often called “hit and run”)
- Committing a felony while operating a commercial motor vehicle
- Operating a commercial vehicle with a suspended or revoked commercial driver’s license
- Your negligent or reckless operation of a CMV resulted in a fatality
If you commit any of the above mentioned offenses while operating your CMV that is placarded for hazardous materials, it could result in the loss of your CDL for at least three years. Moreover, you will permanently lose commercial driver’s license if you use a CMV to commit a felony involving a controlled substance.
Points on Your CDL Driving Record
Convictions that happen while holding a CDL or while driving a commercial motor vehicle will remain on your driving record for different time periods depending on the violation.
- Major violations and disqualification actions – 55 years.
- Out-of-service violations and disqualification actions – 15 years.
- Accidents, serious violations, and disqualification actions – 10 years.
- Railroad grade crossings and disqualification actions – 4 years.
- Minor convictions – 3 years.
If you are found negligent or at fault in any motor vehicle accident for failing to drive safely, it will count as 1 point on your record. Furthermore, if you the CDL holder are convicted for reckless driving, driving under the influence of controlled substances, or of a hit-and-run, then you will get 2 points on your record.
Call an Experienced Central Valley CDL Defense Attorney
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with CDL traffic violation attorney Gurjit Srai, please call us at (209) 323-5558.