The more time people spend on the road, the more opportunities there are for mistakes and risks for traffic violations. Professional drivers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) may regularly drive in multiple states with different rules. They likely spend eight hours or more on the road most days, creating countless opportunities for moving violations.
Professionals with CDLs are subject to a higher standard than other drivers. A few violations may be enough to cost a professional their CDL. Therefore, they may need to strategically respond to traffic citations that could endanger their professional licensing. The three tips below can be critical for those who drive professionally.
1. Respond to even off-the-clock citations
Many people issued tickets while on the job understand that they have to fight the citation to protect their CDLs. Drivers sometimes forget that their conduct on their own time can also impact their eligibility for a CDL. Professional drivers, including truckers and bus drivers, may need to respond assertively to citations received in their own vehicles to ensure they can continue driving professionally. Paying a citation is the equivalent of pleading guilty and could impact eligibility for a CDL.
2. Plead the ticket to a lesser offense
One of the possible solutions when fighting a ticket involves communicating with the prosecution. It is theoretically possible to ask to reduce the citation to a lesser offense, such as a non-moving violation. Doing so can significantly reduce the professional impact that a citation could carry. Accepting responsibility for a non-moving violation can be a workaround for those worried about preserving their CDLs.
3. Fight the ticket with a lawyer’s help
Anyone accused of breaking the law, even traffic laws, has the right to legal representation while settling the matter. A lawyer can advise their client of the law and help them strategize. Truck drivers and other commercial motorists often benefit from the retention of a defense attorney to fight pending traffic tickets. After all, they have more at risk than just the price of the fine. Their future professional prospects could be at risk.
Truckers and others who drive for a living often need support as they respond to pending traffic tickets that could endanger their CDL eligibility, and that’s okay. An assertive response can prevent a simple citation from derailing a professional’s career.