Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Ticket Defense

Perhaps one of the most advantageous things an individual who drives for a living can do is be familiar with what is involved in commercial driver’s license ticket defense before it is actually needed. Most commercial drivers typically log thousands of miles each year as they share the road with vehicles of every size and shape, many of which are less than good drivers.

Although speeding is a somewhat common moving violation for many drivers, it can have dire implications for a commercial driver’s career and license inside and outside of the Texas state line. Depending on the specific circumstances, some infractions could even lead to the disqualification of commercial driving privileges, which in turn causes job and career loss and obviously the ability to provide for their family.

For a commercial driver to better protect themselves on the road and in the courtroom, it is important to know commercial driver’s license basics, why CDL traffic tickets are worth contesting, and how a Texas traffic ticket attorney may be able to help.

Perhaps one of the most advantageous things an individual who drives for a living can do is be familiar with what is involved in commercial driver’s license ticket defense before it is actually needed. Most commercial drivers typically log thousands of miles each year as they share the road with vehicles of every size and shape, many of which are less than good drivers.

Although speeding is a somewhat common moving violation for many drivers, it can have dire implications for a commercial driver’s career and license inside and outside of the Texas state line. Depending on the specific circumstances, some infractions could even lead to the disqualification of commercial driving privileges, which in turn causes job and career loss and obviously the ability to provide for their family.

For a commercial driver to better protect themselves on the road and in the courtroom, it is important to know commercial driver’s license basics, why CDL traffic tickets are worth contesting, and how a Texas traffic ticket attorney may be able to help.[/fusion_text][/one_third]

What is a commercial driver’s license or CDL?

A commercial driver’s license, commonly referred to as a CDL, is a special license that allows the license holder to operate a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or bus, weighing over 26,000 pounds when loaded.

It is important to note that a CDL is not the same thing as a regular driver’s license. In fact, commercial driver’s license holders are held to a higher standard when it comes to moving violations and how they can impact the CDL and a driving-based career.

To obtain a commercial driver’s license, an individual is typically required to be trained for and pass testing in operating a large commercial vehicle.

There are three types of commercial driver’s licenses in the state of Texas, including:

1. Class A: permits the license holder to operate vehicles with a gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more
2. Class B: permits the license holder to operate vehicles with a gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more that transports 24 people or more
3. Class C: permits the license holder to operate a vehicle or vehicles that are not included in Class A or B if the vehicle transports 16 to 23 people or a vehicle that may transport hazardous materials

Why Drivers Should Fight Commercial Driver’s License Traffic Tickets

While some drivers may be content to simply pay their traffic ticket and move on, this is often not a good idea for commercial drivers. In fact, paying the traffic ticket could impact your legal rights, employment, and financial future.

Many commercial drivers realize it is more difficult to keep citations off of their commercial driver’s license record than it would be for a regular license, but because of the negative impact a ticket can have on a CDL owner’s driving career, it is typically worth contesting the ticket via the aid of a Texas traffic attorney.

By hiring a good traffic ticket lawyer, a commercial driver’s license is better protected on multiple fronts, including:

• Maintaining a clean driving record, or at least not adding to a driving record
• Increasing the profit of the employer or of the owner-operator
• Generally building toward and preserving a lucrative driving career
• Saving time and money when the traffic lawyer can attend court on your behalf while you stay on the road

Can a commercial driver’s license traffic ticket be defended?

Houston traffic tickets received when driving with a commercial driver’s license can be defended but are typically handled best with the help of a Texas traffic ticket attorney. Some things that an attorney may be able to do regarding a traffic violation can include:

• Evaluate the ticket and court procedures, sometimes leading to a ticket dismissal on “technicalities.”
• Dismiss the case against the CDL driver by plea bargaining with the prosecutor, which sometimes requires payment of a fine some other charge of no consequence.
• Minimize the fallout. If it is not possible to keep a violation from going on a driver’s record, there may be a possibility that an attorney can keep the damage to the driver’s record and commercial driver’s license to a minimum, as for example, reducing the speed alleged to less than 15 mph so as not to constitute a serious violation.

Why hire an attorney to defend a CDL traffic ticket?

The secret to success is relying on a knowledgeable and trustworthy Texas traffic attorney who has a successful track record and good social media reviews.

Several things to keep in mind as you search for a Houston traffic attorney can include:

• Find an attorney who specializes in cases dealing with Texas traffic law and that has an intimate understanding of CDL-related traffic law.
• Choose an attorney that has successfully defended traffic ticket cases similar to yours.
• Select representation that is familiar with the Harris County court system and leadership.
• Verify that an attorney will offer services based on a reasonable flat fee.

If you drive a commercial vehicle for work, receive a traffic ticket, and now need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) ticket defense, at least consult with an experienced and reputable Texas traffic ticket attorney today.