Florida CDL Violations and License Issues

Commercial vehicle drivers have far more responsibilities than non-commercial drivers, which subjects them to more rigid standards while driving. In addition to the state’s road rules, those with a CDL must also abide by federal regulations for driving commercial trucks. As such, commercial drivers with a Florida commercial driver’s license (CDL) face stiffer fines and penalties than non-CDL drivers for the same traffic violations and have a greater pool of potential violations for which they may be charged.

Just one license suspension as a result of a CDL moving violation can put a commercial driver’s entire career in jeopardy. If you have been accused of a traffic violation as a commercial driver in Florida, it is in your best interest to reduce the impact the violation may have on your license. Whether you have a Class A, Class B, or Class C CDL license, a CDL lawyer who defends commercial drivers in West Palm Beach can help you keep your driving record free from blemishes.

Major and Serious Traffic Violations May Lead to Disqualification

Florida commercial drivers can lose their CDL licenses temporarily or permanently. The length of the loss depends on the type of violation: major or serious. A first-time “major” CDL violation can lead to a one-year CDL suspension or a three-year suspension if the driver was transporting hazardous materials. A second “major” violation can lead to a lifetime revocation of your CDL. In some cases, it may be possible to reinstate a revoked CDL after ten (10) years.

Examples of “Major” CDL Violations

Major CDL violations in Florida may lead to the permanent loss of a commercial driver’s license:

• DUI Charges
• Driving a commercial motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher
• Refusing DUI tests
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Using the commercial vehicle to commit a felony
• Driving a commercial vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or otherwise canceled CDL
• Causing a fatality through negligently operating a motor vehicle

Those who have been accused of any of the above violations should seek legal counsel as soon as possible to preserve their licenses and avoid criminal consequences.

Examples of “Serious” CDL Violations in Florida

Serious violations will not lead to the revocation of your license right away; however, they may lead to the suspension of your CDL, which would impact your way of making a living. Serious violations can be any of the following:

• Improperly passing or changing lanes
• Tailgating
• Driving 15 miles per hour or more over the speed limit
• Driving without possessing the CDL
• Running a red light or stop sign

A suspended license can keep you out of work for a long time. You might even need a career change over a one-time traffic offense if you cannot wait to get back to work while your license is suspended. Working with an attorney can help put your worries at ease at this uncertain time.

Options for Resolving a CDL Ticket

Commercial drivers take on more risks and have more to lose when they get a traffic ticket. A CDL driver in Florida who breaks a traffic law incurs more severe penalties than a non-CDL driver for the same offense, even if he or she was off-duty at the time he or she received the citation. If you commit a violation while driving your personal vehicle as a commercial driver in West Palm Beach, you can incur points against your CDL without the help of an attorney.

Due to the extreme negative effects a traffic ticket can have on professional drivers, commercial drivers are strongly encouraged to consult with a CDL traffic lawyer to resolve CDL tickets in West Palm Beach. An attorney will request a hearing in which the driver may contest the charges against him or her. Remember, paying a ticket is an admission of guilt!

Choosing to Work with a CDL Ticket Lawyer

Attorney Brian Gabriel of The Law Firm of Gabriel & Gabriel proudly defends commercial drivers in Florida against traffic charges. He understands the severity of even a seemingly minor violation of the state’s traffic laws. Allow Brian Gabriel to fight for you with our over 30 years of experience defending traffic charges. Call (561) 622-5575 for a free consultation regarding your CDL citation in West Palm Beach or complete a contact form.