Bucks County CDL Moving Violations Lawyer

A licensed commercial driver spends a considerable amount of time on the road - far more time than the average American. With more time on the road more of opportunity opens up to commit a traffic offense. For CDL holders, a moving violation is just the beginning of the snowball of problems that stem from just one traffic offense. Not only will insurance premiums increase considerably, and remain increased for a duration of three years, but costly fines issued by the courts are added onto your CDL driving record. This type of infringement can also result in a suspension from your job or worse - a termination of employment. Many of the local law enforcement and state troopers in Bucks County are trained in dealing with Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL's). However, there are some officers who have not had this training. This is why, even when an officer wants to give you a break and issue you what would normally be a no-point ticket, it may nevertheless result in significant issues on your CDL license. Moving violations reflected on the CDL of a driver may have damaging repercussions for the driver’s future. Most employers and insurance agencies maintain surveillance over the status of their drivers, as it directly influences their costs and profits. A CDL driver with points costs significantly more to insure than a CDL driver with a clean license. Additionally, points on your CDL license lead many employers to question whether they can trust this CDL driver. Unfortunately for CDL drivers, the job field is very competitive, and a CDL driver with points on his license tends to fall behind the curve. Some moving violations can even potentially result in the complete loss of CDL privileges, leaving a CDL driver out of work.

What Kinds of Tickets Are Bad for My CDL?

You worked hard to get that CDL. The Commonwealth trusts you to drive vehicles which average drivers cannot operate. However, with that trust comes greater responsibility. You are held to a higher standard. This is why certain moving violations which do not have a serious impact on a standard driver’s license can nevertheless have significant repercussions for your CDL. In Pennsylvania, offenses for CDL holders are divided into three groups: serious Traffic Offenses, railroad-highway grade crossing offenses, and major offenses. While these grades are directed at Pennsylvania CDL drivers, this does not mean that you are safe if you have an out-of-state CDL. Many states have similar grading systems, and a violation in Pennsylvania may affect you in your home state. The following are some of the ticketed offenses which will impact your CDL status:
  • Obedience of traffic control device (3111(a)) violations
  • Improper Passing on the right (3304)
  • Improper passing on the left (3305)
  • Improper passing on a hill (3306(1)(1))
  • Improper passing at a railroad crossing or intersection (3306(a)(2))
  • Improper passing at a bridge or tunnel (3306(1)(3))
  • Driving roadways laned for traffic (3309)
  • Following Too Closely (3310)
  • Failure to yield in construction and maintenance areas (3326)
  • Exceeding maximum speed limit 15 mph or more (3362)
  • Exceeding special speed limit for trucks on downgrades (3365(c))
  • Reckless Driving (3736)
  • Failure to stop at railroad crossings (3342(b))
  • Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury (3742)
  • Accidents involving damages to attended vehicles or property (3743)
  • Accidents involving damages to unattended vehicles or property (3745)
  • Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without a Valid CDL (1606(a))
  • Refusal to submit to chemical testing (1613)
In addition, there are offenses specific to commercial motor vehicles (CMV) and/or CDL holders, such as:
  • Failure to keep accurate log books
  • Operating over hours violations
  • Driving while out of service
  • Overweight load violations
  • Non-English speaking driver
It goes without saying, but drug or alcohol offenses will also have a significant effect on your CDL. In addition to possible disqualification of your CDL, the fines on some of the CDL specific violations can cost you thousands of dollars.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

At The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. our experienced Bucks County lawyers have dealt with all types of CDL Moving Violations from Middletown to Penndel and everywhere in between, at both the Magisterial District Court level and the Common Pleas level. Your CDL is important, and we know that. We have successfully handled these types of traffic violations. With offices in Southampton, we are ready to help this community stay on the road. When faced with CDL Moving Violations, hiring an intelligent and experienced defense lawyer is a vital first step in protecting your rights and your license. This content was written on behalf of Greg Prosmushkin.