Professional Drivers and Traffic Violations

Receiving a traffic citation is a common occurrence for many, but for individuals who drive for a living, the fallout can be exceptionally severe. The errors made by commercial operators carry significant weight and can produce long-term negative impacts on a career. Instead of simply pleading guilty and accepting the consequences, it is vital to fight for a spotless driving record.

If you are confronted with accusations of a traffic offense, acting quickly is critical. Securing the representation of an experienced Mercer criminal lawyer can make all the difference. At Logue Law Group, our skilled defense team has a proven track record of successfully managing CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) cases. With proper legal guidance, you can work toward having your charges mitigated or completely dropped.

Rules for Commercial and Professional Drivers

Breaking traffic laws can lead to points accumulating on your driving record, hefty financial penalties, and a spike in your insurance rates. More importantly, gathering too many points may result in the suspension of your license, a catastrophic outcome for anyone whose livelihood depends on driving. This is why partnering with a knowledgeable Mercer DUI attorney is a smart investment that can save you money and protect your career.

Mandatory Notification

As a commercial driver, you are legally obligated to inform your employer and PennDOT within 30 days of receiving any traffic citation, even if the infraction happened outside of Pennsylvania.

Severe Penalties

For a first-time violation, PennDOT mandates a minimum one-year suspension of your CDL if you commit any of the following offenses:

• Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) while your license is suspended, revoked, canceled, or recalled.
• Using a CMV in the commission of a felony.
• Leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it to authorities.
• Striking an unoccupied vehicle or property with a CMV and causing damage.
• Being involved in a CMV crash that results in injury or a fatality.
• Operating a CMV under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
• Driving a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04% or higher, which is strictly half the standard legal limit in Pennsylvania.
• Refusing to submit to a chemical blood alcohol test.

A second offense can lead to a lifetime suspension of your professional driving privileges. Furthermore, if you are transporting hazardous materials during a first offense, your CDL could face a three-year revocation. Navigating these complex legal waters requires the help of a trusted Mercer criminal lawyer to defend your rights and your livelihood.

Additionally, if you are convicted of two serious traffic violations within a three-year window, your license faces a mandatory 60-day suspension. Accumulating three violations extends this suspension to 120 days.

Out of State Offenses

If your commercial license is suspended in another state, that information is recorded in the National Driver Register. Employers and agencies can access this common database. Consequently, if another state suspends your driving privileges, Pennsylvania will automatically follow suit. Even seemingly minor infractions can tarnish your professional record.

Professional Legal Representation

When you are facing a traffic citation, having dedicated legal support is indispensable. A skilled Mercer DUI attorney will evaluate your situation, outline the best defense strategy, and work aggressively to safeguard your CDL and your future.

Do not put your career at risk. For a complimentary initial consultation with Logue Law Group, contact us online or call 412.387.6901 at any time, day or night. We proudly serve Southwestern Pennsylvania, including Mercer County, as well as Ohio and West Virginia.