Tag Archives: driving habits

3 Tips for Minimizing the Impact of Traffic Tickets on Your CDL

For most drivers getting a traffic ticket is an expensive annoyance, but for commercial vehicle drivers, it can have a major impact on their ability to earn a living. If you drive a commercial vehicle, it is important to minimize the chance that your career could be sidetracked by traffic violations by practicing safe driving and mitigating the impact of traffic violations.

Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

1. Hire an Attorney

A traffic ticket isn’t just a minor setback for a commercial driver. You may lose time you could be spending earning money dealing with your ticket in court. You could lose your job, or have difficulty securing contracts and it may be difficult to find a new job as a driver. Plus you may face significant fines and other penalties. For these reasons, it may be a good idea to hire a CDL traffic attorney to assist you if you get a ticket.

2. Practice Good Driving Habits in Your Personal Vehicle

It isn’t just tickets you get while driving your commercial vehicle that could jeopardize your professional driving career. Traffic violations you commit in your personal vehicle can harm the status of your CDL. These violations may also be taken into account by potential employers. 

3. Don’t Make a Habit of Getting Tickets

Don’t think you will be able to simply pay the fine on minor violations and walk away. In many states the consequences of getting multiple tickets within a specific time frame compound. If you get enough tickets on your record, you can even lose your CDL entirely. 

Practicing safe driving habits is always a good idea. However, the pressure to make money can tempt some drivers into speeding or committing other violations. Because traffic violations can severely impact or even end your driving career, it is a good idea to take steps to mitigate the potential impact.