Traffic Violations on a CDL
Obtaining and maintaining your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) comes with important duties. These drivers are responsible for safely operating larger-than-average vehicles and transporting goods and products from one site to another, often across many state lines. In 2015, there were an estimated 10 million CDL holders in the United States, although only about 3.5 million of these have gainful employment as drivers. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that approximately one in 15 of employees is a truck driver. It is a job that is in high demand and pays well. However, with copious amounts of large vehicles on the roadways with the ability to cause catastrophic damage, regulations for operation are becoming increasingly strict. With a single traffic violation, the livelihood of these drivers is at stake due to CDL suspension or revocation.
Benefits to Becoming a Truck Driver
Just as with any employment opportunity, becoming a truck driver comes with considerable positives and negatives. However, those who are drivers seem to find that the benefits of becoming a truck driver far surpass any negatives and are unlike those found in any other field of employment. These advantages are not worth jeopardizing over a legal infraction. Benefits include:
- Ability to set your hours,
- Paid travel expenses,
- Great pay, and
- Job security.
Strict Regulations
It is essential to understand the behaviors that would result in a loss of employment and elimination of your driving privileges. Actions that may result in disqualification are:
- Alcohol and drug-related offenses,
- Leaving the scene of an accident,
- Using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony,
- Negligent usage of a commercial vehicle resulting in death,
- Operation of a commercial vehicle without a qualified CDL,
- Excessive speeding or reckless driving,
- Making improper lane changes,
- Following a vehicle too closely,
- Improperly following railroad-highway grade crossing procedures, and
- Violating out-of-service orders.
What to Do When Facing Charges
Officers often pressure drivers into pleading guilty to violations, especially commercial truck drivers. They often make false claims that the sentencing and penalties will be lighter with cooperation. Your income and livelihood are at stake, do not plead guilty. No matter what cards they have stacked against you, do not fall into a trap. Contact an experienced lawyer today who will aggressively fight for your rights, just like many clients in situations similar to yours. If you are interested in saving your future as a CDL-holder, contact a proven Addison, IL CDL defense attorney today by calling Stringini & Garvey, P.C. today at 630-834-9595 to schedule a risk-free initial consultation. We use our over 65 years of combined experienced to defend our clients in Maywood, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Bloomingdale, and all surrounding Chicagoland areas.
Sources
http://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/apply-cdl.php
http://cdltutor.com/cdl-license-illinois
https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/basicfees.html
https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/drivers_license/CDL/cdl.html
http://www.trucking.org/ATA%20Docs/News%20and%20Information/Reports%20Trends%20and%20Statistics/10%206%2015%20ATAs%20Driver%20Shortage%20Report%202015.pdf
