Waldorf CDL Violation Attorneys

Lawyers Helping Commercial Drivers Defend Their Licenses in Waldorf, MD

For many people who drive for work, a commercial driver's license (CDL) can serve as the foundation of their career. Truck drivers, bus drivers, and others who hold CDLs depend on their licenses to earn a living and continue working in a field where they have gained years of experience. When a traffic violation threatens a CDL, the stakes may be much higher than a simple fine. A CDL disqualification can prevent a person from working for weeks, months, or years, or it may even completely end their career as a commercial driver.

The traffic defense lawyers at Farmer & Klopfer represent commercial drivers in Waldorf and across Maryland to address violations that could put their CDLs at risk. We understand what a CDL means to a person who depends on it for their career, and we handle these cases with urgency to help our clients ensure that they can avoid long-term consequences.

Why CDL Defense Requires a Different Approach

Commercial drivers are held to stricter standards than other drivers. Because of the safety risks posed by large trucks and other commercial vehicles, violations committed by commercial drivers may be taken more seriously. Because many commercial drivers operate in multiple states, they are subject to federal laws, and violations in one state could affect their ability to drive in other states. A single serious violation can put a person's entire career at risk.

Serious Traffic Violations for CDL Holders

Certain traffic violations committed by commercial drivers are classified as serious violations. A person who receives two serious traffic violations within a three-year period will face a 60-day CDL disqualification. Three or more serious violations within three years will result in a 120-day disqualification. Offenses classified as serious traffic violations may include:

Speeding 15 or More MPH Over the Limit

While speeding may not always be considered a serious offense, it can lead to consequences for commercial drivers who operate large vehicles at unsafe speeds. When a commercial driver exceeds the speed limit by at least 15 miles per hour, this could threaten their CDL. In many cases, the speed limits for large trucks are lower than the speed limits for other vehicles, which can lead to violations for truck drivers who may not have noticed signs displaying these lower speed limits.

Reckless Driving

A reckless driving conviction is considered to be a serious traffic violation because of the risks to other people on the road. A commercial driver may be charged with reckless driving if they were allegedly operating their vehicle unsafely in a way that showed a disregard for the possibility of causing an accident or injuries.

Improper or Erratic Lane Changes

Large trucks and other commercial vehicles have large blind spots, and if truck drivers do not make sure the road is clear before changing lanes, they could cause accidents. Actions like cutting off other vehicles, changing lanes without signaling, or forcing other vehicles off the road could lead to a ticket for a serious traffic violation.

Following Too Closely

Tailgating can be dangerous in a large vehicle. Commercial vehicles have longer stopping distances, and if they follow too closely behind other vehicles, a driver may be unable to stop in time to avoid a rear-end accident. Because of these risks, a ticket for tailgating is considered to be a serious violation for a CDL holder.

Texting While Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle

Drivers are prohibited from using smartphones or other electronic devices when operating commercial vehicles. Texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving can be dangerous, since a driver who is distracted may miss important details and be unable to act quickly enough to avoid a collision. Truck drivers who are cited for texting while behind the wheel may be charged with a serious traffic violation.

Major Violations and Long-Term CDL Disqualifications

Certain offenses are considered to be major traffic violations that can put public safety at risk. Because of the likelihood that unsafe commercial drivers will cause accidents that could result in serious injuries, major violations will result in longer CDL disqualifications. Most of the time, the first time a commercial driver is convicted of a major violation, their CDL will be disqualified for one year. After a second major violation, they will be subject to a lifetime CDL disqualification, ending their career as a commercial driver.

Major violations include:

Driving Under the Influence

Due to the risks of operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, commercial drivers who are convicted of DUI will face serious penalties. When operating a commercial vehicle, a person may be charged with DUI if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04 percent, which is half the legal limit that applies to non-commercial drivers. However, a commercial driver may face a CDL disqualification even if a DUI offense took place when they were driving a non-commercial vehicle and were off the clock.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Hit-and-run is considered to be a serious offense in any situation. However, because the injuries that can occur in a truck accident can be serious, commercial drivers who are charged with leaving the scene of an accident will face a CDL disqualification in addition to any criminal charges that may apply for hit-and-run.

Using a Commercial Vehicle to Commit a Felony

A person who is accused of committing a felony offense while driving a large truck or other commercial vehicle will face a CDL disqualification alongside any other criminal offenses that may apply. These offenses may include being involved in drug trafficking, causing a fatality in an accident, or other serious crimes.

Defending a CDL

Our lawyers have a strong understanding of traffic laws in Maryland and federal regulations that apply to commercial drivers. We can help commercial drivers contest traffic violations that could affect their CDLs and defend against issues that could affect their careers. In these cases, our defense strategies may include:

Contesting the Underlying Violation

In many cases, the best way to protect a CDL is to challenge a traffic violation. Our attorneys can examine the evidence supporting a violation, including observations by police officers, speed measurement devices, and dashcam or traffic camera footage, to determine when a violation may be challenged. We may argue against speeding violations by showing that speed was measured incorrectly, or we may challenge reckless driving charges by showing that a driver's actions were not reckless.

Pursuing Reductions to Protect a CDL

In some cases, we may be able to negotiate for reduced charges to prevent a potential CDL disqualification. For example, if a truck driver was cited for speeding 15 MPH over the speed limit, we may negotiate to have the ticket reduced to 10 MPH over the speed limit to prevent our client from being convicted of a serious traffic violation.

Defending Against DUI Convictions

With our experience defending clients who have been arrested for DUI, we can provide guidance on the best approach to take to help avoid a conviction that would result in a CDL disqualification. We may take steps to demonstrate that our client was not intoxicated while driving, or we may negotiate a reduction of charges to help ensure that they can minimize the effects on their CDL.

Contact Our Waldorf, Maryland CDL Violation Lawyers

As a commercial driver, a traffic violation can threaten your license and your livelihood. The legal team at Farmer & Klopfer can help you fight to defend your CDL and ensure that you will be able to continue working. Contact our Waldorf CDL violation attorneys at 301-843-3890 to set up your free consultation.