Contributing Factors to the Suspension of a CDL

For many motorists in Indiana, the repercussions for violating traffic laws are a nuisance at best.  An officer may pull someone over for speeding or running a red light, making the driver late for work. The minor inconvenience experienced by most drivers can be a substantial problem for those who operate a commercial vehicle. Laws on the state level that govern the driving of commercial vehicles are stricter than ever, and as a result, drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are facing more substantial penalties for committing infractions.

The dangers presented by large commercial vehicles on the road are very real. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 4,400 large buses and trucks were directly involved in fatal accidents in 2016. Some states have gone as far as employing a division of officers who are explicitly assigned to the enforcement of traffic safety for commercial vehicles. Part of their responsibility is to monitor commercial vehicles to make sure they fall within the correct size and weight parameters specified by the law. They also inspect vehicles and enforce guidelines for transporting materials considered hazardous.

If the driver of a commercial vehicle has his or her license suspended or revoked, the effect can be extremely detrimental to both the driver and his or her family. While conventional drivers are primarily subject to fines, commercial drives are prone to suspension much more quickly.  Suspension not only negatively impacts their livelihood but can impact their ability to gain future employment with another company.

Because the risks for commercial drivers are high and the barriers to penalties are low, owners of a CDL need a knowledgeable legal team to help defend against traffic violations.

Factors Contributing to the Suspension of a Commercial Driver’s License

If found guilty, a commercial driver’s license can be suspended or revoked for several reasons, some of which include:

• Driving recklessly
• Following a vehicle too closely
• Exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph or more
• Breaking a traffic law that leads to a fatality
• Operating a commercial vehicle before acquiring a CDL or CDL learner’s permit
• Breaking a traffic regulation due to texting or operating a hand-held phone while driving

Additionally, you can lose CDL driving privileges for a least one year for the first offense of:

• Operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol content greater than 0.04%
• Refusing to submit to a blood chemical test
• Driving a commercial vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance
• Fleeing the scene of an accident
• Committing a felony while operating a commercial vehicle
• Operating a commercial vehicle while the CDL is revoked or suspended

Your CDL Needs Protection: Work with an Attorney in Fort Wayne and the Surrounding Area

At the Bellinger Law Office, we realize there are special considerations when an accident involves a commercial vehicle. Our attorneys in Fort Wayne have extensive experience guarding commercial drivers against steep tickets for traffic violations. We provide representation for clients throughout Indiana who own commercial driver’s licenses. You will need an aggressive defense. If you are a commercial driver who has been given a traffic citation, call (260) 428-2214 or click here to schedule a consultation to review your case.