What Happens to Commercial Drivers Who Get Traffic Tickets in California?

In California, commercial drivers like truck drivers, bus drivers, and limo drivers are held to higher legal licensing requirements and stricter driving regulations than non-commercial drivers. They generally put in far more time on the road than drivers of passenger vehicles, which may increase the odds of commercial drivers getting traffic tickets.

What Happens When Commercial Drivers Get Traffic Tickets?

When you’re a non-commercial driver and your driver’s license is suspended or revoked, getting to your job may be more difficult. But when a commercial driver has their license suspended or revoked, they will likely lose their job. Most employers of commercial truck drivers have a zero tolerance policy, meaning one traffic violation could cause you to lose your job, even if you received the ticket while off duty or in your personal vehicle.

Penalties for Traffic Violations by Commercial Drivers

Aside from employer-mandated actions, commercial drivers face severe state-imposed penalties for certain types of traffic violations and infractions. These include:

• Losing your license for one year if you refuse to take a DUI test or are convicted of a DUI offense
  

  Commercial drivers who receive traffic tickets are at risk for a number of penalties.

• 60 day loss of commercial driving privileges for a second conviction of going 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit, reckless driving, following too closely, or improper lane changes
• No less than 60 days loss of driving privileges for failing to slow down at railroad tracks
• One year loss of commercial driving privileges for driving with a BAC of .04 percent or higher
• Losing your commercial driver’s license for life for a second breath test refusal ¹

If you are a commercial driver who is facing a violation or infraction, having an experienced traffic attorney is the best thing you can do to protect your career. Police officers can make mistakes just like anyone else. Your attorney will know how to look for these mistakes, as well as how to collect evidence and investigate the circumstances of the alleged violation or infraction. We will work to have the violation or infraction dismissed without having points added to your license or being disqualified from commercial driving for any length of time.

Are You a Commercial Driver Facing a Traffic Violation? Call Wallin & Klarich Today

If you are a commercial driver who is facing a traffic ticket that would disqualify your driving privileges for any length of time, it is crucial that you contact a Wallin & Klarich traffic attorney as soon as possible. Our skilled attorneys have over 40 years of experience successfully defending our clients who have received traffic tickets. We will analyze the facts of your case and plan a defense strategy that will help you get the very best outcome possible in your case.

With offices located in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich traffic ticket attorney available to help you no matter where you work or live.

Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5425 for a free phone consultation. We will get through this together.

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