CDL Violation Attorney in Florida: Protect Your Driving Rights

CDL violations in Florida carry serious consequences due to the state’s and federal government’s stringent rules, which are intended to ensure public safety. These consequences can impact your ability to hold a CDL, your financial stability, and your prospects for obtaining driving jobs. CDL violations are in these groups: Major violations, serious violations, out-of-service violations, and railroad crossing violations.

Major CDL Violations

A major CDL violation can result in a suspended license, regardless of whether the offense occurred in a commercial motor vehicle. Major traffic offenses that can trigger a CDL suspension include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, with a BAC of .04% or higher, is lower than the conventional .08 % threshold for regular drivers.
• Refusing a chemical test to check for drug or alcohol use.
• Leaving the scene of an accident.
• Using a commercial motor vehicle to commit a felony, such as human or drug trafficking.
• Driving a commercial vehicle while your CDL is suspended, revoked, or canceled.
• Causing a death through the negligent operation of a commercial motor vehicle.

Disqualification periods are:

• First offense: One-year suspension of CDL. If the offense involves hazardous materials, the suspension increases to three years.
• Second offense: Lifetime disqualification. However, Florida law may allow CDL reinstatement after 10 years in some cases. The commercial driver must complete an approved rehabilitation program.

A major CDL violation can lead to the loss of your job, higher insurance costs, and criminal penalties for DUIs, felonies, etc.

Serious Traffic Violations

A serious traffic violation is less severe than a major violation, but you still can lose your CDL if too many tickets are accumulated in a specific timeframe. In Florida, you can lose your CDL if you receive too many traffic violations in three years.

Disqualification periods are:

• Two serious CDL violations within three years: Minimum two-month CDL suspension.
• Three or more serious CDL violations within three years: Minimum four-month CDL suspension.

Serious traffic offenses include speeding by 15 MPH or more, reckless driving, tailgating, any traffic offense resulting in death, and distracted driving.

Out-Of-Service Violations

Violating an out-of-service order, which prohibits you or the vehicle from operating, carries major penalties in Florida:

• First traffic offense: 90 days to one year CDL suspension.
• Second traffic offense within 10 years: One to five years CDL suspension.
• Third or subsequent offense: Three to five years CDL suspension.

Railroad-Highway Crossing Violations

Florida has stringent rules for commercial truck drivers at railroad crossings. A violation can trigger a CDL suspension. The first offense results in a 60-day CDL suspension, the second offense within three years is a 120-day suspension, and the third or subsequent offense within three years is a one-year suspension. Violations include failing to stop or check for trains at a railroad crossing and attempting to cross without sufficient undercarriage clearance.

Hiring a Florida CDL violation attorney is critical if you face violations that could trigger a CDL suspension or revocation.

Our experienced CDL ticket attorney can help mitigate the impact of a traffic ticket on your driving record and career. Traffic violations, such as speeding, DUI, or improper lane changes, can accumulate points quickly, potentially leading to CDL disqualification under FMCSA guidelines. A Florida CDL violation attorney at The Ticket Fighter can negotiate with prosecutors, challenge evidence, or seek alternative resolutions, such as ticket dismissal or reduced charges, to minimize points and penalties.

Additionally, The Ticket Fighter provides personalized guidance customized to your situation. We can evaluate the specifics of your case, such as whether the citation was issued correctly or if there were procedural errors, and build a strong defense strategy.

For example, we might contest faulty radar readings or improper roadside inspections. This individualized approach is critical for CDL drivers. A clean driving record is essential for maintaining your job and securing future job opportunities in the transportation industry.

Reduce Your Stress and Time Lost With CDL Traffic Tickets

Hiring The Ticket Fighter Law Firm also saves you tremendous amounts of stress and time. Dealing with the legal system alone after a CDL violation is scary, especially when you still need to work and care for your family. Our commercial driver’s license lawyers will handle your paperwork, court appearances, and communications with the police and insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your work.

Our years of successful traffic ticket defense boosts your odds of a favorable outcome. We also provide peace of mind. You’ll know that a skilled legal professional is handling your case.