CDL Violations

Levittown Legal Assistance for Commercial Driver’s License Violations

Often, a violation that would be minor when committed by a car driver can cost a truck driver in Pennsylvania his or her commercial driver’s license. The license might be suspended after a violation, alternately, or the driver might need to pay increased insurance premiums. This can cause serious problems because truck drivers depend on their commercial driver’s license (CDL) for their livelihood and the well-being of their family. If you are at risk of losing your license, consult Levittown CDL violation attorney John M. Kenney to explore your options. Our firm helps clients throughout Bucks County who have allegedly committed CDL violations.

Common CDL Violations in Pennsylvania

Retaining your CDL is subject to both state and federal regulations. Some common CDL violations include DUIs, scale violations, using a vehicle to commit a felony, driving on a suspended, revoked, or canceled commercial driver’s license, driving a commercial vehicle without a license, refusing to agree to chemical testing, speeding, or following another vehicle too closely. A driver who commits a hit and run, has previous violations, or is driving with a child while committing a CDL violation may be subject to increased penalties.

License suspensions last different lengths depending on the nature of the offense. For a first offense conviction of the following, your CDL can be suspended for one year, even if you were not driving a commercial vehicle in connection with the offense:

• DUI
• Refusing to submit to a Breathalyzer or blood test
• Committing a hit and run
• Using a vehicle in a felony

If you are driving a commercial vehicle and commit a homicide by vehicle or involuntary manslaughter, your CDL will be suspended for a year. Your CDL can be disqualified altogether if you are caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .04% or greater while driving a commercial vehicle.

For a first conviction of a major offense while transporting hazardous material or while driving a bus, the suspension is three years. It only takes one more major offense to risk having your CDL suspended for life. With the help of an experienced attorney, you may be able to persuade the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to suspend your CDL for a period shorter than life on a second major offense. However, PennDOT has no leeway in certain circumstances. These include being convicted of a drug-related felony, such as methamphetamine sales, when you used a commercial vehicle to make the sale and you already have one CDL.

If you are a commercial driver with multiple serious violations in a three-year period, or you have railroad highway grade crossing violations, your CDL can be suspended for 60-120 days. A commercial driver is required to notify an employer within 30 days of any traffic offense conviction. If the CDL is suspended, revoked, disqualified, or canceled, the driver must notify the employer by the end of the following business day after receiving the disqualification notice.

Discuss Your Options With a Bucks County CDL Violation Attorney

An experienced CDL violation lawyer serving Bucks County, John M. Kenney can give you thorough advice about your specific situation. He will listen to the details of your story and evaluate whether there is a sound factual or legal basis to challenge the CDL violation. For a free initial consultation, contact Mr. Kenney at (215) 547-3031 or by completing our online form.