Things to know about CDL traffic citations

Do you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and live in the state of Georgia? If yes, then you should be aware that CDL traffic citations may have serious consequences. In fact, a single citation can cost you thousands of dollars in fines and fees, as well as put your livelihood at risk. This blog post is designed to help highlight pertinent information about CDL traffic citations so that you can make better informed decisions on how to handle them if ever faced with such a situation. Read on for more details!

Overview of CDLs & Traffic Violations in Georgia

In Georgia, obtaining a CDL is a rigorous process that requires both skill and dedication. Aspiring commercial drivers must pass both written and practical exams, as well as meet strict health and background requirements. Once licensed, these drivers are legally permitted to operate large commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and buses. However, with this privilege comes great responsibility. Traffic violations for commercial drivers are significantly more severe than those for non-commercial drivers and can result in the loss of a CDL, job termination, and even legal consequences. As such, it is imperative that commercial drivers adhere to traffic laws and operate their vehicles with the utmost caution and professionalism.

Major Traffic Violations

As a CDL holder in Georgia, it’s crucial to be aware of the major traffic violations that can lead to disqualification of your commercial driving privileges. The consequences of these violations can be severe, with disqualification lasting at least one year and possibly even a lifetime. Some of these can occur in a non-CMV (commercial motor vehicle) and still result in disqualification of your commercial driving privileges. The major traffic violations are:

DUI (driving under the influence)
Hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident
Failure to report striking an unattended vehicle
Failure to report striking a fixed object
Failure to report an accident
Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used
Homicide by vehicle
Driving a CMV while the driver’s CDL or commercial driving privilege is revoked, suspended, canceled, or disqualified
Use of a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving the manufacturing, distributing, trafficking, or dispensing of a controlled substance
Use of a CMV in the commission of an offense of trafficking an individual for labor servitude or sexual servitude
Racing on the streets and highways
Using a motor vehicle in attempting to flee or elude an officer
Operating a motor vehicle with a revoked, canceled, or suspended registration
Fraudulent or fictitious use of or application for a license, making false statements or committing fraud during a driver’s license examination
Theft of a CMV or of its cargo
Refusing to submit to a state-administered chemical test as required by law enforcement officer for a DUI stop

These violations not only put you and other drivers at risk, but they also violate the law and can result in serious legal and financial consequences. For most of the above, a first conviction results in a one-year disqualification of all commercial driving privileges, and a second conviction results in a lifetime ban for commercial driving. As a professional driver, it’s essential to take your responsibility on the road seriously and prioritize safety above all else.

Serious Traffic Violations

As a commercial driver in Georgia, it is important to understand the gravity of certain traffic violations. The category of serious traffic violations, and being convicted of one, could result in disqualification of your commercial driving privileges for up to 120 days. The list of serious violations are:

Speeding 15 mph or more over the posted limit in a CMV
Reckless driving in a CMV
Improper or erratic lane change (including failure to signal a lane change) in a CMV
Following another vehicle too closely in a CMV
Any traffic connection with a fatal accident (minus Homicide by Vehicle, which is a major traffic violation) in a CMV
Railroad grade crossing violation in a non-CMV
Operating a CMV without having a CDL
Operating a CMV without a CDL in your immediate possession
Operating a CMV without a properly classed or endorsed CDL for the specific vehicle being operated or for the passengers or type of cargo transported
Use of any wireless telecommunications device (hands free law) violation in a CMV

Convictions are measured 3 years from any other priors, and a 1st conviction results in no disqualification of commercial driving privileges, a 2nd conviction results in a 60-day disqualification, and a third or subsequent conviction results in a 120-day disqualification. These penalties are in place to ensure that drivers operating commercial vehicles take their responsibilities seriously and prioritize the safety of everyone on the road. As a CDL holder, it is crucial to maintain a clean driving record and exercise caution at all times to avoid any potential disqualifications. Remember, safe driving not only protects yourself, but also the lives of those around you.

Railroad Grade Crossing Violations

Railroad grade crossing safety is of utmost importance for all drivers, particularly for CDL holders in Georgia. It is imperative that drivers follow the laws and regulations surrounding railroad crossing traffic violations to avoid any accidents or injuries. The following violations will affect both your federal and Georgia commercial driving status if occurred in a CMV, and only your Georgia commercial driving privileges if occurred in a non-commercial vehicle:

Failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train before proceeding
Failing to stop before reaching the crossing if the tracks are not clear
Failing to stop before driving onto the crossing (if required to do so)
Driving over a railroad grade crossing when there is insufficient space to driver completely through the railroad crossing without stopping
Failing to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at a railroad crossing
Failing to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance

As a CDL holder in Georgia, it is necessary to understand the specific consequences for committing such violations. These include the disqualification of commercial driving privileges for a period ranging from 60 days to 1 year, depending on the severity of the offense. A first conviction in 3 years is a 60-day disqualification, second conviction is a 120-day disqualification, and a third or subsequent disqualification is a one year disqualification. Therefore, it is essential for CDL holders to practice caution, adhere to traffic laws, and take the necessary steps to avoid any violations at railroad crossings. By doing so, they can help ensure their safety and the safety of everyone else on the road – and still be able to keep their driving privileges to continue to work.

Out-of-Service Order Violations and Failure to Weigh

As a CDL holder operating in Georgia, it is crucial to promptly address any out-of-service orders and to comply with all weigh station regulations. The consequences for failing abide by out-of-service orders, whether of the vehicle or the driver, can be severe, resulting in the disqualification of commercial driving privileges for at least 180-days and up to three years. Similarly, violations for failing to weigh at a weigh station can lead to a 90-day suspension of your regular non-commercial driving privileges and a 90-day disqualification of commercial driving privileges. As a professional driver, it is essential to have a keen understanding of these regulations and to maintain a high level of diligence in all aspects of driving to ensure safety and maintain licensure. With that in mind, we encourage all CDL holders to take these regulations seriously and strive to operate within the bounds of the law so you can stay on the road.

Other Reportable Offenses & the Impact on Employment

As a CDL holder, it’s crucial to understand that even other traffic violations, such as speeding or running a red light, can have an impact on your driving record and potentially affect your ability to work. While these violations may not result in a disqualification of your commercial driving privileges, it’s important to acknowledge the potential consequences of receiving a ticket or citation. A poor driving history may lead to being disqualified from current or future employment opportunities. Employers often take into account an individual’s driving history when making hiring decisions, meaning that if a CDL has any sort of record, they will not hire that person, in favor of someone with clean record. As a professional driver, it’s imperative to maintain a clean driving record and demonstrate responsible driving behaviors on the road. By staying informed and adhering to traffic laws, CDL holders can avoid any negative implications and continue to excel in their career.

In Conclusion

As you can see, Georgia CDL drivers must take all traffic violations seriously. Failing to follow safety regulations not only has the potential to do serious harm to those around you, but could also result in a disqualification of your commercial driving privilege and an inability to hold the occupation that you need for financial stability. Additionally, an accumulation of reportable offenses can significantly limit employment opportunities for CDL holders in the future. Hence, it is essential for CDL holders to understand Georgia’s safety requirements and abide by them so as to avoid any consequences that can arise from their non-compliance. With full awareness of the law and respect for others’ safety on the road, CDL holders can continue to drive safely while on the job and maintain their commercial driving privileges.