CDL violations are unfortunate issues facing many semitruck or long-haul drivers. Driving on the highway for long periods means using the utmost vigilance and attention. While serious incidents, such as collisions or rollovers, cause traffic jams and potential injuries, even small occurrences can seriously affect your driving career. Here are four common traffic violations commercial drivers encounter to keep in mind if you need legal representation to protect your CDL driving record.
Speeding
One of the most common truck traffic violations is speeding. This doesn’t mean driving as if you’re in a Fast and Furious movie. Even driving 15 miles above the speed limit constitutes a serious traffic violation. This makes sense, given the weight and size of a semitruck or trailer. Be cautious of your driving speed to avoid a ticket.
Driving Violations
Additionally, take care to avoid driving violations. This includes reckless driving, improper lane violations, following other motorists too closely, and falsifying CDL information. You can also face harsh consequences for CDL class and endorsement violations, overweight violations, out-of-service violations, and railroad crossing violations. Each of these is a punishable offense. More importantly, they have severe implications for your driving record. Possessing a CDL means you must follow each driving rule accordingly. Check gross weight ratings, keep your distance, and be cautious when merging or crossing railroads. With a watchful eye, you should avoid these incidents.
Accidents
Naturally, any accident involves law enforcement. Actions like causing an accident or prematurely leaving a scene are some of the most common traffic violations commercial drivers encounter. Speeding, improper merging, or following a vehicle too close count as contributable factors to accidents. Never lose focus while driving, or you may become responsible for a collision.
Distracted Driving
Another legality to keep in mind is distracted driving. The use of a cellphone while driving is a punishable offense. As with driving under the influence, law enforcement takes no hesitation in stopping drivers from using their phones on the road. They take harsher measures on truck drivers for the safety of everyone on the road. Texting while operating a motor vehicle is a serious traffic violation you must avoid. If you need to send a message or make an important phone call, you must pull over at the nearest rest stop.
Still, if you find yourself with any of these traffic violations on your record, call us at TVC Pro Driver. We provide CDL legal services for driver protection to fight, resolve, and expunge your traffic violations. With over 92 percent effectiveness in keeping driver’s records clean, there are no better options. Contact us today to speak to a legal representative about clearing your record.