Long-distance driving takes a toll on the mind and body. Without proper rest and breaks in between routes, truckers might find themselves in an unforeseen situation with red and blue lights flashing behind them. No CDL driver wants to get pulled over, as this can prove detrimental to their career. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to CDL speeding tickets: four things you need to know to avoid any issues.
They Can Affect Your Trucking Career
The biggest risk for getting a CDL speeding ticket is that it can seriously impact your trucking career. This has serious implications on long-term driving credibility. A serious CDL speeding ticket issued for driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit justifies job disqualification for 60 to 120 days. Moreover, these disqualifications will likely lead to early termination.
Increase Your NOTS Points
The Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) issues penalty points meant to quantify a person’s traffic offenses over a given period of time. The DMV that awarded the CDL monitors these points. Serious CDL speeding tickets increase these points, which have detrimental results to your job status. If CDL drivers acquire six points with a 12-month timespan, eight in 24 months, or ten within 36 months, they may face suspension. You can argue in front of the DMV for leniency, and having legal representation helps clean your record.
Increase Your CSA Points
When it comes to these four things to know about CDL traffic tickets, you should be aware that your CSA rating also increases. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates these points toward a driver’s severity of driving convictions. Different points pertain to the severity of the speeding ticket. For instance, the FMCSA allocates four points for six to ten mph over the speed limit, seven points for 11 to 14, and ten points for 15 mph or more. The type of trailer, type of vehicle, and number of vehicles on the road also determine the points allocated. Having too many CSA points on your record indicates an “Unsatisfactory” performance rating that can lead to suspension and termination.
You Can Fight It
With that information, you might think having a CDL speeding ticket is a one-way trip to losing your job and CDL license. However, you can fight it. Having proper legal representation helps clean up your record. Additionally, CDL traffic attorneys fight any tickets you feel were improperly handed to you.
At TVC Pro Driver, our team of professional CDL traffic ticket attorneys is prepared to defend you in any situation. When it comes to trucker ticket defense, we prioritize providing the best legal representation to protect your driving career. With 24/7 legal action at the ready, we fight all types of CDL traffic issues, from speeding to overweight to lane violations and more. Call now for more information on how we can defend you and protect your CDL.