CDL DEFENSE
PRACTICE AREAS
SHREVEPORT CDL LAWYER
CDL Traffic Ticket Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, and the Northwest Louisiana Area
At the Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis, our Shreveport CDL traffic violation attorneys recognize the importance of this license for your commercial driving job. Not only does a speeding ticket or other violation tarnish your driving record with points, but it also increases your insurance premiums. In severe cases, these traffic tickets can impact your employment, resulting in a suspended license or even termination.
Whether you’re looking to contest fines, reduce points on your driving record, or prevent the suspension of your CDL, the Shreveport traffic ticket attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis are ready to help. With experience practicing law for over 25 years, Shreveport speeding ticket lawyer Michael J. Vergis will always represent clients effectively, working to achieve the best possible outcome.
To learn more about how our CDL traffic ticket attorneys can help, call (318) 698-3724 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation today.
The Importance of a Clean CDL Record
For CDL holders, maintaining a clean driving record cannot be overstated, as even minor traffic violations can significantly affect their careers. Job eligibility is often contingent on a clean driving record, as many employers prioritize safety and reliability, frequently reviewing driving histories as part of their hiring process. Violations can severely limit job opportunities, especially with reputable transport companies that offer better benefits and salaries.
In addition to employment constraints, traffic tickets can increase insurance rates. Insurance companies view violations as risk indicators, resulting in higher premiums for drivers with imperfect records.
Most critically, repeated violations can escalate to the suspension or revocation of a CDL, which directly threatens a driver’s ability to remain employed. Losing a CDL, even temporarily, means a complete halt in the ability to work as a commercial driver, along with facing a potentially lengthy and expensive reinstatement process.
Common Traffic Violations for CDL Holders and Their Penalties
Working as a commercial driver comes with a unique set of challenges and responsibilities, especially when it comes to violations. CDL holders are held to higher standards due to the potential risks of operating larger vehicles.
From speeding and disregarding traffic signs to more severe infractions like DUI or hauling oversized loads without proper permits, each violation carries specific consequences, both at the state and federal levels, that can impact a driver’s CDL status.
In Louisiana, CDL drivers are subject to a point system that tracks traffic violations and infractions. Accumulating points can lead to penalties such as increased insurance premiums, fines, and even the suspension of driving privileges.
Driving Commercial Vehicle Without Proper CDL Class
Driving a commercial vehicle without the proper CDL class in Louisiana carries severe penalties under both federal and state laws. These violations result in fines up to $5,000, points added to the driver’s record, and possible immediate suspension or disqualification of the CDL.
Speeding
Speeding is a significant traffic violation for commercial drivers, with strict consequences under federal and Louisiana state laws. For CDL holders, speeding tickets add points to their driving record. For example, a speeding ticket for less than ten mph over the limit is two points, while speeding between 11 and 20 over the limit is three points.
If you’ve received traffic tickets for speeding as a CDL driver, contact a Shreveport speeding ticket lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis today.
Reckless Driving
Both in Louisiana and under federal guidelines, penalties for reckless driving for CDL holders are severe. These penalties often include substantial fines, significant points on the driver’s record, and the possibility of CDL suspension or revocation. Additionally, a reckless driving conviction can trigger mandatory attendance in driver improvement courses and could even lead to criminal charges depending on the incident’s severity.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is particularly heinous for commercial drivers and is met with stringent penalties. For CDL holders, being convicted of a DUI, even if committed in a non-commercial vehicle, can lead to automatic suspension or revocation of their CDL for at least one year. If the CDL driver is transporting hazardous materials at the time of the DUI offense, the suspension increases to three years.
A DUI conviction in Louisiana also disqualifies the driver from operating commercial vehicles across state lines. Repeated DUI offenses can result in a lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL.
Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers in Louisiana, but the restrictions and penalties are even more stringent for commercial drivers due to the high risks involved. Under federal and state laws, CDL holders caught texting while driving face severe consequences including fines and points on their DMV CDL driving record, with repeated violations potentially leading to the suspension of their CDL. Federally, the penalties extend to disqualification from operating a commercial vehicle for a specified period, which increases with subsequent offenses.
Logbook Violations
Logbook violations are a serious matter for commercial drivers, who are required by federal and state regulations to maintain their records of duty status. Failing to log hours of service or falsifying logbook entries can lead to fines and potential CDL suspensions.
These regulations are enforced to ensure that drivers adhere to mandated rest periods and driving limits, reducing the risk of fatigue-related accidents. Both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Louisiana authorities closely monitor compliance with these rules.
Overweight Violations
Overweight violations occur when commercial vehicles exceed the maximum weight limits set by federal and state regulations. These violations can result in substantial fines, vehicle impoundment, and damage to roads and infrastructure. In Louisiana, penalties for overweight breaches can be particularly severe, with fines escalating based on the degree of excess weight.
Failure to Use Seatbelt
Traffic tickets for failure to use a seatbelt are a serious violation for commercial drivers. Commercial drivers are required to wear seatbelts at all times while operating their vehicles, and failure to do so can result in fines and points on their driving record.
Failure to Stop at Weigh Stations
Failure to stop at weigh stations is yet another serious violation for commercial drivers that can lead to significant penalties in Louisiana and across federal jurisdictions. Weigh stations ensure road safety by monitoring vehicle weight and compliance with regulations. CDL holders who fail to stop at these checkpoints face fines, points on their driving record, and potential suspension or revocation of their CDL. Repeated violations may result in heightened scrutiny during future inspections and compliance checks.
Breaking Other Traffic Laws
Breaking other traffic laws, such as improper lane changes, failure to signal, following too closely, or disregarding railroad crossing regulations, among other things, can also result in suspended commercial licenses, points added to driving records, fines, and even termination.
The Impact of Traffic Violations on CDL Holders
In Louisiana, CDL drivers can face serious consequences for violating traffic laws and receiving multiple tickets. If a driver is convicted of two serious violations, they can be suspended for 60 days. If they receive a conviction for three offenses, they can be suspended for 100 days.
The traffic violations that are considered serious include:
- Texting while driving
- Fleeing the scene of an accident
- Improper lane changes
- Excessive speeding (15 mph over the posted limit)
- Following too closely
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Causing a fatality due to negligent driving
Since CDL drivers depend on their eligibility to drive as their main source of income, any suspension can cause serious financial strain. Additional consequences include increased insurance rates, limited job opportunities, and difficulty obtaining employment with reputable carriers. Repeated violations can tarnish a driver’s reputation and credibility, impacting their professional relationships and prospects in the industry.
The penalties for traffic violations can also cause personal stress and strain on finances, as well as potential impacts on personal relationships due to the strain of dealing with legal and financial repercussions.
What to Do If You Receive a Traffic Violation as a CDL Holder
If you receive a traffic violation as a CDL holder, it’s essential to handle the situation promptly and responsibly. First, carefully review the traffic violation and understand the specific charges and potential consequences.
Next, consider seeking legal advice from an attorney with experience in Louisiana traffic courts, especially representing CDL drivers. They can guide you in the best course of action and represent you in court if necessary.
Depending on the violation, you may have options such as contesting the ticket or negotiating a reduced penalty. It’s important to prioritize compliance with any required deadlines for responding to the violation to avoid further complications.
Why You Need an Experienced Louisiana Commercial Ticket Lawyer
Understanding the Louisiana traffic court procedures as a commercial driver can be overwhelming, which makes the experience of a seasoned traffic ticket attorney indispensable. An experienced Louisiana commercial ticket lawyer like Michael J. Vergis understands CDL regulations and the potential repercussions of violations.
With a successful track record in defending CDL holders against various infractions in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, Michael J. Vergis brings invaluable knowledge to every case. From contesting tickets to negotiating reduced penalties, his adept legal representation ensures clients receive the best possible outcome. When facing traffic violations as a commercial driver, entrusting your case to an experienced attorney like Michael J. Vergis can make all the difference in protecting your rights and preserving your CDL.
What Does a CDL Lawyer Do?
CDL traffic ticket lawyers will thoroughly analyze the specifics of each case and advise clients on their rights and options. In court, CDL lawyers represent their clients, presenting arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and advocating for the most favorable outcomes for their clients, whatever that may be given the specifics of the case. They negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or penalties, striving to minimize the impact on their clients’ driving records and careers. CDL lawyers also assist with license reinstatement procedures, guiding clients through the necessary steps to regain their driving privileges.
Call CDL Traffic Defense Attorney Michael J. Vergis Today for a Free Consultation
Don’t let traffic violations jeopardize your CDL and livelihood. Shreveport defense attorney Michael J. Vergis has extensive experience and a proven track record defending CDL holders in Shreveport-Bossier City and the entire Northwest Louisiana region. Call the Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis at (318) 698-3724 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced CDL traffic ticket attorney today.
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