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Representing Commercial Drivers

trey • June 7, 2019

Individuals holding a commercial drivers license (CDL) present unique issues for defending traffic offenses. At Mattox Law, we represent commercial drivers facing these challenges. Our knowledge around CDL’s is extensive. Our experience has helped clients to find positive outcomes for their traffic offenses.

Who needs a CDL?

The Virginia DMV defines a commercial motor vehicle as:

  • A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
  • A combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more if the vehicle(s) being towed has a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds
  • A vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers, including the driver
  • Any size vehicle that transports  hazardous materials  and that requires federal placarding

Commercial drivers can also be limited to mileage and hours driven by their company requirements. Additionally, there are many requirements to understand when dealing with a traffic offense if you hold a CDL. Judges hold CDL drivers to a higher standard, frequently referring to them as professional drivers. It can become more difficult to convince a judge to reduce a traffic violation to the same extent they would for a non-commercial driver.

How Does a Traffic Ticket Affect my Commercial Drivers License?

The biggest factor is whether you were driving your commercial vehicle or personal vehicle at the time. In some cases, judges will treat commercial cases as regular traffic cases. Judges use a strict standard that prevents them from reducing traffic cases for commercial vehicles. There are many factors to consider when facing a traffic offense with a commercial license. We recommend having quality legal representation to walk you through the process and expectations for your traffic offense.

How Mattox Law Can Help

Commercial drivers can cause a particular issue for courts that frequently use driving school as a means to reduce or dismiss traffic cases. It’s important to note, judges aren’t able to send a commercial driver to driving school for dismissal. In some cases, Mattox Law has been able to convince a judge to instead reduce the violation to a non-moving violation. This avoids the consequences of a conviction and bypasses the typical driving school requirement. Some judges will order community service as an alternative to driving school.

Mattox Law has knowledgeable experience representing individuals with commercial licenses charged with traffic violations. Trey has successfully defended these cases providing results that in nearly every instance provide a positive outcome. If you’re facing a traffic ticket while holding a commercial drivers license, contact Mattox Law today.

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