In North Carolina, CDL holders are held to a stricter standard, meaning that traffic offenses for commercial drivers can lead to harsher penalties that can affect their ability to earn a living.
Are CDL Offenses More Serious?
In short, yes. North Carolina takes traffic violations by commercial drivers more seriously than regular infractions. A ticket that might seem minor for a non-commercial driver can result in far more severe consequences for those with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
The law recognizes that truckers and other commercial drivers are operating much larger, more dangerous vehicles and, therefore, should be held to a higher standard of road safety.
For instance, while a speeding ticket for a personal vehicle might result in a simple fine and points on the license, the same offense for a CDL holder could lead to much higher fines, or even disqualification from driving commercially.
Some offenses, such as leaving the scene of an accident or driving under the influence (DUI), are categorized as “major” violations for CDL holders — potentially resulting in a one (or more) year suspension.
Common CDL Traffic Offenses
CDL drivers face a unique set of potential infractions, many of which are tied to the size and weight of their vehicles.
Here are some of the most common CDL-related offenses in North Carolina:
- Speeding: Exceeding the posted limit by 15 mph or more can lead to disqualification, even if it’s a first offense.
- Reckless Driving: Defined by behaviors such as tailgating or aggressive lane changes, reckless driving is a serious infraction that could sideline your career.
- Driving Without Proper Endorsement: Operating a commercial vehicle without the proper CDL class or endorsements can lead to steep fines and possible disqualification.
- Hours of Service Violations: Truck drivers are legally required to rest after a certain number of hours on the road. Violating these limits is a federal offense that can lead to penalties.
- Overweight Violations: Truckers must pass weigh stations, and if their truck exceeds the legal weight limit, it can trigger fines, out-of-service orders, and even criminal penalties. Weigh stations are designed to ensure safety on the road by preventing overloaded vehicles, which are harder to control and more likely to cause accidents.
How do these work? When a truck pulls into a weigh station, its weight is compared to the allowed limits for its type of cargo and vehicle.
Overweight trucks are often pulled aside for further inspection, leading to significant fines and delays.
The Impact of CDL Violations on Your Career
For truckers, a single violation could trigger a chain reaction that makes it difficult to continue working. CDL holders are subject to stricter penalties for accumulating points on their license, and just a few violations can lead to a suspension.
Many employers have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to certain offenses like DUI or major accidents.
Some companies also review driving records before making hiring decisions, so it’s important to have proper representation for CDL-related traffic tickets.
Call us at 336-995-0060 or email at [email protected].
Will McElwee has been a traffic attorney for over 25 years, and has established a solid track record helping folks from Boone and Wilkesboro to Winston Salem address traffic tickets. His family has a long and fruitful history in the area: the McElwee Law Firm began in 1932. Will’s grandfather, William H. McElwee, Jr., was a former president of the North Carolina Bar and sat on North Carolina’s Board of Law Examiners for many years.
As a “Double Deac,” Will attended Wake Forest University for both undergraduate and law school. He is a certified Superior Court and Family Financial Mediator and is also certified in the field of collaborative law.
