When driving a commercial vehicle in South Carolina it is important to take measures to protect your rights and maintain a clean record free from major offenses if you receive a traffic violation ticket. You can receive a CDL ticket for reckless driving, traffic tickets, driving under the influence of alcohol, and excessive speeding.
Contact an experienced traffic law attorney to navigate the legal system and determine the best course of action. Your experienced attorney can advise whether to fight it in court to reduce or dismiss charges before you pay a ticket. Call Touma Law Group at (864) 618-2323 for a free consultation with a traffic defense lawyer.
Overview of South Carolina CDL Laws
Drivers of vehicles who possess a commercial driver's license are held to a much higher standard than a motorist with a personal license. This is because most commercial vehicle drivers are operating large vehicles and not recreational vehicles, which have the potential to cause far more damage in case of an accident. As such, any violation of CDL-specific regulations will result in stiff penalties and even suspension of commercial license driving privileges.
The violations that result in a commercial vehicle license revocation or suspension for at least one year on the first offense include knowingly leaving the scene of an accident, using a CMV for the commission of a felony, driving without valid CDL force, driving a defective vehicle and negligence that results in manslaughter or homicide.
Subsequent violations can result in suspension for up to a commercial driver's license for three years or more, depending on the severity of the violation. All CDL drivers need to be mindful and aware of their responsibility when behind the wheel of a combination vehicle so that they do their part to prevent avoidable incidents from occurring.
What to Do Immediately After Receiving a CDL Ticket
When a commercial driver in South Carolina receives a CDL ticket, they should take immediate action to protect their rights and minimize the impact on their driving record. The process of resolving a citation can be complicated, so it’s important to take steps right away to ensure that the best possible outcome is obtained.
The first step is to contact the court and obtain information about the ticket, such as the precise charges and the associated fines. It is also important to ensure that all paperwork is accurate and complete, as any discrepancies or errors can lead to further complications down the line.
Learn More: How Much Does it Cost to Get a Suspended License Back?
Second, it is wise to consult with an experienced traffic attorney who can guide how best to proceed. The lawyer can review the specific details of your case and advise whether entering a plea agreement or fighting the ticket in court is the best option.
Finally, if you choose to plead guilty, be sure to understand and accept all of the consequences attached to your plea before signing any agreements. This will help to avoid any surprises down the line and ensure that you are aware of what will be expected of you moving forward.
How a CDL Ticket Can Affect Your Driving Record and Privileges
If you are a commercial driver’s license holder in South Carolina, you must take any traffic violations in any type of vehicle seriously. Commercial driver's license tickets can have serious consequences for your driving record and future commercial motor vehicle operating privileges.
The most immediate consequence of a CDL ticket is that you will be required to pay the associated fines. The costs associated with traffic violations can vary based on the severity of the offense and may include fines, traffic school fees, knowledge exam expenses, and increased insurance premiums.
Additionally, if there is the presence of alcohol you may also be subject to additional sanctions, such as license suspension or revocation.
Depending on the type of ticket received, a CDL violation can also stay on your record for several years, making it difficult to secure future employment opportunities. It is important to understand that even minor violations can have serious consequences if not handled properly.
How a CDL Ticket Can Affect Insurance Rates and Future Employment Opportunities
South Carolina's laws for CDL tickets are strict and can have serious implications for both insurance companies rates and future employment opportunities, as a person’s driving record is often taken into account during background checks and in any type of job involving the operation of a commercial vehicle in the trucking industry.
Depending on the nature of the violation, these tickets may remain on an individual’s driving record for up to five years, meaning that employers will be able to see this information when considering potential employees.
Additionally, these tickets can also lead to increased insurance rates because insurers will view such violations as an increased risk. As a result, they may charge higher premiums to offset the risk associated with insuring a commercial driver with a history of traffic infractions.
Ultimately, all CDL holders need to be aware of the potential consequences of a CDL ticket in South Carolina. Taking immediate action following the receipt of a citation can help to minimize these repercussions and ensure that all legal requirements are met. Consulting with an experienced law firm can also be beneficial in understanding how best to proceed and protect your rights throughout the process.
How Long Does a Traffic Offense Stay on Your CDL?
If you are a commercial driver’s license holder in South Carolina, then you should know that major violations can stay on your record for years. Depending on the severity and nature of the infraction, certain violations can remain listed on your driving record for up to 10 years or more.
In general, South Carolina follows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) when it comes to the length of time that a CDL ticket stays on your record. The following are examples of violations and their associated timelines:
- Serious moving violations – 3 years
- DUI/DWI convictions – 10 years
It is important to note that certain employers may have stricter requirements regarding the length of time they will accept an infraction to remain on a driver’s record.
How a Lawyer Can Help With a CDL Ticket
If you’ve received a commercial driver’s license ticket in South Carolina, for speeding more than 15 miles per hour over the speed limit or for erratic lane changes you may be wondering what to do next. The best course of action is to consult with an experienced lawyer who can guide you through the process and represent your interests in court.
At Touma Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys understand the unique challenges that CDL holders face when dealing with traffic violations.
Understanding the consequences of a CDL ticket is crucial. Fines, license suspension or revocation, and jail time may be possible depending on the violation. A skilled defense attorney can assist in negotiating these penalties and advise on the best course of action.
The Touma Law Group has experience handling CDL tickets in South Carolina and can provide guidance and support to protect your rights. Contact us at (864) 618-2323 for a free consultation.