Your CDL is your livelihood. It’s how you put food on the table and pay the mortgage. You can’t afford to get a violation on your record. If you get a CDL violation or get any traffic ticket, you owe it to yourself to NOT just pay the ticket and to talk to an experienced CDL Ticket Attorney.
Call Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S., today to talk to someone who can tell you the best way to keep your license intact.
Commercial Driver’s License
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
This means if you drive any vehicle that meets the requirements—even if you aren’t hauling good—then you must have a CDL.
Losing Your CDL
Under RCW 42.25.90, there are dozens of ways to lose you CDL under Washington law. These can be broken down into two types: violations driving a commercial truck, or violations driving another vehicle.
CDL Violations
There are many types of violations while driving a commercial vehicle that can cause a CDL disqualification.
Two or more “Serious Traffic Offenses” within three-year period of time. Serious traffic offenses are:
- Speeding 15 miles per hour or more above the posted limit.
- Any traffic violation, other than parking violations, that results in a fatal accident or collision.
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle without a commercial driver license or without the proper endorsement.
- Negligent driving.
- Following too closely.
- Failing to stop.
- Failing to yield the right of way.
- Driving too fast for conditions.
- Improper lane change or travel.
- Improper overtaking on the right or left.
- Improper driving to the left of center of the roadway.
- Texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle
- Using a cell phone while driving a commercial motor vehicle
One violation of any of the following while driving a commercial vehicle:
- Reckless driving
- Logbook violations
- Railroad crossing violations
- Hauling illegal cargo (lifetime violation)
Violations Driving Non-Commercial Vehicle
Some of the most common are:
- Four moving violations in one year (will suspend your primary license)
- Any other suspension of driver’s license will suspend your CDL as well
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving a motor vehicle driven by the person;
- Using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony;
- Driving a commercial vehicle when primary license is revoked or suspended
- Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a commercial motor vehicle
DUI and Commercial License
- When it comes to driving and drugs or alcohol, a person’s CDL will be suspended if the violation occurs driving any vehicle.
- Failing to submit to BAC test
- Conviction of driving under an impairing substance
- Alcohol .08 presumptive limit
- Illegal drugs
- Prescription drugs if abused or even used correctly if instructed not to drive
- Driving commercial vehicle while BAC is .04 or higher
What do I do if I get a Ticket if I have a CDL?
DON’T pay the ticket. Talk to an attorney who knows the laws regarding Washington’s CDL laws. Just because it’s your first ticket or that you weren’t driving a commercial vehicle, your license may still be at risk.
Call a Spokane Traffic Attorney at Crary, Clark, Domanico, & Chuang, P.S., so you can get peace of mind. You can also contact them by clicking here.
