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Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driving requires extensive training. It is typically much more involved and dangerous than driving a passenger car, often because commercial trucks tend to weight anywhere from 10,000 to 80,000 pounds and may be carrying hazardous materials. If you've been charged with a commercial driving offense, you may be subject to more stringent punishments.
Talk to one of our experienced Arlington Heights traffic offense attorneys at Chiapelli Law Offices. We have many years of experience helping people defend their rights and their livelihoods.
Contact us at (847) 893-9912 today.
Different Classes of Commercial Driver Licenses
Various types of vehicles will require people to acquire different types of licenses. The average passenger car or truck only needs a Class D license. However, commercial driver licenses (CDL) range from Class A CDLs to Class C CDLs.
- Class A CDL—needed to drive multiple vehicles over a certain combined weight
- Class B CDL—needed to drive single vehicles over a certain weight
- Class C CDL—needed for driving all other vehicle types over a certain weight that aren't covered by Class A or Class B
Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may require additional certifications (endorsements) to drive specific types of commercial vehicles such as passenger cars, HAZMAT vehicles, tanks, double/triple trailers, and school buses.
Moving vs. Nonmoving Violations
Most citations involve a distinction between moving and nonmoving vehicles. If the vehicle was moving during the time of the offense, this could increase the danger of a situation. Some moving violations include the following:
- Running a red light
- Driving without a seat belt
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Speeding
- Driving below minimum speed
Nonmoving violations, on the other hand, including parking in an illegal zone, driving with an invalid vehicle registration, having expired or missing license plates, or leaving the commercial truck running while unattended. The severity of the charge will often determine the punishment and can range from fines to license suspension and imprisonment.
Major vs. Serious Violations
With a major violation, a commercial driver could get a 1-year CDL disqualification or 3 years if they are transporting hazardous materials. A 2nd violation will mean a lifetime disqualification.
Major violations include such crimes as:
- DUI
- Refusing to take a blood or breath test
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Using the CMV to commit a felony
- Causing a death through negligence
- Operating a CMV without a valid CDL
Likewise, your CDL can be disqualified for major violations whether you were operating a CMV or a noncommercial vehicle at the time.
Serious violations will result in slightly less punishment. For the 1st violation, you won't be disqualified from holding a CDL. However, a 2nd violation within 3 years will result in CDL disqualification for 60 days, and a 3rdviolation within 3 years will result in CDL disqualification for 120 days.
Don't Lose Your Livelihood!
CMV drivers rely on their CDLs to work and make a living. If you're facing CDL disqualification, contact us as soon as possible. Our experienced Arlington Heights criminal defense attorneys have been helping people defend their rights for years. Trust our highly rated lawyers with your case.