Speeding Ticket Lawyer for CDL Driver: Protecting Your Commercial Driving Career

For commercial drivers, a speeding ticket isn’t just a minor inconvenience — it’s a serious threat to your career, your income, and your future. A single citation can lead to points on your record, increased insurance rates, or even loss of your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Unlike regular motorists, CDL holders are held to stricter driving standards under both state laws and federal regulations. That means even a minor speeding violation can have major consequences.

If you’re a truck driver, bus operator, delivery driver, or anyone who relies on your CDL for a living, hiring an experienced speeding ticket lawyer for CDL drivers is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

At Legal Counsel, we understand how crucial your CDL is — and we’ve helped countless commercial drivers successfully fight speeding tickets, avoid license suspensions, and protect their driving records.

This guide will help you understand how speeding tickets affect CDL drivers, what your legal options are, and how a skilled traffic defense attorney can help you protect your livelihood.

Understanding CDL Speeding Violations

A CDL speeding violation occurs when a commercial driver exceeds the posted speed limit. However, for CDL holders, the stakes are higher than for non-commercial drivers.

The Legal Definition of “Serious Speeding”

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “serious speeding” is defined as:

• Driving 15 mph or more over the posted limit in any vehicle.

If you are convicted of a serious speeding offense twice within 3 years, your CDL can be suspended for 60 days.
A third offense can trigger a 120-day suspension — even if the violations occurred in a non-commercial vehicle.

Common Situations That Lead to CDL Speeding Tickets

• Speeding in construction zones

• Exceeding posted limits in school zones

• Driving downhill too fast in mountainous regions

• Clocked by radar or LIDAR in a commercial truck

• Speeding in another state (interstate drivers are still penalized at home)

No matter the situation, it’s vital to act quickly — CDL speeding tickets often carry non-negotiable penalties unless properly contested.

How Speeding Tickets Affect CDL Holders

A speeding ticket can affect your commercial driving record, employment, and earning potential in several ways.

1. CDL Disqualification

Under FMCSA rules:

• Two serious traffic violations (like speeding 15+ mph over the limit) in 3 years = 60-day disqualification

• Three violations in 3 years = 120-day disqualification

This applies whether you were driving a commercial vehicle or your personal vehicle at the time.

2. Job Loss or Suspension

Most trucking companies and carriers have zero-tolerance policies for serious traffic violations.
A single conviction may lead to termination or loss of route assignments.

3. Insurance Premium Increases

Insurance carriers often raise rates sharply after a CDL speeding conviction. In some cases, companies may even refuse coverage for repeat offenders.

4. Permanent Record Impact

Unlike minor moving violations, CDL convictions are reported to the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) and remain visible to employers nationwide.

CDL Speeding Ticket Penalties

While penalties vary by state, CDL speeding tickets can lead to:

Even pleading guilty or paying the fine can have long-term professional consequences — something most drivers don’t realize until it’s too late.

Why CDL Drivers Face Stricter Rules

CDL drivers operate larger, heavier, and more dangerous vehicles, often across multiple jurisdictions.
Because of this responsibility, federal and state authorities hold commercial drivers to higher standards of safety and compliance.

Key Regulations Affecting CDL Speeding Cases:

• 49 CFR §383.51 – Defines disqualifying offenses for CDL holders.

• FMCSA regulations – Require reporting of all convictions, including those in non-commercial vehicles.

• State laws – Can impose additional fines, suspensions, or employer reporting requirements.

If you hold a CDL, you cannot mask or defer a traffic conviction through traffic school or similar programs (in most states). The record must be reported to the state and FMCSA.

Why You Should Never Ignore a CDL Speeding Ticket

Ignoring or delaying action on a CDL speeding ticket can lead to:

• Default judgment or automatic conviction

• Warrants for failure to appear

• License suspension

• Employer notification through CDLIS or FMCSA reporting

By contacting a CDL speeding ticket lawyer early, you can often prevent points, fines, and disqualification before they occur.

How a Speeding Ticket Lawyer for CDL Drivers Can Help

A qualified CDL speeding ticket attorney doesn’t just show up in court — they actively protect your career and driving privileges.

1. Analyzing the Citation

Your lawyer will examine:

• The radar or LIDAR calibration records

• Officer training and certification

• Speed measurement location accuracy

• Possible procedural or technical errors

Even small inconsistencies can lead to dismissal or reduction of charges.

2. Negotiating with Prosecutors

Experienced CDL defense lawyers often negotiate for:

• Amended charges (e.g., non-moving violations)

• Deferred adjudication (where permitted)

• Reduced fines and points

3. Protecting Your CDL Record

The goal is to keep the violation off your CDL record entirely.
Your attorney can work to secure a no-point outcome or prevent conviction reporting to the FMCSA.

4. Appearing in Court on Your Behalf

In many cases, your CDL lawyer can appear in court for you, saving you travel time and lost work hours.

5. Challenging Radar and LIDAR Evidence

Radar and laser readings can be inaccurate due to:

• Weather conditions

• Improper device calibration

• Operator error

• Multiple vehicle interference

Your attorney can use these factors to cast reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case.

Common Defenses Used by CDL Speeding Ticket Attorneys

1. Faulty Speed Detection

If radar or LIDAR equipment wasn’t properly maintained or calibrated, results may be unreliable.

2. Incorrectly Identified Vehicle

Commercial trucks are often clocked in clusters — it’s easy for law enforcement to target the wrong vehicle.

3. Inadequate Signage

If speed limits weren’t properly posted or visible, your lawyer can argue lack of fair notice.

4. Mistaken Speed Zone

Drivers transitioning between speed zones may be unfairly cited for being only slightly above the new limit.

5. Violation of CDL Reporting Procedures

If law enforcement or courts failed to properly process your citation under FMCSA rules, the ticket may be invalid.

Multi-State CDL Speeding Tickets: What You Need to Know

If you were cited in a different state, your home state will still record the violation on your CDL.
Because of the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS), your home state and employer are notified automatically.

An attorney familiar with interstate CDL law can coordinate your defense — even if you live in one state and were cited in another.

What To Do If You Receive a Speeding Ticket as a CDL Driver

1. Do Not Pay the Ticket Immediately.
   Payment is an admission of guilt and counts as a conviction on your record.

2. Contact a CDL Speeding Ticket Lawyer Immediately.
   Time is limited — quick action helps preserve evidence and defense options.

3. Provide Details of the Stop.
   Record the date, location, speed limit, alleged speed, officer’s name, and any witness statements.

4. Check Your CDL Record.
   Ensure all reported information is accurate and free of prior administrative errors.

5. Keep Your Employer Informed (if required).
   Many carriers require prompt reporting of citations; failure to do so can result in termination.

The Cost of Hiring a CDL Speeding Ticket Lawyer

While costs vary, hiring a CDL defense attorney typically ranges from $300 to $1,500, depending on jurisdiction and case complexity.
However, this investment often saves thousands in lost income, higher insurance premiums, or CDL suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a CDL driver attend traffic school to dismiss a ticket?

No. Federal law prohibits CDL holders from masking or deferring traffic convictions — even for personal vehicles.

2. Will a speeding ticket affect my CDL if I wasn’t in my commercial vehicle?

Yes. Serious violations in your personal vehicle can still trigger CDL penalties or suspensions.

3. Can my lawyer appear in court for me?

In most cases, yes. A CDL ticket attorney can appear on your behalf to minimize disruption to your work schedule.

4. How long will a speeding ticket stay on my CDL record?

Typically 3 to 5 years, depending on state law and the severity of the offense.

5. Can a CDL speeding ticket be dismissed?

Yes. Many cases are dismissed or reduced through skilled negotiation or procedural challenges.

Why Choose Legal Counsel for CDL Speeding Defense

At Legal Counsel, we know your commercial license is your livelihood — and we take that responsibility seriously.

Our CDL speeding ticket lawyers have deep experience defending professional drivers against traffic citations in multiple jurisdictions.

Why Clients Trust Legal Counsel:

• Decades of combined traffic law experience

• Deep understanding of FMCSA and CDL regulations

• Proven success in reducing or dismissing CDL violations

• Representation across multiple states and counties

• Aggressive, detail-oriented defense strategies

We fight to protect your license, your job, and your reputation — because your career depends on it.

Take Immediate Action — Protect Your CDL Today

If you’ve been cited for speeding as a CDL driver, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the fewer options you’ll have to challenge your case.

The attorneys at Legal Counsel are ready to:

• Analyze your ticket and driving record

• Challenge radar, LIDAR, or procedural errors

• Appear in court on your behalf

• Fight to keep your CDL clean and active

⚖️ Contact Legal Counsel Today

Your CDL is your livelihood.
Visit Legal Counsel now to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced speeding ticket lawyer for CDL drivers.

Let our legal team help you stay on the road, keep your record clean, and safeguard your career.