CDL Traffic Violations

Protecting Your CDL When Accused of DUI and Other Traffic Violations

As someone who drives for a living, you understand the importance of maintaining a clean record. That's not to say that mistakes don't happen. If you are stopped for a traffic violation or DUI, however, the consequences of the infraction not only compromise your record but it could also cost you your livelihood.

Will I Lose My CDL If I Was Arrested on Suspicion of DUI While off the Clock?

In Pennsylvania, commercial drivers who are convicted of or plea guilty of DUI — whether driving a company vehicle on the clock or a personal car off company time — can and often do lose their commercial driver's licenses (CDLs).

At The Law Offices of John Della Rocca, CDL drivers can look to Attorney John Della Rocca for the advice and representation they need to protect their driving privileges. John can explain the laws pertaining to CDL holders while taking appropriate steps to mitigate the potential consequences.

It's important to remember that CDL drivers are held to higher standards when it comes to retaining their licenses.

These standards include:

• CDL drivers may not exceed a .04 blood alcohol content (BAC) level. In most cases, the thresholds are so low that even a first-time DUI offender with a CDL will face jail time.
• A first-time conviction will result in a one-year CDL suspension and a three-year suspension for drivers of HAZMAT vehicles. Second-time offenders can have their CDLs permanently revoked.
• Pennsylvania's Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is not helpful for CDL drivers. In fact, opting for the ARD program will result in the automatic suspension of a CDL for a year.
• Many commercial vehicle and trucking companies won't hire drivers with DUIs on their records. Even though considerable time may have passed since your DUI conviction, it will continue to show up on your record and could prevent employers from considering you as a candidate for open positions.

It's important for professional drivers to understand all the implications of a DUI.

As mentioned above, you may have heard of ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) programs. These are often enticing for first-time DUI offenders and some attorneys may even recommend pursuing ARD if they don't know that you have a CDL. If you're a driver with a CDL, however, entering an ARD program will still result in the loss of your license. When you reach out to John Della Rocca, it's important to be upfront and let him know you have a CDL so he can develop an appropriate legal strategy.

Don't Let Your Job Slip Away — Hire an Experienced CDL Defense Lawyer

You can also complete an online contact form to schedule an appointment. John works with clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.