Recently Get A Speeding Ticket? Or Other Traffic Violation?

CDL Traffic Tickets

At the Law Office of C.F. Cowan, P.L.L.C., we represent commercial driver’s license (CDL) drivers with traffic citations in multiple municipal and mayor’s courts in and around the City of Columbus and central Ohio. We frequently are able to successfully resolve CDL traffic tickets without the driver ever having to come to court.

Most CDL traffic tickets in central Ohio are issued on the interstates, though many are issued on other roadways as well. The charges may range from speeding, to failure to control the vehicle, to the illegal transportation of hazardous material inside I-270, to other CDL traffic charges.

Regardless of your charge, we can help you through it. Call us today at 614.695.5000 or contact us online.

How A Ticket Affects CDL Drivers

Traffic ticket impact CDL drivers differently than those who have regular driver’s licenses. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes mandatory suspensions for a CDL driver depending on the driver’s previous convictions and whether the offense considered is major or serious.

Major traffic violations include:

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
Operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .04% or greater
Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident (hit-skip)
Driving with a suspended commercial driver’s license
Refusing a blood/breath test under a state’s implied consent law

Serious traffic violations include:

Convictions for speeding 15 mph or more over the speed limit
Marked lanes violations or unsafe lane changes
Following too closely behind another vehicle
Texting while driving
Driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL

Most CDL drivers are aware of the impact of a major CDL traffic violation. But many CDL drivers overlook the potential impact of a serious traffic violation. This is particularly the case with tickets for speeding and marked lanes violations. These offenses may seem harmless but receiving multiple offenses could cost you your commercial driver’s license and your job.

Should You Prepay A Ticket?

You should think twice before prepaying your traffic ticket. If you pay your CDL traffic ticket, then you will be convicted of all offenses charged in the ticket. These offenses and corresponding points will appear on your BMV driving record. If any of these offenses are major or serious traffic violations, then your commercial driver’s license may be in jeopardy.

Questions And Answers About CDL Traffic Tickets In Ohio

Commercial drivers face unique risks when a traffic citation threatens their livelihood. The following information explains how citations can affect a CDL and how a driver can protect their long‑term employment and driving privileges.

What happens if a CDL driver gets a speeding ticket?

A speeding ticket can impact a CDL holder because it becomes part of their commercial driving record and may trigger an employer review. Depending on the speed and circumstances, a violation can add points, raise insurance costs, lead to internal discipline or contribute to CDL disqualification. Additionally, some employers have strict internal safety policies, so even a single citation may affect job status or eligibility for certain routes.

Can I fight a CDL traffic ticket instead of paying it?

Yes, a CDL driver may contest a traffic citation in court, offering a chance to challenge officer observations, question speed‑measuring device accuracy or negotiate for a reduced charge. When successful, fighting the ticket may prevent penalties that would otherwise affect your commercial driving privileges. It may also keep the violation from appearing on your record in a way that harms your employment or insurance status.

We can aid in your fight by presenting evidence or calling out procedural issues that may lead to dismissal or amendment of the charge.

Will a traffic ticket I receive in my personal vehicle affect my CDL?

Many violations received in a personal vehicle still count toward a CDL holder’s driving history and may be reported to employers or regulatory agencies. While not every personal‑vehicle offense leads to CDL consequences, certain violations can accumulate and contribute to disqualification. This is a particular risk when they involve serious conduct or occur within a defined time period.

Federal regulations require states to track violations. This means a driver cannot avoid consequences simply because the incident occurred off duty.

How many violations can lead to CDL disqualification?

A CDL disqualification can occur when a driver commits specific serious offenses or accumulates multiple violations within a set timeframe under Ohio and federal regulations. Disqualification periods vary based on the type and severity of the offense. Repeated major violations, multiple serious offenses or certain high‑risk behaviors can lead to temporary CDL loss or, in the most severe situations, permanent disqualification.

The length of disqualification depends on the nature of the offenses, whether hazardous materials were involved and whether the driver has prior violations on record.

Call An Attorney Today To Discuss Your CDL Ticket

At the Law Office of C.F. Cowan, P.L.L.C., we understand that CDL drivers earn a living on the road and do not want to spend time in court. We can seek the court’s approval to appear on your behalf so you never need to enter the courtroom.

We offer legal representation to CDL drivers charged with traffic tickets in the Columbus metropolitan area and central Ohio.