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Through Truck Violations

CDL drivers sometimes find themselves following GPS navigation systems only to stray into an area where through trucks are prohibited. This is not always the CDL driver’s fault. For instance, the prohibited route may lack adequate signs. And police often incorrectly assume that such adequate signs were posted at access points to the given route.

If you receive a through trucks violation in the city of Columbus or in other jurisdictions in central Ohio, you should contact an experienced CDL traffic attorney.

For legal assistance with your traffic citation, call the Law Office of C.F. Cowan, P.L.L.C., at 614.695.5000 or contact us online.

What Is A Through Truck Violation?

In the city of Columbus, the service director is required to designate and appropriately mark certain streets upon which no person shall drive or store any through truck. Such designation must be based only upon an engineering survey that considers the width, structure, design or accident history of, or development along, a street.

Accordingly, Columbus Code Section 2139.35 prohibits drivers from operating through trucks in violation of markings, signs, barriers or other devices placed on a given street pursuant to the applicable laws on traffic control devices. This prohibition does not apply while the through trucks are receiving goods or making deliveries along the street. But such through trucks must enter and leave the street by the nearest intersecting street not so marked.

Like the city of Columbus, other localities have enacted similar prohibitions against through trucks. The consequences for a through truck violation may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. This page focuses on the consequences for a through truck violation in the city of Columbus.

The Punishment For A Through Truck Violation

In the city of Columbus, a through truck violation is usually a minor misdemeanor. The potential penalty for a minor misdemeanor traffic offense is as follows:

A fine of up to $150
Up to 30 hours of community service
Court costs

However, if you commit a through truck offense, and have a prior through truck conviction within the same year, then the offense is enhanced to a fourth-degree misdemeanor. The potential penalty for this enhanced offense is as follows:

A minimum fine of $100 and up to a $250 fine and/or
Up to 30 days in prison
Court costs

The penalties increase even further if you commit more offenses within a one-year period, reaching fines of $500 to $1,000 and up to 60 days in prison.

Whether in the city of Columbus or another jurisdiction, contact us to discuss the applicable ordinances, penalties and defenses for your alleged Through Truck violation.

Common Reasons CDL Drivers Receive Through Truck Violations

Most through truck violations happen when drivers rely on GPS systems that don’t account for local truck route restrictions. Your navigation may direct you down the fastest route without recognizing that commercial vehicles face different rules than passenger cars. Poor signage creates another common problem. Many restricted streets lack clear warning signs at every entry point, leaving drivers unaware they’ve entered a prohibited zone until an officer pulls them over. Weight and height restrictions also catch drivers off guard, especially when delivering to unfamiliar areas where local ordinances differ from state highways.

Some violations occur when drivers take shortcuts to avoid traffic or construction, not realizing they’ve left designated truck routes. Understanding these common scenarios helps you recognize when you may have a valid defense.

The Impact Of Through Truck Violations On CDL Drivers

A through truck violation affects more than just your wallet. The fines themselves can be substantial, but the real damage comes from how the citation impacts your commercial driving record and livelihood. Your employer reviews your driving history regularly, and violations raise red flags about your reliability and attention to regulations. Insurance companies track these citations too, which can drive up premiums for you or your company.

Multiple violations within a short period trigger enhanced penalties and create a pattern that makes future citations more serious. Your CDL status remains at risk if violations accumulate, potentially threatening your ability to earn a living.

What CDL Drivers Should Do After Receiving A Citation

Read your citation carefully as soon as you receive it. Note the specific violation, the location and the court date. Take photos of the area where you received the ticket, paying special attention to any signs or the lack thereof. Document your route, delivery address and the reason you traveled that particular street. Avoid making statements to the officer that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Contact a CDL defense attorney before your court date to review your options. An experienced attorney can examine whether proper signage existed, whether the street designation followed required procedures and whether you have valid defenses based on delivery exceptions or inadequate notice.

Call An Experienced CDL Attorney Today

We are prepared to defend you from the potential penalties of a traffic offense. We can often appear in court on your behalf so that you can avoid the stress and time involved.