New York CDL Traffic Violation Lawyer

Defending Against Commercial Traffic Offenses in New York

Your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is vital to your livelihood as a professional driver. Any interruption in your ability to drive for your employer may leave you permanently without a job, with the loss of ability to support yourself and your family.

We have been successfully defending drivers in traffic court for more than 30 years. Founding attorney Martin A. Kron, a former traffic court judge, knows how the system works and how best to combat tactics used against you by law enforcement.

Have you been cited for a traffic violation as a commercial driver? Call Martin A. Kron & Associates, P.C., today at (212) 235-1525 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our CDL driver's attorney in New York.

Legal Support for Common CDL Traffic Violations

At Martin A. Kron & Associates, P.C., we have experience handling all types of commercial traffic violations, including:

• Speeding Charges
• Texting while driving
• Violating safety regulations
• Improperly loaded or overweight cargo
• Failing to stop at weigh stations
• Violating logbook regulations
• Driving without insurance
• Traffic tickets accrued while driving your personal vehicle
• Other moving violations
• Too many traffic violations (habitual offender)
• Alcohol or drug-related traffic offenses
• Reckless driving

What are the Penalties for Commercial Traffic Violations in New York?

The penalties for commercial traffic violations in New York vary depending on the severity of the infraction. In general, the consequences are more serious for CDL holders than for non-commercial drivers. Here’s a breakdown of the potential penalties CDL drivers could face:

• Fines: Most commercial traffic violations in New York carry fines. For minor offenses like improper lane changes or failure to signal, fines can be a few hundred dollars. However, more serious violations, such as driving under the influence or exceeding weight limits, can result in fines that are thousands of dollars.
• Points on Your CDL: Each time a commercial driver is convicted of a traffic violation, points are typically added to their driving record. In New York, a CDL holder can accumulate points for many traffic offenses, including speeding and failure to obey traffic signals. Once a driver accumulates a certain number of points, they may face a suspension of their CDL. In some cases, the points from violations may be used to disqualify a driver from maintaining employment.
• License Suspension or Revocation: If you accumulate too many points on your driving record or are convicted of a serious offense like DUI, your CDL can be suspended or revoked. A suspension or revocation means you can no longer drive commercially, which can result in the loss of your job and livelihood. The severity of the suspension depends on the violation and the driver’s history.
• Jail Time: For more serious violations, such as DUI, driving without a valid license, or reckless driving, a CDL holder can face jail time in addition to fines and suspension. For example, a conviction for DUI with a BAC of 0.04% or higher can result in a minimum 1-year suspension of your CDL, and depending on the circumstances, you may face up to one year in jail.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Even if a CDL driver is able to avoid suspension, a conviction for a commercial traffic violation can result in increased insurance premiums. Insurance companies often raise rates for drivers who have a history of violations, and for CDL holders, these increases can be substantial, impacting their business or personal finances.

What are the Consequences of CDL Traffic Violations?

Simply paying the fine for a traffic ticket can add points to your driving record, leading to a license suspension or driver responsibility assessment fees. In addition, criminal traffic violation convictions can be misdemeanors or felonies. They can result in a permanent criminal record and severe penalties, including losing your CDL.

If you accrue six points in 18 months, you must pay a driver responsibility assessment fee for three years. In addition, you may face license suspension if you accumulate 11 points or more in 18 months.

Can I Still Drive a Personal Vehicle After a CDL Suspension?

Yes, if your CDL is suspended, you may still be allowed to drive a personal vehicle, provided that your suspension was specifically for your commercial driving privileges. However, if your suspension was due to a violation that also affects personal driving (e.g., DUI), your personal license could also be affected.

Get Help from Our Experienced CDL Traffic Attorney

If you are named as the driver on a traffic ticket, you are responsible for handling it. Please do not pass it off to your employer because it will likely go unaddressed. Protect your permanent driving record and your livelihood by speaking to Martin A. Kron & Associates, P.C., as soon as possible, who can help you obtain a favorable case result. 

Ready to defend your CDL? Contact our New York traffic attorney now by calling (212) 235-1525 or reaching out online.

Additional Reading:

• Everything You Need To Know About CDL Tickets in New York
• How To Contest a NY Commercial Driver's License Suspension 
• Commercial Driving Violations in New York City