How Does a Speeding Ticket Affect a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Louisiana?

For commercial drivers in Louisiana, a speeding ticket isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it can be a serious threat to their livelihood. At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we regularly assist CDL holders facing traffic violations. This guide will explain exactly how a speeding ticket impacts your commercial driver’s license in Louisiana.

The Consequences of a Speeding Ticket for CDL Holders

When a CDL holder receives a speeding ticket in Louisiana, the consequences can be more severe than for non-commercial drivers. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Record of Violations

Every speeding ticket conviction is recorded on your driving record. This record is:

• Visible to employers and potential employers
• Used to determine if you meet federal safety regulations
• Considered when assessing your risk as a driver

2. Serious Traffic Violations

In Louisiana, excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the posted limit) is considered a “serious traffic violation” for CDL holders. The consequences of serious violations include:

• Two serious violations within a 3-year period: 60-day CDL disqualification
• Three or more serious violations within a 3-year period: 180-day CDL disqualification

These disqualifications apply to both your commercial and personal driving privileges.

3. Impact on Employment

Many employers have strict policies regarding traffic violations for their commercial drivers. A speeding ticket could lead to:

• Disciplinary action
• Loss of driving privileges within the company
• Termination of employment

Even if you keep your job, a speeding ticket could make it harder to find new employment opportunities in the future.

4. Insurance Rate Increases

Commercial vehicle insurance is already expensive. A speeding ticket can cause your rates to increase, which may:

• Increase your personal costs if you’re an owner-operator
• Make you less desirable to employers due to higher insurance premiums

5. Federal Regulations

The FMCSA maintains a record of all traffic violations committed by CDL holders. This means:

• Your speeding ticket will be visible to all potential employers
• It could affect your ability to get contracts or loads
• Repeated violations could lead to federal disqualification

Speeding in Your Personal Vehicle

It’s important to note that for CDL holders in Louisiana, traffic violations in your personal vehicle can also affect your commercial license. This means:

• A speeding ticket received while driving your car on your day off still counts against your CDL
• You’re held to CDL standards at all times, regardless of what vehicle you’re driving

Defenses Against Speeding Tickets for CDL Holders

Given the high stakes, it’s crucial for CDL holders to fight every speeding ticket. Here are some strategies a skilled traffic attorney might use:

1. Challenging the Speed Detection Method

The accuracy of the method used to clock your speed can be questioned. This might involve:

• Requesting calibration records for radar or lidar devices
• Questioning the officer’s training in using the speed detection equipment
• Arguing that other factors (like large vehicles nearby) could have affected the reading

2. Disputing the Officer’s Visual Estimation

If the officer used a visual estimation of speed, an experienced attorney might challenge this by:

• Questioning the officer’s vantage point
• Arguing that weather or traffic conditions could have affected perception
• Requesting the officer’s training records in visual speed estimation

3. Necessity Defense

In some cases, a CDL holder might have been speeding due to a legitimate emergency. While this doesn’t guarantee dismissal, it could lead to reduced charges.

4. Improper Signage

If speed limit signs were missing, obscured, or improperly placed, this could be grounds for dismissal of the ticket.

5. Mistakes on the Ticket

Any errors on the ticket itself—wrong date, location, or vehicle information—could potentially lead to dismissal.

Steps to Take if You Receive a Speeding Ticket

If you’re a CDL holder in Louisiana and you receive a speeding ticket, here’s what you should do:

1. Don’t Pay the Ticket Immediately: Paying is an admission of guilt and will result in the violation going on your record.
2. Document Everything: Write down all details about the incident while they’re fresh in your mind.
3. Inform Your Employer: Many companies require immediate notification of traffic violations.
4. Contact a Traffic Attorney: Given the potential consequences, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation.
5. Attend All Court Dates: Missing a court date can result in additional penalties.
6. Consider Traffic School: In some cases, completing a defensive driving course might help mitigate the consequences.

The Importance of Legal Representation

For CDL holders, the stakes are simply too high to handle a speeding ticket without legal help. Our experienced CDL traffic ticket attorney can:

• Analyze all aspects of your case to identify potential defenses
• Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissal
• Represent you in court, arguing your case effectively
• Advise you on the best course of action given your specific circumstances
• Help you understand and navigate the complexities of CDL regulations in Louisiana

Protect Your CDL and Your Career

At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we understand that your CDL isn’t just a license—it’s your livelihood. A speeding ticket can have far-reaching consequences on your career, your finances, and your future. That’s why we’re committed to providing robust legal defense for CDL holders facing traffic violations in Louisiana.

If you’ve received a speeding ticket or any other traffic violation, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the more options you may have. Contact us today for a consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and work tirelessly to protect your CDL and your career.

Remember, when it comes to your commercial driver’s license, every ticket matters. With the right legal strategy, it’s often possible to minimize the impact of a speeding ticket or even get it dismissed entirely. Don’t let a momentary lapse in judgment derail your career—let us help you navigate this challenge and get back on the road with your CDL intact.