Defending Commercial Truck Drivers and Impacts on CDLs
What can be done if a CDL holder has a ticket?
For commercial truck drivers, getting a traffic ticket is more than just an inconvenience—it can put your livelihood at risk. Unlike ordinary motorists, truckers are held to a higher standard. A single violation can lead to points on your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), increased insurance premiums, employer discipline, or even job loss.
If you're a CDL holder who received a traffic citation in Ohio, you can't afford to simply pay the fine and move on. At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, I can help truck drivers protect their licenses, reputations, and careers.
CDL Holders Face Stricter Penalties in Ohio
Commercial drivers are regulated not only by Ohio traffic laws but also by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This means violations are often reported at the federal level and can result in serious consequences.
Some of the most common violations include:
- Speeding (especially 15 mph over the limit)
- Following too closely
- Improper lane changes
- Logbook or HOS (Hours of Service) violations
- Running red lights or stop signs
These aren't just tickets—they're career risks.
What Happens If a CDL Holder Gets a Ticket?
Ohio law doesn’t allow CDL holders to participate in diversion programs or plead to no-point violations in many jurisdictions. A conviction—even for a minor offense—can lead to:
- Points on your license
- Increased CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
- Employer discipline or termination
- License disqualification for repeat offenses
A second serious violation within three years could result in a 60-day disqualification. A third could result in 120 days off the road.
Don’t Just Pay the Ticket—Fight It
Many truckers think that paying a traffic ticket is the easiest way to move on. But paying is the same as pleading guilty. That guilty plea will follow you across state lines and appear in your driving record—and may be reported to your employer, your insurance company, and the FMCSA.
The better approach? Enter a plea of not guilty and try to fight the ticket.
At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, we help commercial drivers contest citations and protect their CDL. Whether you were stopped on I-75, I-280, the Ohio Turnpike, or another road in the Toledo area, we can help.
Experienced CDL Ticket Defense for Truck Drivers in Ohio
Attorney Brian C. Morrissey understands how important your CDL is. We fight aggressively to reduce or dismiss charges so that you can stay on the road and keep your record clean. Our office handles:
- Speeding tickets
- Overweight/oversize citations
- Unsafe lane changes
- All CDL-related offenses
Serving Toledo and Northwest Ohio Truckers
We represent truck drivers cited in Lucas County, Wood County, and Fulton County. Whether you’re a local driver or just passing through, we offer experienced, accessible legal help.
Contact a Toledo CDL Ticket Lawyer Today
If you’re a truck driver facing a traffic citation in Ohio, don’t wait. Contact Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law today for a consultation. We’ll help you explore your legal options and fight to protect your license.
📍 Office: Toledo, Ohio
📞 Call: 419-830-7441
🌐 Visit: www.brianmorrisseylaw.com
📧 Email: brian@brianmorrisseylaw.com
