Fighting a Traffic Ticket as a Truck Driver in Ohio
What are my options in contesting a traffic ticket and what is the best way to go?
Fighting a Traffic Ticket as a Truck Driver in Ohio: What You Need to Know
If you're a truck driver with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a traffic ticket in Ohio isn't just a minor issue—it can be a serious threat to your job and career. For CDL holders, even one violation can trigger license points, increase your CSA score, and lead to disqualification or job loss.
The good news? You can fight back.
At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, we help truck drivers across Northwest Ohio challenge traffic tickets and protect their CDLs. If you've been cited for speeding, lane violations, or logbook issues, here’s what you need to know about defending your case.
Why CDL Holders Should Never Just Pay the Ticket
Paying a traffic ticket is the same as pleading guilty—and that guilty plea becomes a permanent mark on your driving record. For CDL holders, this can result in:
- FMCSA reporting
- Increased CSA scores
- Loss of employment
- License disqualification for repeat offenses
In most cases, it's in your best interest to contest the charge rather than pay the fine.
Common Tickets We Help Truck Drivers Fight
We defend commercial drivers against a wide range of citations, including:
- Speeding (especially 15+ mph over the limit)
- Unsafe lane changes
- Following too closely
- Failure to obey traffic control devices
- Overweight and oversize load citations
- Driving without proper endorsements or documents
Legal Strategies for Fighting a CDL Ticket in Ohio
1. Pleading Not Guilty and Requesting a Court Date
The first step in fighting a ticket is entering a not guilty plea. This allows your attorney to review the evidence, assess officer conduct, and explore possible legal defenses.
2. Negotiating a Reduced Charge
In some Ohio courts, it may be possible to negotiate a non-moving violation or a reduced charge that won’t impact your CDL or CSA score.
3. Challenging the Evidence
Many trucker citations involve radar/lidar pacing errors, improper signage, or officer mistakes. An experienced lawyer can spot legal issues that could result in dismissal.
4. Filing Motions to Suppress
If your constitutional rights were violated—such as an illegal stop or improper search—a motion to suppress may exclude evidence and weaken the prosecution’s case.
What Makes CDL Ticket Defense Different
CDL traffic ticket defense isn’t the same as defending a regular motorist. Prosecutors and judges know what's at stake for professional drivers. That’s why it’s essential to work with an attorney who understands:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
- CSA scoring and employer impact
- Local traffic court rules in Lucas, Wood, and surrounding counties
At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, we have extensive experience handling CDL cases across Northwest Ohio, and we work to minimize the long-term effects of every citation.
We Represent Truckers in Courts Across Northwest Ohio
Whether you were cited in Lucas County, Wood County, Fulton County, or another jurisdiction, we provide aggressive legal representation and honest guidance for truckers on the road.
Even if you're an out-of-state driver who received a ticket while passing through Ohio, we can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you time, travel, and stress.
Don’t Risk Your CDL—Fight Back With a Toledo Trucking Lawyer
One ticket can be the difference between staying on the road and losing your job. If you're a truck driver facing a traffic violation in Ohio, let Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law help you build a strong defense.
📍 Office: Toledo, Ohio
📞 Call: 419-830-7441
🌐 Visit: www.brianmorrisseylaw.com
📧 Email: brian@brianmorrisseylaw.com
