The Impact of Traffic Violations on Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers, meaning those with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), have a difficult job. They operate some of the largest vehicles allowed on public roads in Kansas, Missouri, and nationwide. Because commercial vehicles are so large, they pose more significant dangers to other motorists than typical passenger vehicles. 

Because of these dangers, the federal and state governments set strict standards for commercial drivers. CDLs are more challenging to obtain than regular driver’s licenses, and traffic violations have more serious consequences for commercial drivers.

Suppose you are a commercial driver in Kansas or Missouri facing allegations of commercial traffic violations. In that case, you can consult a knowledgeable traffic lawyer to learn more about your options.

Commercial Drivers in Kansas and Missouri

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial drivers, but state governments have jurisdiction over many aspects of the trucking industry and other commercial motor vehicles. States are responsible for issuing CDLs for commercial vehicles—the Departments of Revenue in Kansas and Missouri handle CDLs in each state. 

Generally speaking, CDLs are required to drive vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds or two vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds. This includes:

• Semi-trailers;
• Buses and school buses;
• Shuttles; and
• Large passenger vans and delivery vans.

Additional endorsements may be required for specific vehicles, such as school buses, trucks that tow multiple trailers, or vehicles that transport hazardous materials.

Both Kansas and Missouri set stricter commercial driver penalties. Certain offenses, for example, may result in the suspension of a CDL but not a regular driver’s license. Traffic offenses may also violate FMCSA regulations, which can affect CDLs. Each state is also responsible for CDL license suspension appeals.

The Impact of Traffic Violations on CDLs

Traffic violations in Kansas and Missouri can range in severity from relatively minor offenses like running a stop sign to serious ones like DUI/DWI or vehicular assault. Even a seemingly minor violation can impact CDL holders more than other drivers.

Commercial vehicle traffic offenses can result in points being added to CDLs. A sufficient number of points leads to consequences like license suspension or disqualification. 

“Disqualification” means only a driver’s commercial driving privileges are suspended. They may continue to drive non-commercial vehicles if they are not otherwise subject to a driver’s license suspension.

Examples of CDL disqualifications under Missouri law include the following:

• 60 days: Two convictions for serious traffic offenses in three years
• 90 days: Violating an out-of-service order from the FMCSA
• 120 days: Three or more convictions for serious traffic offenses in three years
• 180 days: Transporting hazardous materials while subject to an out-of-service order
• 1 year: Driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.04 percent or more
• 2 years: Second conviction within ten years for driving a commercial vehicle while out of service
• 3 years: Three or more convictions within ten years for driving a commercial vehicle while out of service
• Lifetime: Second conviction for driving a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 percent or more

Kansas issues out-of-service orders for certain traffic offenses, which serve the same function as a disqualification in Missouri. For example, a DUI in a commercial vehicle results in an immediate out-of-service order. 

Kansas makes driving a commercial vehicle a class B misdemeanor while subject to an out-of-service order. The penalty includes license revocation. The state applies the following guidelines to out-of-service orders:

• First offense: 180 days to 1 year
• Second offense: 2 to 5 years
• Third or subsequent offense: 3 to 5 years

Consequences for Commercial Drivers

Traffic violations can have more than just legal consequences for commercial drivers. In addition to the impact on their CDLs, they may face financial, professional, and personal effects.

License Suspension and Disqualification

CDLs are also subject to regular driver’s license suspension resulting from traffic violations. Commercial drivers may face restrictions through disqualification or out-of-service orders that can prevent them from operating commercial vehicles.

Professional Impacts

A commercial driver who cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle may be unable to keep their job. They may have difficulty finding new employment with suspension or disqualification on their records.

Financial Repercussions

Traffic offenses can result in liability for fines and court costs. Commercial drivers with records of traffic convictions will face higher insurance premiums. Reduced employment opportunities will have apparent financial effects.

Personal Impact

Dealing with legal procedures for Kansas and Missouri CDL traffic tickets can take a personal toll on drivers. They may face stress from the process, not to mention the impact on their careers if they need to make career changes, which can compound the stress and emotional fallout. 

Mitigating the Impact of Traffic Violations on Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers do not have as many options as other drivers for limiting the adverse effects of traffic violations on their licenses. Regular drivers can take a class, such as defensive driving, after receiving a traffic ticket to avoid having points added to their licenses.

Neither Kansas nor Missouri, however, allows CDL holders to go to traffic school to limit the impact of traffic violations. The best option for commercial drivers in Kansas and Missouri is to seek CDL violation legal services from an attorney knowledgeable of that state’s law.

Talk to a Kansas or Missouri Traffic Lawyer to Learn More

A conviction for a traffic-related offense in Kansas or Missouri can significantly impact your life and career. For commercial drivers, the effects could be career-ending in some cases. An experienced traffic attorney can advise you of your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Sloan Law Office offers compassionate legal representation to people in the greater Kansas City area who are facing charges for traffic-related offenses, including DUI/DWI. We will help you find the best possible defense for your case. Contact us today to schedule a confidential and free consultation.