Earning a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a significant achievement. It empowers an individual to earn a living while contributing meaningfully to the core operations of the nation’s economy. As a result, losing a professional commercial license means more than losing the ability to drive a specific kind of vehicle. It can mean losing one’s career.
It is because CDL licensure is so consequential for those who hold these credentials that it is so important for drivers to understand the risks of distracted driving and how a single mistake can put their professional future in jeopardy. Federal and state regulators take distracted driving by CDL holders very seriously, and violations can lead to severe penalties, including suspension or revocation of a CDL.
Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard
Distracted driving potentially involves more than just texting or talking on a phone. It may involve any activity that takes a driver’s eyes, hands or attention away from the road. For truck and bus drivers, this could involve eating, adjusting navigation devices, reaching for something in the cab or handling paperwork while driving. Because commercial vehicles are so large and potentially dangerous, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict rules against distractions behind the wheel.
One of the most well-known restrictions enforced when it comes to commercial drivers and distraction is the nation’s ban on texting and hand-held phone use for CDL holders while they are operating commercial motor vehicles. Violating this rule can lead to steep fines, not just for a driver but also for any employer who allows or encourages this behavior. These violations can also add serious marks to a driver’s record. Even one citation for texting while driving can result in disqualification from driving commercially for a period of time. Repeated violations can cost a driver their CDL permanently.
Ultimately, a distracted driving violation for CDL holders can lead to increased insurance costs, difficulty finding future employment and in cases involving accidents, potential civil or even criminal liability. For drivers who spend long hours on the road, the stakes of distraction are also especially high. One moment of inattention could result in catastrophic harm and long-lasting career damage.
For CDL holders facing charges of distracted driving, the risk of losing a hard-earned career is real. Working with a skilled legal team that understands both traffic law and commercial driving regulations can help.