Truck drivers depend on their CDL. Without a CDL, you lose the ability to legally operate a semi-truck.
Professional truck drivers need to protect their CDL, which means they need to be careful about how they operate their big rig.
There are several ways you can lose your CDL, such as traffic violations, driving under the influence, or drug-related charges. As a driver, you need to be aware of what can cause you to lose your CDL so you can avoid them at all costs.
See below our 3 helpful tips for protecting your CDL.
Practice Safe Driving
Safe driving is the best way to protect your CDL. So, how do truck drivers practice safe driving? Well, safe driving includes defensive driving, never driving while under the influence. It also means following all the rules and regulations put in place by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
What is defensive driving?
Although you cannot control how other drivers on the road operate their vehicle, you can control how you operate your truck. Defensive driving means being prepared and alert to everything surrounding you on the road.
Defensive driving also means eliminating all distractions that could cause you to drive unsafe. That means using a hands-free device for communicating, avoid messing with your GPS, and eating.
Avoid Violations
The best way to avoid traffic violations is to be aware of all the moving and non-moving violations you could get. Certain violations can affect the eligibility to operate a commercial motor vehicle
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides a list of violations. If you are issued a citation for FMCSA’s safety violations, your CDL could be in danger of suspension.
Here is a list of a few things that can cause you to get a point on your driving record or possibly a suspended CDL.
- Speeding
- Following too close
- Overweight
- Traffic violation
- Reckless driving
- Driving without proper endorsements
- Logbook errors.
Drivers must be aware that any type of violations could result in a loss of their CDL.
Contact CDL Consultant
If you end up getting a traffic violation, it may be worth it to fight the ticket. Fighting your traffic ticket can avoid points on your CDL.
Points add up every time you get a ticket and if you do not watch out, you could eventually lose your license.
If you feel that you can fight your traffic violation, contact CDL Consultant.
CDL Consultant has been the industry leader for over 16 years on tickets, citations, violations, and roadside inspection reduction, dismissal, and mitigation.
They have successfully reduced or dismissed over 35,000 violations and tickets. Also, they have worked with 10s of thousands of drivers and companies including many top 100 carriers. Since they have been in business they have saved trucking companies and drivers over 3 million dollars in fines and over 1 million MVR and CSA points.
The Trucker’s Network members can now save 10% on CSA watch, CDL Manager, and Safety Management Plans. Members will also get a FREE DOT Audit Protection when bundled with either CSA Watch or CDL Manager Service.
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