Georgia Commercial Driver Traffic Ticket Information

Commercial drivers face many additional pitfalls when dealing with traffic tickets. In addition to any consequences that a commercial driver may face due to the policies of his employer, the State of Georgia has different rules for commercial drivers that are much more strict than for non-commercial drivers. In many ways, a commercial driver’s driving record acts as his job resumé. Insurance is also a major concern—liability premiums for a commercial driver can be very costly.

SERIOUS TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

Any driver convicted of two of these types of offenses within a 3-year period will be disqualified from driving a CMV for 60 days. In the event of a 3rd conviction, the disqualification will be for 120 days.

• Speeding 15 or more over the limit
• Reckless Driving
• Improper or erratic lane change (except failure to signal)
• Following too closely
• Any traffic violation in connection with a fatal accident
• Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) without obtaining a CDL
• Operating a CMV without a license in the possession of the driver
• Operating a CMV without a CDL of the proper class and/or endorsements for the specific vehicle being operated or for the passengers or type of cargo transported
• Railroad grade crossing violations

MAJOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

Any of these convictions will result in a disqualification. If the violation involves the commission of a felony involving the manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing of a controlled substance, the disqualification is for LIFE. Otherwise, the disqualification is for 3 years when it occurs while the CMV is transporting hazardous materials that require a placard. All other suspensions are for 1 year for the first violation, and lifetime for the 2nd violation.

• Operating a CMV or non-CMV while under the influence of alcohol
• Operating a CMV with a blood-alcohol concentration of .04 or greater
• Refusal to submit to a chemical test
• Driving a CMV or non-CMV while under the influence of a controlled substance
• Leaving the scene of an accident (CMV or non-CMV)
• Felony involving the use of a motor vehicle (CMV or non-CMV)
• Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a CMV
• Operating a CMV when the driver’s CDL is suspended
• Use of a CMV or non-CMV in the commission of a felony involving the manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing of a controlled substance
• Racing on the streets and highways
• Using a motor vehicle in attempting to flee or elude an officer
• Operating a motor vehicle with a revoked, cancelled, or suspended registration in violation of O.C.G.A. §40-6-15
• Theft of a commercial motor vehicle or cargo contained therein
• Administrative Per Se (Driving with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more pursuant to Georgia Implied Consent).