Common CDL Traffic Violations in Maryland

A commercial driver’s license or CDL is a special license that allows the holder to operate or tow vehicles with specified weight limits and passenger totals. Many rely upon a CDL to perform essential job duties, which is why a CDL suspension or revocation in Maryland can be devastating. The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration is the sole entity responsible for issuing commercial driver’s licenses in the state of Maryland. They also suspend, revoke, and reinstate CDLs.

If the MVA suspended your Maryland CDL, the State has likely accused you of committing a serious traffic violation. A Baltimore suspended CDL attorney like Hillel Traub can begin to investigate the facts of your case to help you on the path toward reinstating your license in Baltimore and surrounding areas.

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Who Needs a CDL in Maryland?

A Maryland CDL allows people to drive larger, heavier vehicles that are typically used for commercial purposes. A CDL is necessary when:

Your car has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds
The trailer you drive has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds
Your car can hold 16 or more people
You use your car to transports hazardous materials

While thousands rely upon a CDL to do their jobs, many offenses can lead to a CDL suspension, leaving drivers with few options for employment for the duration of the suspension. There are many traffic violations that may lead to the suspension of a license in Maryland; however, the consequences may worsen for those who hold a commercial driver’s license.

CDL Violations

A number of traffic violations may lead to a minimum 1-year license suspension. The penalties can be more severe if the vehicle involved in the offense transported hazardous materials. CDL violations may include moving and nonmoving violations.
Moving Violations with a CDL
Some of the more common CDL moving violations over which the state of Maryland will suspend your license are:

Driving more than 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limit
Operating a commercial vehicle in a way that endangers others
Reckless driving
Tailgating
Improper lane changes

Additionally, a commercial driver may face a license suspension for operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without the right license or having more than one commercial driver’s license from multiple states.

Violations Specific to Commercial Drivers

Commercial vehicle drivers must uphold specific rules when operating their cars as part of their responsibilities of holding a CDL. Violating these rules may result in citations and/or fines.

- Failing to place a placard on a car transporting hazardous materials
- Exceeding the legal vehicle weight

Failing to make a complete stop at a red light or stop sign
Driving without the required minimum insurance
Loading cargo in a hazardous manner
Exceeding the federal Hours of Service limitations
Failing to secure cargo properly
Overloading the truck and/or trailer
Failing to keep updated logbooks per the federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act

DUI Violations with a Commercial Driver’s License

Lastly, DUI with a CDL is a serious violation that can stand in the way of making a living with a CDL. You may lose your commercial license for at least one year if you are convicted of:

DUI with a BAC of 0.04 or higher
Refusing to take a blood alcohol test
Driving under the influence of a controlled substance

Don’t hesitate to contact a qualified CDL attorney in Baltimore and surrounding areas as soon as you learn of the charges against you. The sooner you work with a lawyer who resolves DUI, the more options may be available to protect your CDL and reputation.

Protect your CDL with a Baltimore CDL Violation Defense Lawyer

Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub is a former Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. His insider knowledge on MVA practices provides security for your case, whether you face a minor traffic citation or a DUI charge with a CDL.

Seek a free consultation by calling (410) 580-1100 or complete our contact form.