So you get pulled over by the police while on the job driving your semi-trailer truck and are issued a moving violation. It happens. But now what? How long does it appear on your record? How will it affect your chances of landing a job as a company driver in the future? Does a moving violation affect your CDL if you are driving your personal vehicle?
A moving violation is a violation that occurs while the vehicle is in use. One of the most important things to realize is that your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) is not only impacted by your time operating a commercial vehicle, any violations that you get while driving your personal vehicle will also show up on your professional record. Although it may seem unfair, CDL holders are held to a higher standard when it comes to the rules of the road.
These are some of the substantial violations that could result in an automatic suspension and/or loss of your CDL.
Repeated speeding tickets while driving a personal vehicle.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol - It’s important to keep in mind that truck drivers are held to a higher sobriety standard. A truck driver’s blood alcohol content may not exceed 0.04.
Refusing a breathalyzer or another sobriety test requested by law enforcement.
Leaving the scene of an accident - This type of incident can be problematic for OTR drivers because they may not realize their rear tires impacted another vehicle when turning.
Operating a motor vehicle without appropriate insurance.
Criminal conduct – A driver uses a commercial vehicle while in the commission of a felony (illegally transporting or possession of a controlled substance, for example).
Be aware that future employers will check your driving history during the hiring process by accessing your MVR and PSP:
1. Motor Vehicle Record (MDV)
Includes violations from specific state (length of history varies by state)
Only includes violation convictions (citations and warnings will not appear)
Only includes data from a driver’s CDL in that particular state
2. Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP)
Federal database – includes FMCSA* violations
Includes ALL safety violations cites to a driver with 5 years of crash history
Citations may appear even if a ticket was not issued
Includes data from any CDL numbers a driver has held in past 5 years regardless of state
You should periodically check these reports so you aren’t caught unaware when applying for a new driving job. Also, if you see an incorrect citation, you can contest it and correct your record.
*The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides a comprehensive list of violations that are attributed to carelessness. Its Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) enforcement program reviews the more technical aspects of hauling freight. If you are issued a citation on one or more of the FMCSA’s safety violations, your CDL could be in imminent danger of suspension.
Having citations on your record does not necessarily take you out of the running with a new employer. Especially if you can be upfront about your mistakes and take responsibility. Good employers know that the best drivers are able to admit their mistakes and explain how they have changed their driving habits to make sure it doesn’t happen again. A good driver isn’t perfect, but they are safety-minded and focused on improvement.
At Carleton Transport, our goal is to create calm in the chaos of the trucking industry while maintaining driver safety. If you’re interested in hearing more about our current driving opportunities, call 402-332-0260 to speak with our recruiter. Or, visit our website at carletontransport.com/driving-jobs today.
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