HOW DOES A MISSOURI TRAFFIC TICKET AFFECT CDL HOLDERS?

CDL Holders and Missouri Traffic Tickets: What You Need to Know

If you drive for a living, your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is more than just a piece of plastic — it’s your career. A single traffic ticket can put your job, income, and professional future at risk.

Missouri has strict rules for CDL holders, and many drivers are surprised to learn that the penalties for commercial drivers are far harsher than for everyday motorists. If you are a CDL holder in Missouri and need to know more about traffic tickets and how to protect your livelihood, call Speeding Ticket KC today.

Our experienced Missouri traffic defense lawyers know the ins and outs of traffic law in Missouri. We can help you.

CDL HOLDERS ARE HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD

Under both Missouri law and federal regulations, commercial drivers must follow stricter guidelines on and off the clock. This means:

• Violations in your personal vehicle can still affect your CDL.
• Certain offenses can cause immediate disqualification, even if they happen outside of work hours.

Why? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) holds CDL holders to a higher safety standard because of the size, weight, and potential danger of commercial vehicles.

SERIOUS TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS FOR CDL HOLDERS IN MISSOURI

In Missouri, the following are considered “serious violations” for CDL drivers:

• Speeding 15 mph or more over the limit
• Reckless or careless driving
• Improper lane changes
• Following another vehicle too closely
• Driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL in your possession
• Violating texting or cell phone restrictions while driving a commercial vehicle

Two serious violations within 3 years = CDL disqualification for 60 days

Three or more within 3 years = CDL disqualification for 120 days

MAJOR TRAFFIC OFFENSES THAT CAN END YOUR CAREER REAL QUICK

Some violations result in immediate and lengthy CDL disqualification:

• Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI)
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Using a vehicle to commit a felony
• Driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher
• Refusing a chemical test

A first offense can mean 1 year without your CDL (3 years if you were transporting hazardous materials).

A second major offense often means lifetime disqualification.

HOW MISSOURI’S POINT SYSTEM AFFECTS CLD HOLDERS

Like other drivers, CDL holders are subject to Missouri’s point system. Points from a traffic ticket will:

• Stay on your record for years
• Affect your CDL status
• Increase your insurance costs (both personal and commercial policies)

Unlike regular drivers, you can’t get a speeding ticket “fixed” with traffic school to avoid points if you have a CDL.

YES — TICKETS IN YOUR PERSONAL VEHICLE STILL COUNT

This surprises a lot of commercial drivers. If you get a speeding ticket, DUI, or other violation in your own car, it can still be reported to your employer and the FMCSA — and in some cases, it can still lead to CDL suspension or disqualification.

WHY CDL HOLDERS SHOULD NEVER JUST “PAY THE TICKET”

Paying a traffic ticket is the same as pleading guilty. For a CDL holder, that can mean:

• Losing your CDL for months or years
• Being disqualified from certain driving jobs
• Higher insurance premiums that make you unhirable
• Damaging your professional record permanently

HOW SPEEDING TICKET KC CAN HELP CDL DRIVER

At Speeding Ticket KC, we understand what’s at stake for commercial drivers. We work to:

• Get charges reduced to non-moving violations when possible
• Challenge radar/lidar evidence
• Negotiate with prosecutors to protect your CDL status
• Handle court appearances on your behalf so you can stay on the road

We’ve helped countless CDL drivers keep their licenses and their jobs — after receiving a ticket in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri.

DON’T FACE THE COURTS ALONE…CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY

As a CDL holder, every traffic ticket matters. Even a minor violation can lead to major consequences for your career. The moment you receive a ticket — whether in your commercial vehicle or your personal car — you should treat it seriously and take immediate action.

If you’re a CDL driver facing a ticket in Missouri, call Speeding Ticket KC today. Our affordable Kansas City traffic defense attorneys will fight to protect your license, your job, and your future.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.