A moving traffic violation in Georgia is considered a criminal misdemeanor. But if you happen to be the driver of a CMV (commercial motor vehicle) and have a CDL (commercial drivers license) you are subject to even stricter laws and codes in Georgia. Those who make their living on the highways and byways of the United States often find that Georgia can be one of the worst states for those who end up with a traffic violation in Georgia.
The assumption is that those who drive a truck for a living and have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) spend more time on the road than the average driver AND are operating a vehicle that is many times larger than a passenger car or even an SUV or pick-up truck. In Georgia, a CMV operator who is found to have committed a serious traffic violation can lose their CDL for 60 days if you have been found guilty of committing 2 or more serious traffic violations in a 3 year period or if it’s a 3rd time(anything greater than 2 really) offense a driver can lose their valuable CDL for 120 days. The list of what is considered a serious traffic violation in Ga is below:
- Excessive speeding (15 mph or more above the posted limit)
- Reckless driving
- Improper lane changes
- Following a vehicle too closely, traffic offenses committed in a CMV in connection with fatal traffic accidents, driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL or having a CDL in the driver’s possession, and driving a CMV without the proper class of CDL and/or endorsements.
A commercial vehicle operator will automatically lose their commercial driver’s license for at least one year if its a first offense for any of the following:
- Driving a CMV(commercial motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
- Driving a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration is .04% or higher.
- Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing.
- Driving a CMV while under the influence of a controlled substance.
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV.
- Committing a felony that involved the use of a CMV.
- Driving a CMV under a suspended CDL
- Causing loss of life(fatality) through negligent operation of a CMV.
So just as in the case of anyone driving in or through Georgia, CMV drivers beware. It’s just best to be vigilant and not do anything that could give a uniformed traffic enforcement office reason to pull you over. Prospective employers do not like to hire a driver with many points and violations on their driving record.
More about Georgia Traffic Laws – CMV Drivers, CDL’s
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