How Does an Overweight Ticket Affect CDL? | Carroll County, VA
While traffic violations can have severe ramifications for all drivers, the penalties for professional vehicle operators (those with a commercial driver’s license or CDL) can be significantly more severe. In Virginia, speeding, reckless driving, log violations, and overweight tickets can result in substantial monetary fines, license suspensions, and other harsh penalties, as well as potentially compromise commercial drivers’ jobs.
Virginia overweight truck tickets can be particularly significant in terms of the penalties; therefore, it is critical for those who receive such citations to understand that it is often possible to contest these charges in court successfully. At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we realize that even minor offenses can have a lasting, adverse effect on a commercial driving record and what it takes to get a CDL traffic ticket reduced or dismissed, where possible. When you hire our firm, we can put our over three decades of legal experience to work for you in seeking to keep your professional driving record clear for your current and future career.
If you were cited for an overweight violation or speeding, reckless driving, DUI, log violations, or other moving or nonmoving violations, we invite you to call our office to schedule a free consultation to learn how we may be able to protect your CDL license and driving record. In addition to a free consultation, we also offer affordable fixed fees, and we accept credit card payments.
What is Considered Driving Overweight in Virginia?
An overweight truck citation can be issued in Virginia if a commercial driver is driving a vehicle that exceeds the weight limits imposed under the law. The acceptable weight is generally based on the number of axles and the span between them. For example, a truck with two axles, spaced seven feet apart, can carry 34,000 pounds, while a truck with four axles, spaced 16 feet apart, can transport a maximum of 52,500 pounds.
The trucking company, driver, and other parties responsible for the violation can be penalized. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for collecting payment of citations and is not authorized to adjust or waive the fee.
Considering that overweight fines can easily reach thousands of dollars per offense, it is critical for commercial vehicle operators to understand it is possible to contest a ticket. As a Carroll County overweight truck ticket lawyer, Mark Hurt has the experience and know-how necessary to fight for reduced or dismissed charges tenaciously.
Can I Lose My Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for an Overweight Violation?
Yes. If a commercial driver is convicted of two or more serious violations, a 60-120 day CDL suspension may be assessed. Such violations include (but are not limited to):
- Overweight Violations
- Texting and Driving
- Speeding
- Following Too Closely
- Reckless Driving
- Erratic Lane Changes
- Driving Without a CDL On Your Person
- Driving Without Proper Endorsements
Additionally, a CDL may be suspended for 90 days if a driver accumulates 18 driving record points in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months.
In addition to Virginia state laws, a commercial driver is also subject to federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including license suspensions and disqualifications ranging from 60 days to life for weight violations, logbook discrepancies, speeding with a trailer, grade restrictions, having multiple CDLs, and other offenses. At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we understand how critical a CDL can be for a commercial driver; thus, we do everything in our power in seeking to dismiss or mitigate both state and federal charges and damages.
What Happens If I Fail to Pay or Contest a VA Overweight Truck Ticket?
Failure to timely pay or contest an overweight ticket can have severe ramifications. If a ticketed individual or company fails to pay a fine or submit a written notice to contest the ticket to the Virginia DMV within twenty-one calendar days (of receipt of the ticket), the company’s or person’s privileges to operate a commercial vehicle in Virginia will be suspended. Further, a $50 reinstatement fee will apply, and the commercial vehicle may be detained until full payment is rendered.
Don’t Compromise Your CDL and Livelihood. Call Experienced Carroll County Overweight Ticket Lawyer Mark Hurt Today!
It is well known that when confronting a significant traffic violation (including an overweight violation), hiring a Carroll County CDL lawyer is advisable, as experienced counsel can significantly increase the chances of mitigating penalties compared to self-representation.
If you are a resident or visitor of Carroll County who was cited for an overweight violation, we invite you to call our offices to schedule a free case evaluation so we can immediately get to work in seeking to get charges reduced or dismissed.
