The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) point system makes it possible to monitor the driving record of a commercial truck driver. If you’re a CDL holder and truck driving is your profession, traffic violations can have a negative impact on your career.
Understanding a moving violation
Traffic violations come in many forms, one of which includes the moving violation. For CDL holders, a moving violation occurs during the operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Actions that count as a moving violation include any driving behavior that violates federal, local or state driving laws.
Speeding is one of the most common moving violations committed by CDL holders. Reckless driving, tailgating, running red lights, ignoring traffic signs and making improper turns are also common moving violations.
The severity of points
A CDL holder who commits a moving violation can possibly get points added to their driving record. Whether a driver receives points depends on the seriousness of the violation and the state where the violation is committed. For example, a commercial truck driver in New York can lose their CDL if they get 11 points within an 18-month period.
The system and safety
The point system is a way to keep unsafe commercial truck drivers off the roads, as an unsafe driver is a threat to everyone. With the point system, an unsafe driver is easier to spot. A driver who accumulates a great deal of points clearly commits a lot of traffic violations.
To preserve your truck driving career, you should take care to avoid committing moving violations. You can keep your driving record clean by always driving within the speed limit and becoming familiar with local driving laws. It also helps to stay alert and avoid driving when sleepy or intoxicated with drugs or alcohol.
