Michigan Commercial Traffic Attorney

Defense for Commercial Drivers in Michigan

The consequences of committing traffic violations can be a burden to most drivers in Michigan. That burden is significantly increased when the driver is a commercial vehicle driver. State laws on the driving are stricter on commercial drivers and generally carry a greater penalty. The Michigan State Police Department Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division includes motor carrier officers. These motor carrier officers are specifically assigned the task of enforcing traffic safety laws on commercial vehicles. Their duties include size and weight enforcement of the load carried by the vehicle, inspections of the vehicles and their driver and enforcing regulations on the transport of hazardous materials.

Penalties for traffic violations by commercial drivers can be detrimental to the driver and their family. While tickets hold a general fine, like conventional traffic tickets, commercial drivers are also subject to facing license suspension. The potential of a commercial driver's license suspension affects the individual's ability to earn a livelihood for the duration of the suspension. Additionally, having a violation on a commercial driver's record can affect their ability to seek future employment elsewhere. The risks are high for commercial drivers and therefore the need for strong defense against a traffic ticket is all the more demanding.

Current Michigan state law on the subject of commercial driving regulations is constantly being tightened by state officials. Traffic violations remain on the driver's record for up to 10 years and if more than one violation is made within the span of two years, the commercial license can be suspended as a penalty. In addition to state law, the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) 2010 initiative of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) increased federal penalties of various traffic violations for commercial drivers.

CDL traffic regulations differ from those for non-commercial drivers, both on a federal and state level. While the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level for non-commercial drivers is limited at 0.08 percent, commercial drivers are required to maintain a BAC of 0.04% or less. Additionally, conviction of driving commercial vehicle while in violation of the BAC level can result in license suspension for at least a year, on top of other conventional penalties. Other violations that may result in license suspension include but are not limited to leaving the scene of an accident in which the CMV was involved and use of a CMV in the commission of a felony crime. Suspension is increased to a minimum of three years if the CMV was transporting hazardous material during the time of the violation.

Protect Your CDL – Contact a Michigan Traffic Ticket Lawyer

At Freedman Law Group, we understand the special sensitivities that accompany commercial driving violations. Our Michigan traffic ticket attorney has experience defending commercial driver clients against traffic tickets including but not limited to instances concerning driving while influenced by drugs or alcohol, speeding, running a red light and insurance violations. We represent clients with commercial driver's licenses throughout the entire state Michigan.

Our firm believes in providing an aggressive defense on behalf of our clients and personalized service to achieve client satisfaction. If you are a commercial driver who received a traffic citation of any kind, contact a Michigan traffic ticket attorney at Freedman Law Group today to discuss your case.