If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License, a simple traffic ticket can carry serious consequences. A violation that might be minor for another driver can put your CDL, your job, and your income at risk. That risk doesn’t disappear when you’re driving your personal vehicle. In Tennessee, certain non-commercial traffic offenses can still affect your commercial driving privileges.
At Herbert & Lux, we represent commercial drivers throughout Nashville and across Tennessee who are facing traffic violations that threaten their license. Our goal is simple: protect your CDL and your ability to work.
How a Traffic Ticket Can Put Your CDL at Risk
CDL holders are held to a higher standard than other drivers. The penalties are tougher, and the consequences add up quickly. Depending on the charge, you could be facing:
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Points on your record
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CDL suspension or disqualification
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Higher insurance rates
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Trouble keeping your current job
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Difficulty finding future work
Two serious violations within three years can lead to longer disqualification periods. Even one conviction can cause problems with employers who regularly review driving records.
This is why many commercial drivers choose to fight the ticket instead of simply paying it.
Serious CDL Traffic Violations in Tennessee
Certain traffic offenses carry heavier consequences for commercial drivers. Common CDL-related violations include:
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Speeding 20 mph or more over the limit
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Reckless driving
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Improper or illegal passing
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Following too closely
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Driving without the correct CDL endorsement
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Operating a commercial vehicle without a valid CDL
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Violations that result in suspension of your regular driver’s license
Some of these charges trigger automatic disqualification periods. Others may not seem severe at first, but can still damage your record and your employment options.
The details matter — how the stop happened, what the officer observed, and how the citation was written can all play a role in your defense.
Nashville CDL Speeding Tickets and Reckless Driving Charges
Speeding tickets are one of the most common issues CDL drivers face. What might be a minor fine for another driver can turn into a major problem for someone with a commercial license.
Reckless driving charges are more serious. A conviction can affect your ability to stay employed, especially if your company has strict safety policies.
Instead of assuming the charge will stick, it’s worth having someone review the stop. Radar issues, pacing errors, unclear road signage, and other factors sometimes create room to challenge the citation.
Every case is different. The right approach depends on what actually happened — not just what’s written on the ticket.
DUI Charges and Your Commercial Driver’s License
DUI charges create even greater risk for CDL holders. The legal alcohol limit is lower when operating a commercial vehicle, and the penalties are stricter. A DUI conviction can lead to mandatory disqualification of your CDL. It can also affect your regular license and future employment.
These cases often involve detailed evidence — traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breath or blood testing procedures. Small issues in how evidence was collected can matter. That’s why a careful review of the case is so important. Herbert & Lux defends CDL drivers in Nashville who are facing DUI charges and works to protect both their commercial and personal driving privileges.
Why It Makes Sense to Fight a CDL Traffic Violation
For commercial drivers, your license is your livelihood. Losing it can mean losing steady work.
Fighting a CDL traffic violation may help you:
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Avoid points on your record
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Reduce the charge
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Keep your CDL active
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Protect future job opportunities
Not every ticket can be dismissed. But reviewing your options before paying a fine gives you a better chance of limiting the damage.
Talk With Herbert & Lux About Your CDL Case
If you’re a commercial driver dealing with a speeding ticket, reckless driving charge, DUI, or another traffic violation in Nashville, don’t ignore it. Your CDL supports your career and your family. It’s worth protecting. Contact the experienced team at Herbert & Lux to discuss your CDL traffic violation case. We represent commercial drivers across Tennessee and are ready to help you defend your record and keep moving forward.
