CDL Ticket Lawyer

When CDL Tickets Jeopardize Your Professional Driving Job in New York and New Jersey

Licensed drivers of commercial vehicles — from trucks, 18-wheelers and semi tractor-trailers to cabs, vans and shuttles — depend on the legal ability to drive so they can continue to make their livings. In New York and New Jersey since 1986, the skilled and client-focused traffic violations attorney who aggressively protects your rights after a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) ticket or accident is Craig Bondy, founder of The Law Office of Craig Bondy.

Whether you have a New York truck ticket, a speeding ticket or any other NYC traffic ticket, The Law Office of Craig Bondy cares about your situation — and urges you to submit your ticket online, and contact our law firm directly for a free evaluation of your ticket, and no-obligation initial consultation.

Types of CDL Violations We Handle

At The Law Office of Craig Bondy, we regularly defend commercial drivers throughout the five boroughs and beyond, addressing a wide range of CDL violations that can threaten your livelihood. From the busy streets of Manhattan to the long hauls along the New York State Thruway, we understand the challenges commercial drivers face.

Moving Violations

Whether you received a ticket near Times Square during rush hour or were cited for excessive speed on the Long Island Expressway, our attorneys have successfully contested countless moving violations. We handle improper lane changes, following too closely, failure to yield, and red light violations that often occur in congested areas like the approaches to the George Washington Bridge.

Weight and Equipment Violations

Commercial vehicles face strict regulations regarding weight limits and equipment maintenance. We defend drivers cited at weigh stations along I-87, address DOT inspections at checkpoints near the Port Authority, and contest equipment violations discovered during roadside inspections on the Cross Bronx Expressway.

Hours of Service and Logbook Violations

Our firm has deep knowledge of federal regulations concerning hours of service. We represent drivers cited for logbook discrepancies whether you’re making deliveries in Queens or completing a long-haul route across state lines through Buffalo. We understand how electronic logging devices work and can identify enforcement errors.

DUI and Serious Traffic Offenses

Commercial drivers face more severe consequences for DUI and serious traffic offenses, with lower BAC thresholds and harsher penalties. Our attorneys provide vigorous defense for CDL holders facing these charges throughout New York City, Westchester County, and across the state.

Out-of-State Violations

We assist drivers who received citations while passing through the Triborough Bridge, traveling through the Holland Tunnel, or making deliveries to businesses along the Bronx River Parkway. Our attorneys understand interstate compacts and can help protect your driving privileges across jurisdictional boundaries.

Oversize/Overweight Permits

Our firm regularly assists with violations related to oversize loads and special permits, whether you’re transporting materials to construction sites in Brooklyn or delivering equipment to facilities upstate near the Adirondacks.

We’ve successfully represented countless commercial drivers from local delivery services operating in SoHo to long-haul truckers traveling the entire Eastern Seaboard. Our thorough understanding of commercial transportation regulations, traffic court procedures, and defense strategies has helped drivers maintain their licenses and continue their careers.

Remember, a traffic violation that might be minor for a regular driver can be career-threatening for a CDL holder. Contact The Law Office of Craig Bondy before your court date for the strongest possible defense.

CDL Violation Consequences

At The Law Office of Craig Bondy, we’ve seen firsthand how CDL violations can devastate professional drivers’ careers. Commercial drivers in New York face a complex web of penalties that extend far beyond those affecting regular license holders.

1. Point System Impact

New York’s DMV assigns points for various traffic violations, from 2 points for minor infractions to 11 points for serious offenses like speeding more than 40 mph over the limit. For CDL holders, these points not only affect your regular license but can trigger additional consequences for your commercial privileges. Accumulating too many points can result in license suspension, effectively ending your ability to work.

2. License Suspension and Revocation Risks

CDL holders face stricter standards than regular drivers. While most New Yorkers need three serious violations in 18 months to trigger a suspension, commercial drivers can lose their privileges after just two. Certain violations, like transporting hazardous materials improperly through the Lincoln Tunnel or operating overweight cargo, can result in immediate suspension.

Even more concerning, some violations that merely result in fines for regular drivers can lead to mandatory license suspensions for commercial operators. For example, operating a commercial vehicle with any detectable alcohol (even below the 0.04% threshold) while traveling on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway can result in a 24-hour out-of-service order.

3. Federal Regulations and CDL Disqualification

Beyond New York State regulations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration imposes additional penalties. Serious violations while operating commercial vehicles on I-95, I-87, or even local delivery routes in Staten Island can lead to disqualification periods ranging from 60 days to life, depending on the offense and prior history.

4. Employment Consequences

Most motor carriers in the metropolitan area conduct regular checks of their drivers’ records. Violations appearing on your driving record – whether they occurred while delivering to businesses along Fifth Avenue or hauling goods on the FDR Drive – can result in termination based on company safety policies and insurance requirements.

5. Insurance Premium Increases

CDL violations typically trigger substantial insurance premium increases for both you personally and potentially your employer. These increased costs can make you less employable as trucking companies operating out of shipping facilities in Red Hook or distribution centers in the Bronx face tighter margins.

6. CSA Score Impacts

The FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scoring system tracks violations and crashes. Higher scores resulting from violations on the Cross County Parkway or while making deliveries in Midtown can lead to increased scrutiny during roadside inspections, affecting both you and your employer.

7. Career Limitations

With a record of serious violations, you may find yourself unable to secure employment with carriers that transport high-value goods or hazardous materials through the Holland Tunnel or to facilities in New Jersey. Many of our clients who once enjoyed routes through scenic Hudson Valley have found themselves limited to less desirable local routes after accumulating violations.

8. Financial Burdens

Beyond fines, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on whether the violation occurred in Manhattan Criminal Court or a local traffic court in White Plains, CDL holders face additional costs including:

• Legal representation fees
• Lost wages during court appearances
• Costs associated with traveling to court locations
• Potential retraining or remedial course expenses
• Higher insurance premiums

Our firm has helped countless drivers maintain their livelihoods after receiving violations while traveling through Queens, making deliveries in the financial district, or operating on highways throughout the tri-state area. We understand the profound impact these violations can have on your career and financial stability.

Our Approach to CDL Defense

At The Law Office of Craig Bondy, we understand that for commercial drivers, your license isn’t just a privilege—it’s your livelihood. Our approach to defending CDL holders facing violations throughout New York is comprehensive, strategic, and tailored to the unique circumstances commercial drivers face daily.

Thorough Case Investigation

When you bring your case to our firm, we begin with a meticulous investigation. This includes:

• Analyzing the circumstances of your stop, whether it occurred at a weigh station on the New York State Thruway or during a routine inspection near the Hunts Point Market
• Reviewing officer credentials and equipment calibration records
• Examining dashcam footage when available
• Investigating potential procedural errors

Our attorneys have identified numerous technical deficiencies in cases ranging from speeding violations on the Long Island Expressway to logbook discrepancies discovered during Port Authority inspections.

Strategic Case Assessment

We conduct a thorough analysis of:

• The specific violation alleged
• The location where it occurred (which can determine jurisdiction—Brooklyn Traffic Court operates differently than courts in Nassau County)
• Your driving history and previous violations
• Potential consequences to your commercial driving privileges
• Available defense strategies based on similar cases we’ve handled

Proactive Court Representation

Our attorneys appear in traffic courts throughout the five boroughs and beyond. We:

• File all necessary motions and paperwork within strict deadlines
• Challenge improper evidence or procedure
• Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges when possible
• Present compelling arguments to judges who understand the weight of their decisions on commercial drivers’ careers

Industry-Specific Defense Strategies

We leverage our deep understanding of both New York traffic law and FMCSA regulations. Our defense strategies are informed by:

• Knowledge of commercial vehicle operations in urban environments like the Bronx and Manhattan
• Familiarity with industry-standard practices for long-haul drivers traveling through New York
• Understanding of electronic logging devices and hours-of-service requirements
• Recognition of how violations impact CSA scores and insurance rates

Client Communication and Education

We keep you informed throughout the process, explaining:

• Potential outcomes based on similar cases we’ve handled in courts from Staten Island to Suffolk County
• Steps you can take to strengthen your defense
• How to maintain your driving record while your case progresses
• Strategies to minimize impacts on your employment

Post-Resolution Support

After resolving your case, we provide:

• Documentation for your employer
• Guidance on reporting requirements to the DMV
• Advice on maintaining your license and avoiding future violations while navigating challenging routes through the Cross Bronx Expressway or delivering to crowded locations in SoHo

Our track record speaks for itself—we’ve successfully defended countless CDL holders who received violations throughout the metropolitan area, from the tight streets of Lower Manhattan to the highways connecting New York to neighboring states. When your career is on the line, our focused approach to CDL defense makes all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Violations

1. What should I do immediately after receiving a CDL traffic ticket in New York?

Don’t delay in seeking legal representation. Unlike regular traffic tickets, CDL violations can have immediate and serious consequences for your livelihood. Contact The Law Office of Craig Bondy as soon as possible after receiving a ticket, whether you were cited while making deliveries in Lower Manhattan or traveling through the Lincoln Tunnel. Avoid discussing your case with law enforcement or admitting fault, and make sure to note all details about the incident.

2. How do CDL traffic violations differ from regular traffic tickets?

CDL holders face stricter penalties and lower thresholds for violations. While a speeding ticket on the Belt Parkway might result in just a fine for a regular driver, it could threaten a commercial driver’s career. CDL holders are held to higher standards under both New York State law and federal regulations. Additionally, violations that occur in your personal vehicle can still affect your commercial driving privileges.

3. Can you handle tickets issued in different parts of New York?

Yes. The Law Office of Craig Bondy represents commercial drivers throughout the New York metropolitan area and beyond. We regularly appear in courts from Staten Island to Suffolk County, handling cases that occur on the Cross Bronx Expressway, near JFK airport, along commercial routes in Brooklyn, and everywhere in between. We understand the procedural differences between various traffic courts across the region.

4. How long does resolving a CDL violation typically take?

Timeframes vary depending on the court’s location and caseload. Cases in busy Manhattan traffic courts may take longer than those in less congested jurisdictions like Orange County. Generally, we work to resolve most violations within 2-4 months, though complex cases involving serious violations like DUIs may take longer. Throughout the process, we ensure your case moves as efficiently as possible while building the strongest defense.

5. What are the most common CDL violations you handle?

We regularly defend drivers cited for speeding on highways like I-87, logbook violations discovered during inspections near Port Authority facilities, overweight violations at weigh stations approaching the George Washington Bridge, equipment violations, and improper lane changes in congested areas like Midtown. Our firm has extensive experience with the full spectrum of violations affecting commercial drivers.

6. Will I need to appear in court for my CDL violation?

In many cases, our attorneys can appear on your behalf, allowing you to maintain your driving schedule whether that’s making deliveries throughout Queens or operating routes to upstate New York. However, for more serious violations, your presence may be required. We’ll clearly communicate when you need to appear and work to schedule court dates that minimize disruption to your work.

7. How much does it cost to fight a CDL ticket?

Our fees vary based on the complexity of your case, the potential consequences, and the court location—whether it’s in downtown Brooklyn or Westchester County. We offer transparent fee structures and clear estimates during your initial consultation. Remember that while legal representation requires an investment, the cost of losing your CDL and the resulting impact on your career can be far greater.

8. Can points from a CDL violation be removed from my record?

New York’s Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) allows drivers to reduce up to 4 points from their record. However, while taking defensive driving courses can help with point reduction, they don’t erase the violation from your record. Our primary focus is preventing points from being assessed in the first place by fighting the underlying violation, whether it occurred on the FDR Drive or near the Whitestone Bridge.

9. What happens if I get a CDL violation outside of New York?

Through interstate compacts, violations in other states typically transfer to your New York driving record. The Law Office of Craig Bondy helps drivers who received citations while traveling through neighboring states or delivering to destinations outside New York. We work with local counsel when necessary to protect your driving privileges across jurisdictional boundaries.

10. How long do violations stay on my CDL record?

Most violations remain on your record for 3-5 years, though serious offenses may stay longer. During this time, they can affect your employment prospects with carriers operating out of facilities in the Bronx, insurance premiums, and ability to maintain your CDL. Our firm works to minimize these long-term consequences through aggressive defense strategies tailored to commercial drivers.

Protect Your Commercial Driving Career Today

Your CDL is more than just a license—it’s your livelihood and the foundation of your professional future. At The Law Office of Craig Bondy, we understand what’s at stake when commercial drivers face violations in New York City and throughout the state. Whether you’ve been cited while navigating the challenging streets of Manhattan, making deliveries in Brooklyn, or traveling along the Long Island Expressway, we’re ready to defend your driving privileges with the vigor and knowledge they deserve.