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Commercial Drivers

For any individual who holds a commercial driver license (CDL) in Florida, a common traffic ticket is not something that can just be paid and forgotten about. A CDL holder’s driving record is of much greater importance to those whose very livings are dependent upon being able to operate commercial vehicles.

Whether a commercial driver has been ticketed for speeding or was involved in a motor vehicle accident, accumulating too many points on a driving record can lead to a CDL being suspended, revoked, or disqualified. For this reason, it is always in a commercial driver's best interest to fight any ticket to achieve the most favorable outcome that carries the fewest penalties.

Lawyer for Commercial Drivers in Florida

Are you a commercial driver in South Florida who recently received a ticket for any kind of moving violation? Contact Meltzer & Bell, P.A. as soon as possible.

are experienced traffic ticket attorneys in Fort Lauderdale who defend clients in communities all over Martin County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Miami-Dade County.

You can have our lawyers provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call (561) 500-5000 to receive a free, confidential consultation.

Overview of Commercial Drivers in Florida

• Which types of CDLs are required to operate commercial vehicles?
• Which kinds of citations does your firm handle?
• Where can I find more information about commercial drivers in Broward County?

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Types of Commercial Licenses in Florida

The standard non-commercial driver's license in Florida is a Class E license. Commercial drivers are required to obtain a different classification CDL in order to operate commercial vehicles in the Sunshine State.

The class of CDL that a person must obtain will depend on the type of vehicle he or she will be driving. The following CDL classifications apply to the following kinds of commercial vehicles:

• Class A — To operate a combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds;

• Class B — To operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more; and

• Class C — To operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 73.

Certain commercial drivers may also be required to obtain endorsements, which are special authorizations that permit drivers to operate certain types of vehicles or to transport certain types of property or a certain number of passengers. The following endorsements can be placed on Class A, B, or C commercial driver licenses:

• Placarded Hazmat;

• Tank Vehicles;

• Passengers;

• School Bus;

• Double/Triple Trailers; and

• Placarded Hazmat and Tank Vehicles.

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Types of Commercial Driver Traffic Tickets in Florida

Meltzer & Bell, P.A. represents commercial drivers accused of all kinds of criminal and noncriminal traffic violations. In addition to many truck and bus drivers, our firm also assists drivers for rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft who may not have CDLs.

Some of the most common noncriminal traffic violations commercial drivers are accused of in Florida include, but are not limited to:

• Speeding Tickets

• Tailgating

• Traffic Light Tickets

• Distracted Driving

• Passing a School Bus

• Careless Driving

• Illegal Turns

Criminal traffic violations often require court appearances and carry more serious penalties than noncriminal offenses. Some of the most common criminal traffic cases we handle include, but are not limited to:

• Driving While License Suspended

• Driving Without a License

• Leaving the Scene

• Reckless Driving

• Pedestrian Accidents

• Failing to Register Vehicle

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Commercial Drivers Resources in Florida

Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers | Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) — The FLHSMV is the state agency responsible for issuing driver licenses, and this section of its website specifically covers commercial drivers. Learn more about how to obtain a CDL, third party testing, and frequently asked questions on federal rule 384.226. You can also find information about the commercial vehicle citation payment center, CDL medical information, and hazmat endorsement checks.

Florida CDL Handbook | FLHSMV — The Florida CDL Handbook provides basic information to help drivers understand Florida and federal traffic laws and regulations. Sections in the handbook cover driving safely, transporting cargo safely, and transporting passengers. Additional sections cover hazardous materials, school buses, and on-road driving.

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Find a Commercial Drivers Attorney in Florida

If you are a commercial driver who received any kind of traffic citation in South Florida, it is in your best interest to retain legal counsel in order to minimize damage to your driving record. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. represents individuals in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and many other surrounding areas in South Florida.

Fort Lauderdale traffic ticket lawyers  will fight to possibly get your ticket thrown out. Call (561) 500-5000 or complete an online contact form to have our attorneys review your case and discuss all of your legal options during a free initial consultation.

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