Speeding Tickets and CDL Holders: Why It’s More Than Just a Fine
When it comes to criminal defense for CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) holders in Missouri, even a seemingly minor traffic violation can result in job loss, disqualification, license suspension, and long-term damage to one's driving record. A speeding ticket is never “just a fine.” It’s a threat to their professional future and requires immediate legal attention grounded in a strong criminal defense strategy.
Missouri law holds commercial drivers to a much higher standard than regular motorists. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations apply to CDL holders across all states, and Missouri incorporates these federal rules into its own statutes. That means violations that might only result in a fine or points for a regular driver can have far more serious implications for someone holding a CDL. For example, under Missouri Revised Statutes §302.750, certain traffic violations can lead to disqualification, suspension, or revocation of a CDL — even for offenses committed in a personal vehicle.
At Howard L. Lotven, P.C., I’ve represented countless commercial drivers in Kansas City, Missouri, who thought a speeding ticket was just a minor inconvenience — only to discover how serious the consequences can be for their careers and livelihoods. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I always emphasize that a single citation can have ripple effects that extend well beyond the ticket, particularly when defending CDL holders in criminal cases.
The stakes are especially high because commercial drivers depend on their licenses for their income. Losing a CDL, even temporarily, can result in the loss of employment, insurance coverage, and future job opportunities. My criminal defense work in these cases focuses on minimizing or eliminating the long-term impact of such violations.
Why Speeding Tickets Are So Serious for CDL Holders
For ordinary drivers, a speeding ticket may result in a fine, court costs, and a few points on their driving record. But for CDL holders, it’s much more severe. Missouri law treats excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the limit) as a “serious traffic violation.”
Two serious violations within a three-year period can result in a 60-day disqualification of the CDL. A third violation can lead to a 120-day suspension. Because of these strict standards, I approach every CDL speeding ticket as a serious criminal defense matter.
The Missouri Department of Revenue and the FMCSA maintain extensive records of each violation, and even deferred adjudications or plea deals can be counted against a CDL record. That’s why it’s critical to fight every citation strategically rather than simply paying the fine.
Common Scenarios That Can Threaten a CDL
In my years of practicing criminal defense, I’ve seen how certain traffic scenarios can quickly spiral into career-threatening situations for commercial drivers. Some of the most common include:
Excessive speeding – Driving 15 mph or more over the limit, especially in construction zones or school areas, can trigger automatic disqualifications.
Reckless or careless driving – Allegations of aggressive or unsafe behavior can lead to both criminal charges and administrative CDL actions.
Following too closely – This is another “serious traffic violation” under FMCSA rules, even when no collision occurs.
Improper lane changes – Lane violations, especially in large vehicles, are taken seriously by Missouri courts and federal regulators.
Using a cell phone while driving – This is considered a major violation for CDL holders and can result in immediate suspension upon conviction.
Out-of-state violations – Even tickets received outside Missouri can impact a CDL, as all states share data through federal systems.
These are not mere inconveniences — they’re potential career-ending issues that require skilled criminal defense intervention.
How I Build a Strong Defense for CDL Speeding Cases
My approach to criminal defense in CDL speeding cases starts with a detailed review of the facts. Every case presents unique circumstances that can influence how I defend the driver’s rights and driving record. I examine the accuracy of the traffic stop itself — whether law enforcement had probable cause to pull over the vehicle and whether the officer followed proper procedures during the stop.
Radar and laser calibration records are also critical in criminal defense strategy. I frequently request documentation showing when the speed detection devices were last calibrated and whether the officer was properly trained to operate them. In some cases, I find errors or inconsistencies that cast doubt on the validity of the speed reading.
Witness statements, dashcam footage, and weather conditions can all affect the reliability of the officer’s observations. By examining every detail, I aim to expose weaknesses in the state’s case and pursue dismissals or reductions wherever possible.
The Consequences of Ignoring a CDL Speeding Ticket
Failing to address a CDL speeding ticket properly can be one of the costliest mistakes a commercial driver can make. Even a single conviction can have long-term effects on a CDL record. Insurance premiums for commercial drivers often skyrocket, and many employers have zero-tolerance policies for moving violations.
From a criminal defense perspective, ignoring or paying the fine without legal counsel is equivalent to pleading guilty. Once that happens, options for reversing the damage are limited. Missouri courts and the Department of Revenue take CDL violations seriously, and they rarely offer leniency to drivers who fail to respond appropriately.
In my practice at Howard L. Lotven, P.C., I’ve seen cases where drivers lose not only their current job but also future opportunities due to one unchallenged speeding ticket. That’s why I stress the importance of acting quickly and consulting with an attorney before taking any action.
Protecting Your Driving Record and Career
My primary goal in criminal defense for CDL holders is to protect both their license and their livelihood. Even when dismissal isn’t possible, I work to reduce charges or negotiate outcomes that avoid disqualification. For instance, it may be possible to have a charge amended to a non-moving violation, which carries no points and doesn’t appear on a CDL record.
I also work closely with clients to understand their employment requirements. Some companies impose internal penalties for specific types of tickets, even if the state doesn’t suspend the CDL. By anticipating these consequences, I can tailor a criminal defense strategy that fits both the legal and professional realities of each client’s situation.
The Broader Impact on Your Criminal Record
A CDL speeding ticket might seem like a simple traffic matter, but it can intersect with broader criminal defense issues. For example, repeat violations or extremely high speeds can lead to misdemeanor or even felony charges in Missouri.
Additionally, if an accident occurs while speeding, the case can quickly escalate to reckless endangerment or vehicular assault, both of which have criminal consequences.
In these cases, a seasoned criminal defense attorney must defend not only the traffic aspect but also any criminal charges that arise from the incident. Mr. Lotven’s decades of experience allow him to handle these matters with precision, focusing on minimizing all potential legal exposure for his clients.
Federal and Interstate Implications
Because CDL holders often drive across multiple states, their records are maintained in a national database under the FMCSA’s Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS). That means a speeding ticket in Missouri can impact driving privileges in every other state.
In criminal defense for CDL cases, I make sure clients understand that even if a violation occurs outside of Missouri, it still counts against their record. The FMCSA rules don’t allow drivers to “escape” a ticket by simply paying it in another state.
This interconnected system underscores why every CDL holder must treat each citation as a serious legal matter requiring immediate defense action.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Representing yourself in court may seem appealing to save time or money, but for CDL holders, the risks are far too great. Judges and prosecutors in Missouri take commercial driver violations seriously because of the public safety responsibilities associated with large vehicles. Without skilled criminal defense representation, drivers may inadvertently plead guilty to charges that could have a permanent impact on their careers.
At Howard L. Lotven, P.C., I bring decades of courtroom experience to these cases. My criminal defense strategy involves not just defending against the charge but also understanding how each decision affects a driver’s CDL, employment, and insurance. That’s what separates effective legal defense from simple citation resolution.
Taking Action After Receiving a Ticket
If you’ve received a speeding ticket while holding a CDL, the most important step is to act immediately. Contacting a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible allows time to request evidence, challenge procedural errors, and negotiate with prosecutors before permanent damage occurs.
When drivers come to me early in the process, I can often secure outcomes that prevent points from being added to their license, keep violations off their driving record, and preserve their CDL eligibility. Every decision matters, and the right criminal defense approach can make all the difference.
Reach Out Today
For CDL holders in Missouri, a speeding ticket is far more than a minor traffic violation. It can threaten a driver’s job, income, and future opportunities. As a criminal defense attorney at Howard L. Lotven, P.C., I’ve seen firsthand how one ticket can derail a successful career.
My commitment is to provide CDL holders with the strongest possible defense, focusing on protecting their rights, driving records, and livelihoods.
When it comes to CDL violations, proactive criminal defense representation is not only advisable but also essential. By challenging the evidence, questioning procedures, and advocating for fair treatment, I help commercial drivers maintain their professional standing and continue to support themselves and their families.
In the end, defending a CDL is about protecting a career, and that’s something I take very seriously in every case I handle. I’m proud to serve Kansas City, Missouri, and the surrounding areas. Call today to schedule a consultation.