Commercial Vehicle Violation

Common NoVA Commercial Vehicle Violations

  • Overweight Citations
  • Driving ommercialVehicle without CDL
  • Using Mobile Phone while Driving Commercial Vehicle
  • Serious Traffic Violations that Can Lead to Disqualification
  • Driving Commercial Vehicle with Any Alcohol in Blood
  • Failure to Meet Physical Requirements/Carry Medical Card
  • Driving While Disqualified
These are only a few violations unique to Commercial Vehicles.  Virginia Drivers of commercial vehicles are also subject to the Code of Federal Regulations requirements for operating such vehicles. These laws can be lenghty and nuanced, which makes having an attorney experienced with these laws all the more valuable.

Who Needs a CDL in Virginia?

Any person driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle in Virginia must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and must keep said license in the driver’s immediate possession. VA Code 46.2-341.7. Unless specifically excluded, Virginia defines a Commercial Vehicle as a vehicle or combination of vehicles used to transport passengers or property, commercially or otherwise, that:

  • Has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more;
  • Has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs or more including towed vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs;
  • Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver; or
  • Is of any size and is used to transport Hazardous Materials.

Generally, a vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the value specified by the manaufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a single vehicle. And, a vehicles’ Gross Combined Weight Rating is the value specified by the manufaturers as the maximum loaded weight of such vehicles.

Why Do I need a lawyer for a Commercial Vehicle case?

It is imperative that anyone facing such violations contacts an experience Commercial Vehicle attorney to assist with these matters to aid in avoiding harsh penalties such as lenghty disqualification periods, hefty fines, and vehicle being placed out-of-service.  Such penalties often effect persons’ ability to maintain employment or keep a business open.  Unnecessarily losing one’s ability to work can effect one’s livelihood and ability to provide for loved ones.  Hiring an attorney can potentially save a person from facing these harsh consequences.