Federal serious violation

CDL Speeding Ticket Defense

Speeding tickets hit CDL holders harder than four-wheel drivers. Excessive speed can count as a federal serious violation that threatens your license and your job.

What this charge means for your CDL

Under federal rules, driving 15 mph or more over the posted limit is treated as a serious traffic violation for CDL holders. Two serious violations in three years can disqualify you; three can sideline your career for a year or more.

Potential consequences

Possible CDL disqualification after multiple serious violations in a 3-year window
Sharp commercial insurance and carrier safety-score increases
CSA points that follow you to every carrier
Lost loads, lost routes, and possible termination

How these cases are defended

Challenge radar/lidar calibration and operator certification
Question speed estimates, pacing, and clocked distance
Negotiate to a non-moving or non-serious violation where the law allows
Protect your record from masking prohibitions that apply to CDL holders

Do not just pay this ticket. Paying is a guilty plea that can lock in a conviction on your CDL record. Talk to an attorney before your deadline.

Related CDL defense

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Laws vary by state and the facts of your case matter. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our serious violations guide for the federal framework.

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Answers for drivers

Speeding Tickets: common questions

Is 15 over really a serious violation for a CDL?+

Yes. Federal regulations classify 15 mph or more over the limit as a serious traffic violation for CDL holders, regardless of whether you were driving a commercial vehicle at the time in many states.

Can I just pay the ticket to make it go away?+

Paying the ticket is a guilty plea. It puts the conviction on your record and can trigger CDL consequences. Talk to an attorney before paying anything.