Does a Speeding Ticket in a Personal Vehicle Affect CDL Privileges?

If a motorist with a commercial driver's license (CDL) gets a speeding ticket while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) it qualifies as a "serious violation" when the driver was exceeding the speed limit by at least 15 miles per hour. Getting two or more serious violations within a three-year period will result in CDL revocation.

But what if a CDL holder gets cited for speeding in a personal vehicle? Do the same rules apply?

When a CDL Holder Gets a Speeding Ticket in a Personal Vehicle

At least when it comes to speeding, commercial drivers aren't subject to CDL rules when driving a personal vehicle. So, speeding violations that don't occur in a CMV generally aren't considered serious violations for CDL purposes. (However, in Oregon, certain excessive speeding violations do count as serious violations regardless of whether the CDL holder was in a CMV.)

But in certain circumstances, a speeding ticket in a personal vehicle can still lead to CDL revocation. In most states, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assesses demerit points for speeding violations. And if a driver accumulates too many points, the DMV will suspend his or her license. Some states also allow or require judges to order license suspension for certain excessive speed violations (like for driving 100 miles per hour or more). When a driver's normal driving privileges are suspended, so too are CDL privileges.

Get in Contact With a Traffic Attorney

For commercial drivers, the consequences of getting a speeding ticket can be serious. So, if you're a commercial driver in this situation, it's probably a good idea to at least talk to an attorney about the options for fighting your ticket.