If you work in the transport, logistics or delivery industries in Kentucky, your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is your most valuable asset. It is key to building a lasting career. When you find yourself facing charges like tailgating, your CDL may be suspended, which can lead to long-term consequences for your profession.
Tailgating, or following another vehicle too closely, is generally a severe traffic violation for commercial drivers due to stricter public safety standards. Understanding the stakes of such a conviction is an important step in protecting your livelihood.
Makes crashes far more likely
Commercial vehicles require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. When you drive too close without maintaining a safe distance in adverse conditions, the following can make it harder to stop your vehicle properly and on time:
- Brake lags
- Wet or icy roads
- Heavy rain or snowfall
- Roadwork
- Traffic jams
- Worn tires
Driving far enough away from another vehicle accounts for these factors and allows you to safely come to a stop without causing a rear-end collision.
Limits your job opportunities
A tailgating ticket in Kentucky can show up on background checks for several years, making it harder to get driving jobs that require a CDL. Employers may view the citation as a significant risk and liability if it appears on your motor vehicle record (MVR).
Traffic convictions can stay on background checks for years. Recent moving violations are often seen as warning signs. Many employers have strict safety rules and may reject applicants with recent violations to lower insurance costs and reduce risk.
Leads to CDL suspensions
While a single tailgating ticket might not result in immediate suspension, a second conviction within three years can get your CDL disqualified for at least 60 days. A third charge in that same three-year period can lead to a 120-day disqualification. In addition, each citation results in points added to your CDL, and accumulating too many points can lead to a suspension.
Protecting your driving career
Being charged with traffic violations can derail your job as a commercial driver. Fortunately, you do not have to navigate the process by yourself. Seeking legal help is vital to potentially reducing charges and ensuring you stay on the road.