Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – The Rules You Need To Know

Posted: August 22nd, 2019 | Author: | Filed under: Driver License | Tags: | Comments Off on Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – The Rules You Need To Know

If you are looking into a trucking career, you will have to take and pass an exam for your commercial driver’s license. Being in possession of a CDL license in NY is a heavy responsibility. You need to be aware of the specific rules that come with this special licensing at all times. Failure to comply with these rules can result in minor penalties such as fines. However, depending on each situation, violating your CDL can mean termination from your job and even jail time.

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My Tickets NYC has worked with a number of CDL drivers to help them with situations where they may unintentionally breach these rules. We realize that these CDL policies can be hard to remember, so we try to use your specific case to save you from the repercussions of forgetting some of these guidelines. As a forward-thinking option, we decided to lay out the rules you need to know for your CDL license in New York.

SEE MORE: Will A Speeding Ticket Affect My CDL?

Commercial Driver’s License Rules

There are three different classes of a commercial driver’s license. Violating the rules for any of these types of CDLs can result in disqualification and temporary or permanent suspension of your license. Here are some of the basic rules associated with a CDL license in NY:

  • Ensure you have the proper permits for overweight loads.
  • Keep accurate and up-to-date logbooks. Forgery of these records is subject to jail time.
  • Do not speed. Speeding over 15 MPH can result in immediate suspension of your commercial driver’s license.
  • Adhere to grade restrictions.
  • Adhere to the rules of the road: tailgating, improper lane changing, and careless driving can result in suspension or termination of your CDL.
  • Do not drink and drive while operating a commercial vehicle. If you receive a DUI with your personal vehicle you may still lose your CDL.
  • Do not use your commercial vehicle to manufacture, distribute or dispense a controlled substance.

Disqualification of Your CDL License In New York

If you violate any of the rules listed above or any stipulation outlined in your CDL manual, then you may lose your CDL license. Here is some more information about disqualification of your CDL license in NY:

Major Violations

These violations may result in one to three years of disqualification of your CDL. Major violations include:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance
  • Refusal of alcohol test
  • Leaving the scene of an accident

SEE MORE: Truck Accident – What You Need To Know

Traffic Violations

A second traffic violation results in a 60-day CDL disqualification and a third or more violation results in a 120-day CDL disqualification. Traffic violations include:

  • Driving with a suspended or revoked CDL.
  • Driving without your CDL in possession.
  • Erraticlane changes
  • Following another vehicle too closely
  • Reckless driving or speeding with your commercial vehicle.

When You Might Need An Attorney

If you have been ticketed for a DUI, a traffic ticket, or have been accused of negligence for any rules of your CDL in NY, you will need to talk to an attorney. The result of these accusations are subject to extensive federal fines, jail time, and probably a loss of your income. If you contact one of our attorneys at My Tickets NYC, we can help delegate your case to save your commercial drivers license— and your job.

Contact My Tickets NYC in Queens for NYC’s best traffic ticket lawyers today to help relieve you of your CDL problems. We cover the 5 Boros, Upstate New York, Long Island and New Jersey. Call or text a picture of your ticket to 917-426-2WIN (2946) or email us at info@myticketsnyc.com for a free, non-obligatory consultation.


Penalties For Driving Without a License in New York

Posted: August 22nd, 2019 | Author: | Filed under: Driver License | Comments Off on Penalties For Driving Without a License in New York

Driving without a license in New York can result in severe penalties for drivers. This includes fines up to $300 and even jail time. You wouldn’t expect such harsh penalties coming from actions as simple as forgetting your driver’s license at home. However, based on the determining factors these penalties for unlicensed operators can and will be enforced for anyone driving without a license in New York.

There are several different ways you can be charged for driving without a license. Each one comes with its own set of rules, which is why the penalties for an unlicensed operator are so diverse. My Tickets NYC is a law firm in New York that helps with these kinds of cases across the state. Contact us for a free consultation on how we can help you resolve this problem.

Driving without a license

What Are the Penalties for Driving without a License in New York?

Driving without a license in New York is considered a misdemeanor. Because of this, your case will be taken to criminal court rather than a traffic violations court. Even if you have a driver’s license that you simply forgot at home, you may need the assistance of a professional criminal lawyer in order to reduce the penalties.

Fees and Fines

The lowest fees associated with driving without a license in New York is a license termination fee which ranges from $75 to $300. You will also have to pay a driver’s responsibility assessment fee which will fall between $100-$250 (sometimes more). Drivers are responsible for renewing their license within 60 days of expiration. If you are caught with an expired license after this time period, you will also have to pay $40 to renew your license so that it is valid.

New York also issues mandatory surcharges as a penalty for an unlicensed operator. These surcharges are usually $80-$100. Driving without a license and being ticketed for it also means an increase (or even a loss) of your car insurance premiums.

Jail Time

Under the New York Consolidated Laws, Vehicle and Traffic Law (VAT § 509) being in violation of driving without a license in New York puts you at risk of jail time. If you do not pay the fines associated with these charges, you can face up to fifteen days in jail.

SEE MORE: Long-Term Consequences of Driving Without a License

Aggravated Unlicensed Operator

An aggravated unlicensed operator (or an AUO)is a driver who is operating under a suspended or revoked license. This is a more serious crime, which means an increase in penalties. Here are the differences in penalties for an AUO:

Third-Degree AUO: Issued as a misdemeanor charge and criminal record

Second-Degree AUO: When a license has been revoked three times or suspended on a DUI charge. $500 fine and jail time.

First-Degree AUO: Issued when license has been suspended 10 or more times. Up to $5,000 in fines and 4 years of jail time

Defenses For Driving without a License in New York

If you left your license at home and you can provide proof that you have a valid license (even if it’s an out-of-state or foreign license), you should be able to defend this charge. However, you may still be issued a fine enforced by the opinion of the judge. With a licensed attorney by your side, you may able to avoid fines altogether.

In the event that you have been charged as an AUO, you absolutely need to hire a skilled attorney. In these instances, you will be charged in criminal court, which means hefty fines and mandatory jail time.

If you’ve been ticketed in the 5 Boros, Upstate New York, Long Island or New Jersey, call 917-426-2WIN (2946),complete the e-mail form, or email us at info@myticketsnyc.com for a free, non-obligatory consultation to discuss your situation regarding driving with a suspended license or Driving without a license. SEE MORE: How To Pay a Speeding Ticket Online – New York


Albany: New York Bill Allows Undocumented Immigrants To Have Driver’s Licenses

Posted: June 24th, 2019 | Author: | Filed under: Driver License | Tags: , | Comments Off on Albany: New York Bill Allows Undocumented Immigrants To Have Driver’s Licenses

The New York State Senate granted the Green Light Bill this past week, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license. New York is the thirteenth state to administer this new law, much to the chagrin of Republicans. The vote was a resounding 33 to 29, with New York’s Democratic Party bolstering the majority of the seats which helped pass this new action.

Undocumented immigrants have been fighting for their right to legally obtain a driver’s license for decades. The new bill has stirred a passionate debate amongst Americans, though many fail to understand what the Green Light Bill actually means.

What The Green Light Bill Means

The Green Light Bill was signed into New York legislation on Monday, June 17, 2019. Governor Andrew Cuomo has been an avid supporter of the bill and took pride in being the one to officially sign it into action. The new bill allows for undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver’s license which they can use for identification and boarding of domestic flights.

The Debate

Naturally, the Green Light Bill has evoked political anxiety as well as civilian doubt since the news broke. The debate over an undocumented immigrant’s right to obtain a valid driver’s license is split between pro-immigration activists and those who are concerned with voter fraud. On the one hand, undocumented immigrants have been living in fear of being pulled over. Police encounters for something as simple as a traffic violation could mean separation from their children and a total upheaval to their way of life.

Others argue that the Green Light Bill is an incentive for more illegal activities and also allows immigrants to be able to vote. Prior to this bill, undocumented citizens were unable to register to vote in lieu of a valid driver’s license. Now that they can have these on hand, there is a major concern for voter fraud. There are even some clerks that are refusing to issue these citizens a driver’s license in fear of repercussions.

Prior Laws Concerning Undocumented Immigrants And Driver’s License

New York is the thirteenth state to give legal permission to immigrants to obtain a driver’s license. Before this, however, there were little repercussions for those undocumented who may have been pulled over by law enforcement.

As with anyone driving without a license, the standard procedure is to issue the driver a ticket for being an unlicensed operator. They are treated the same way as any other civilian, so there is no guarantee that this indictment would reveal their unlawful citizenship. It is only after a third ticket that the driver would be subject to criminal charges under Section 511 Article 20 of NY Vehicle and Traffic Law. Other than that, undocumented immigrants would have continued to go unnoticed, despite not having a valid driver’s license. The state of New York actually only credits a driver with an electronic ID number for their ticket to track points that are accumulated. If you received tickets you should seek legal counsel.

Call My Tickets NYC, Queens for NYC’s best traffic ticket lawyers today. We can help relieve you of your problems at 917-426-2WIN (2946) or complete the e-mail form.