Was going to start CDL school in March. I just received a traffic violation, first one in 20 years. Was at a stop light, light turned green traffic on bothsides of me started rolling. I took my foot off the brake and tapped vehicle in front of me, no damage to either vehicle. But the driver I tapped insisted on calling it in. State Tropper gave me a careless driving ticket. Does this affect job searches. Thinking of taking it to court. I agree I was at fault be there was no damage done.
2 Likes
Hey Tony,
Yes, definitely take it to court and see if you can get it reduced to a non-moving violation and a fine. Obviously, courts are most concerned about getting some money out of you. You care most about keeping points and moving violations off your record. Hopefully, you can make a deal.
It’s not going to prevent you from getting started in trucking, but you have to start protecting your license for all its worth. Keep it as clean as possible.
Don’t lose any sleep over it, but do fight it.
3 Likes
FWIW, a month before I applied to Swift I got a “15 over" speeding ticket. My driving record was otherwise spotless going back 20 years. Never heard a peep from Swift about it and I got Swift CDL training and the truck job.
It is a good idea to show up in court and plead your case. It rarely will get worse than it already is and you could get the penalty reduced. (Do mention you’re looking for a trucking job so the judge understands how important it is.)
A word of advice: In your big truck do not move up on the car in front of you at a stop light. Many reasons I won’t go into here, just leave about 10 feet minimum between you and the car ahead.
2 Likes
In my experience searching companies to start with, a lot of them just say no more than 2 or 3 moving violations in the past like 3 years or so. I think you should be fine.
Maybe call a recruiter from a company you think you may try and start with or even a couple different companies and ask them about it. I really feel like you should be fine.
I definitely agree with fighting it in court to get it reduced or removed.
3 Likes
Thanks for the replies. Has me alittle worried. Diffinently going to see if it can get reduced. Should I wait to see about getting it reduced before signing up with a Carrier
No. I agree with Davy. Get this ticket reduced or thrown out before you apply to any company. You do not want this driving charge to appear on your license. It could be a death sentence for any application for a company to see and end your chances for a job before you even start. Good luck.
3 Likes
Thank you for the advise. Working on it now ticket has still not been turned into the state. Staying on top of it.
1 Like
Sorry I guess an accident is different than a moving violation. That’s why I really try not to answer questions on here. There are far more knowledgeable folks on here than me.
Sorry about that. Good luck with everything.
@JayP says
That’s why I really try not to answer questions on here
Not so much there, JayP. Keep posting. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you learn something new.
2 Likes
I can agree with that. Thank you Bud