Pulled over for having my GPS in my hand.

Got pulled over my first time from dot and the officer didn't give me a citation but he gave me a inattentive driver violation sideremarks say holding gps...how serious is this? Will it badly affect my future employment... the dot officer made it seem like it wasn't a big deal but that doesn't seem so. Do u think my company would fire me for this?

 

It's not a big deal for him.

What policy your employer has is what matters.

 

Holding gps??..was it your phone with google maps??

 

OMG OP, with a driver who was recently nailed for driving with his tablet taped to his steering wheel, watching Square Bob sponge pants (not kidding) when he got nailed, he wasn't fired, so I doubt if you will be too.

 

How did they know driver was watching Sponge Bob? lol
Driver should lose their CDL just for watching that even during their off time.

 

No was adjusting my gps to see better just bad timing

 

Yeah, watching SpongeBob,,,mmm-hmmm. I'm confused, as usual, no citation, but inattentive driving violation? Sure sounds like BS to me. No official violation, I wouldn't worry either. Besides, I thought holding any phone in a semi WOULD garner a ticket, no?

 

I agree he should lose his CDL for it.

How did they know?

he had it taped to the steering wheel and it was still on when the cop got up on the steps.

What gave it away was not him looking down at the screen but the light from the screen when he rolled by the cop on the side of the road. The cop was perpendicular to the road.

The fleet owner won't say what his part of the fine is but I'm thinking it is at least $2500. He also refuses to fire the guy. This is the driver who drove 100 miles with two flat outside tires on the trailer, he hit something that bent the rims so badly that they look like they were crushed.

 

Did DOT give you a vehicle inspection report & did it list any violations. I guess I'm asking for exactly what does the paperwork say at the very top of the form? The words on that paperwork are what is important, not the conversation.

If there is anything listed under violation you will get PSP "points" on you PSP record. Your company's policy & rules are what counts for now. If this is a big deal at your company, but you keep your job I'd recommend you stay at the company for 3 years so the PSP points drop off your record.

With PSP violations the violation is multiplied by 3 for the first 0-365 days. After that they are multiplied by 2 for next 365 days. Then they are multiplied by 1 for the next 365. The day after the 3rd anniversary of the violation they don't count at all. You need to get no more PSP points if you want to have the best jobs.

 

I've officially heard it all. I can't believe that he busted and kept his job. Worse, I can't believe that a SpongeBob addiction is that important to cause him to tape the tablet to his steering wheel. I'd fire myself.

It can be a big deal potentially. Distracted driving is a big deal. It all depends on the company. The issue is not so much about your employment, it's more about being safe. Just pull over next time. It won't eat up your clock to stop for a few minutes. Do better.