So What Happens If I Get A Ticket?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by hidden1, Jan 6, 2021.

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  1. hidden1

    hidden1 Light Load Member

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    I guess I've been fortunate that I haven't gotten a ticket in almost 20 years. I drive conservatively and rarely look at the speedo when I pass a trooper. However, things can and do happen, and since I also ride a motorcycle I am more susceptible to being pulled over.
    This hasn't been a concern for me, but since I'm now seriously looking into trucking, what does it mean if I get a ticket? Does it mean losing my job? Can they be erased by one of those "Ticket Clinic" services?
    Is it different getting ticketed in my truck compared to my car/bike?
     
    hidden1, Jan 6, 2021
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  2. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Tickets in a truck can get you fired in a heartbeat. Or not. Depends on what for and the company you work for. Tickets in the "serious" category, Like speeding 15mph or more over, tailgating, unsafe lane change, reckless driving are bad news. Get 2 of them in a 3 year period and you lose your CDL for 90 days. Get another and it's 180 days more. Get any of those in a few years before you go to truck driving school will make you less employable.
    I would always fight any moving violation. Get a good traffic lawyer and keep your MVR clean.
     
    kemosabi49, Jan 6, 2021
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  3. hidden1

    hidden1 Light Load Member

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    And if I get one on the bike are the penalties the same?
     
    hidden1, Jan 6, 2021
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  4. The Crossword Trucker

    The Crossword Trucker Road Train Member

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    I drive way more conservatively now that I have a CDL.
    Not worth it.
    I also no longer have a beer with lunch then drive home in my car which I used to never think about.
    I also do not ever eat poppy seed muffins .
    Do you know what my favorite bakery item is ? Its a lemon/almond poppy seed muffin
     
    The Crossword Trucker, Jan 6, 2021
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  5. hidden1

    hidden1 Light Load Member

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    I just hope it doesn't drive me to paranoia. Like I said I'm pretty sedate, but I don't want to always be looking over my shoulder.

    Causing accidents I can understand, but going a few ticks over the posted limit has always been a bit extreme to me.
     
    hidden1, Jan 6, 2021
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  6. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    Depending on who you work for a ticket on your bike/car can also cost you your job
     
    flood, Jan 6, 2021
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  7. hidden1

    hidden1 Light Load Member

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    Dang!
    Makes me wonder how guys can keep their position for so long. I've been fortunate, but tickets just seem inevitable to everyone.
     
    hidden1, Jan 6, 2021
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  8. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    I tell new drivers to make dang sure they review 383.51 and get a working knowledge of the offenses listed. These are the ones that can wreck a career. A ticket now and then is not a serious problem provided it's not one listed in 383.51. By now and then I am not talking about every 6 or 7 months. I am talking about 6 or 7 years.
     
    Moose1958, Jan 6, 2021
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  9. hidden1

    hidden1 Light Load Member

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    Good information, Moose. Thank you.
    Wonder how much of this contributes to driver "shortage."
     
    hidden1, Jan 6, 2021
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  10. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Most of my highway driving, in my car, big truck, or when I was still rode a bike, I ran 3 to 5 mph over the limit. Depending on traffic and weather conditions, or course. Try to stay in my lane except when I need to pass someone. Watch my speed in town, especially small town America. And the last speeding ticket I got was in 1987.
     
    kemosabi49, Jan 6, 2021
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