MO CDL holders – Why is it critically important to hire a lawyer that thoroughly understands and regularly deals with the CDL laws at both the MO state and federal level to handle traffic tickets received while driving ANY type of vehicle? There is a lot to understand in order for a traffic ticket lawyer to effectively represent a CDL holder as a client. Failing to hire the right lawyer can cost a CDL holder dearly.
CDL holders have to worry about more than just whether or not any given traffic violation can result in points against their MO driver’s license. CDL holders need to be concerned not only about Missouri D.O.R. driving record points but also about their FMCSA’s CSA score/points. Additionally, aside from points in MO and CSA points, a CDL holder also needs to be concerned about whether any given traffic violation is classified as “serious CDL violation” that can result in a CDL disqualification without the accumulation of a certain number of points. If your lawyer doesn’t understand the details of the intersection of these laws they are probably not a good fit to represent a CDL holder effectively.
What are the FMCSA and CSA scores?
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Administration) applies to all commercial licensed drivers that drive interstate, its mission is to prevent commercial vehicle crashes. The FMCSA’s enforcement program is called the CSA (Compliance, Safety & Accountability) program, the CSA uses the SMS (Safety Measurement System) measurement tool to identify drivers with safety problems based upon their road performance and investigation results and then organizes the data into 7 basic categories. Every driver has a “CSA score”. The CSA can take take actions/interventions against drivers, which can be warning letters, roadside inspections and/or investigations. Most CSA points violations only apply concerning driving in a commercial vehicle, however some more serious traffic safety related violations can result in CSA points when received while driving any type of vehicle. A driver can contact the FMCSA to inquire what the impact will be for any given charge concerning your CSA score, and you can check your current CSA score on their website online.
A CDL holder should have a traffic lawyer that understands the nitty gritty details to help protect their license. For example most lawyers that do not have a mastery of all of the CDL related laws might believe that if their CDL client receives a ticket for speeding 10mph over in their commercial vehicle, and they obtain an amendment of that charge to “defective equipment” that they have gotten them a “great deal” that protects their client’s CDL from all harmful repercussions – but they’d be wrong. It is true that in MO a conviction for “defective equipment” will result in no points with the D.O.R against that client’s driver’s license. However the FMCSA further classifies “defective equipment” into sub-types and depending on the FMCSA’s classification of any given conviction can result in as many as 10 CSA points against that client’s CDL CSA score. There are numerous violations in Missouri that if convicted do not result in points on your MO driver’s license but do however result in CSA points against your CDL. You should have a traffic ticket lawyer that knows the difference.
Call us for help with your case today 314-644-7102 or text a pic of your ticket and ask for a quote 314-596-7419.
