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[Video] CDL Citations: What Happens if I Receive a Warning or Citation?
Laurie joined the ATS team in 2014 as a safety specialist working closely with claims, operations, orientation and recruiting. She supported the operational safety managers across all divisions. In 2016, she took the position as safety manager for the van division. In late 2017, she became the safety manager for all divisions. Laurie is afforded the opportunity to work closely with the operations teams to assist drivers in protecting themselves, their CDLs and the motoring public by making roadside decisions that support our goal of being the most sought-after transportation company in the world. She enjoys her days at ATS as no day the ever the same. Prior to ATS, Laurie worked in an industry regulated by the government (but not trucking). She was a gambling manager for a local nonprofit organization.
Getting citations and warnings is never a good thing for truck drivers, but mistakes do happen. When a you receive a citation, it is either a fine or a summons to appear in court for an act that a law enforcement officer deemed illegal. Citations may come with a code that explains the violation, and they may also explain whether you need to be in court or pay a fine. There are seven categories of citations that are tied to a CSA score. These categories include Unsafe, Vehicle Maintenance, Hours of Service, Driver Fitness, Drugs and Alcohol, Hazmat, and Crash. Violations in these categories can result in a warning, a citation, or both. You can also get a violation for being overweight or not having the proper permits.
There is a difference between a citation and a warning. A warning is a precursor to a citation, but that does not mean it does not carry weight. A citation will appear on a your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) once you pay the fine and/or go to court. Meanwhile, a warning will show up on your Pre-Employment Screening report (PSP) if it is documented during a roadside inspection.
You have two options if they receive a citation. You can either fight the citation in court or admit guilt and pay the fine. If you decide to fight the citation, you may need to hire a lawyer and go to court in person. However, if you win, the citation will be removed from your record and the CSA points will come off your score. If you decide to pay the fine, you need to do so immediately in some cases, and the citation will stay on your record, affecting their CSA score.
To prevent warnings and citations, practice safe driving behaviors, regularly perform pre-trip inspections, and weigh your loads after securing them. If a you receives a citation, you should know how to proceed efficiently and legally.
If you're interested in working for a company that will assist you with issues like warning and citations, fill out a contact form and a consultant from Anderson Trucking Service will be in touch.