Many police officers across New York issue tickets every day. Drivers receive citations for excess speed, failing to yield, turning without using a signal and a host of other moving violations. Citations are technically allegations of breaking the law.
Unlike misdemeanor or felony criminal charges, traffic tickets are only minor legal issues. People do not have to go to court because they broke traffic rules. Instead, they have the option of simply paying the ticket. Doing so is the equivalent of pleading guilty to the alleged traffic offense.
For some drivers, a guilty plea to a traffic violation might put their career at risk. When do drivers have to worry about tickets affecting their careers?
When their main job function is driving
People who drive school buses, semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles have to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from the state. People who want to drive for a living typically need to complete special training and pass a test.
They also need to avoid moving violations. Repeat tickets can be enough to make a driver ineligible for a CDL. They may run into issues when they attempt to renew their CDL even though they can keep their standard driver’s license.
When they sometimes drive for work
Many professionals who don’t work in the transportation sector occasionally need to drive for work functions. Some people even drive daily. Professionals providing in-home services are an example. Salespeople and managers may also drive for work.
Every citation increases insurance costs. Employers may sometimes terminate workers who lose their driver’s licenses or who increase operating costs because of repeat citations. They may also consider driving history when considering who to promote to a position that involves driving.
When they can’t get to work on time
People don’t have to drive while on the clock for a ticket to affect their job performance. Motorists who have too many citations are at risk of a driver’s license suspension.
If the state suspends a driver’s license, they may then rely on public transportation or paid services to get to work and other important locations. Workers who can no longer make it to their jobs reliably could be at risk of losing their positions.
A driver accused of a traffic violation may have the option to fight that traffic ticket. Going to court to defend against a traffic ticket may help a motorist protect their license and their career.
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