As a motorist with a Commercial Driver’s License (“CDL) you are most likely aware of logbook requirements imposed by both the Federal Department of Transportation and most state Transportation Departments. The logbook requirements can be stringent, sometimes a little too stringent in my opinion, and are primarily motivated by safety concerns and limiting driver fatigue. Under the law, every CDL driver must carry a logbook showing the day and hour when and the place where he went and was released from duty, whether in New York State or outside the state. New York Transportation Law §212(a). 

            Of course most CDL drivers I speak to are aware of these requirements. What most people are unaware of is that failure to keep a logbook, or worse falsifying a logbook, is a misdemeanor, a crime punishable by up to 6 months in jail. New York Transportation Law §213. Even if a jail sentence is not given in a certain case, a misdemeanor on a CDL driver’s record will likely lead to court fines, higher insurance rates, reduced work hours\miles or loss of a job.

            Even failing to show up for the first court date can result in the suspension of a CDL and the court has the power to “suspend the registration or privilege of operation of any vehicle” related to a logbook violation. New York Transportation Law §145.

Hiring an attorney to handle your logbook violation, or any other traffic matter, is a small investment that can save you time, money and possibly your license.  In a most cases involving CDL drivers my clients do not have to come to court as I go for them. Imagine the time from work you would be forced to miss if you have to appear in court in a far-away part of the state. In fact, many of my CDL clients are long-distance drivers and would have to miss several days of work and travel hundreds of miles to be present court. 

Additionally, in a typical case I arrange for a reduction of the traffic ticket and strive to minimize the points for my clients and work to avoid a misdemeanor logbook charge. It is not only your license but also your livelihood. For more information or for a free consultation regarding traffic tickets, please contact me at (585) 325-4445 or Lorenzo@napolitanolaw.com.