Can a CDL Driver Fight a DUI or Traffic Ticket Without Losing Their Commercial License?

Yes, but CDL cases carry stricter state and federal consequences than ordinary traffic matters. A commercial driver should not assume paying a ticket is harmless, because even one conviction can trigger disqualification or long-term damage to a driving career.

Can I Be Arrested for Driving on a Suspended License?

Yes. In Washington, driving on a suspended license can lead to criminal charges, and in some cases an arrest, depending on the degree of the suspension and the surrounding facts. The consequences can include court, fines, and more time without a valid license.

What happens if I get multiple traffic offenses?

If you get multiple traffic tickets, you are considered a habitual traffic offender. But what does that mean?

You become a habitual traffic offender if…

When individuals that have been found committed for 20 or more moving violations within a five-year period, causing you to have your driving privileges suspended, they become a habitual traffic offender.

Learn more about how a traffic ticket attorney can fight for you in Tacoma, Washington.

If you get six or more moving violations in a 12‑month period, you’re going to lose your license for 60 days. If you get seven within a 12‑month period, then you’re going to get a longer suspension.

Obviously, as you keep getting more, you’re going to lose your license depending on how many you have. Four moving violations within a 12‑month period will lead to probation.

Five moving violations within a 24‑month period, you lose your license for 30 days. If you get another ticket within that probationary period, you lose it for 60 days. It goes up to 120 and more.

You can get temporary probation depending on how many moving violations you get within a 12 or 24‑month period.

After your traffic ticket, you’re entitled to a hearing.

For example, let’s say you got four tickets within a 12‑month period, and they send you a notice saying you’re going to be suspended for 30 days, 60 days.

We can request a hearing where we usually can work out a probationary period with a hearing officer before any suspension goes into effect.

To learn more about habitual traffic offenders, please read our page about multiple traffic offenses.

Can Multiple Traffic Tickets Lead to Habitual Traffic Offender Status?

Multiple traffic tickets do not automatically make you a Habitual Traffic Offender. But repeated violations can put your license at risk.

In Washington, Habitual Traffic Offender status can be triggered by certain serious convictions within five years or by repeated qualifying reportable traffic infractions. The exact risk depends on the type of violations, the dates, your prior record, and how each case was resolved.

If you have several recent tickets, do not assume the next one is routine. Paying another ticket may create another finding on your record, and that can matter if you are already close to a license threshold.

Before responding, review your traffic ticket defense options.

Have multiple recent tickets? Let us review your record before you pay or respond.

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Testimonials

“I can’t recommend the Law Offices of Barbara Bowden highly enough! After receiving multiple traffic citations over the years, I have always been taken care of here. They not only took the time to explain my options but also worked diligently to get my tickets dismissed. Each time they were professional, responsive, and truly had my best interests at heart. Thanks to their expertise, I avoided hefty fines and high monthly insurance rates. If you’re facing any traffic violations, don’t hesitate to reach out, you won’t regret it!”