What are considered serious traffic violations for a commercial driver?

Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is categorized as a serious traffic violation because it directly affects the driver’s qualification to operate a vehicle that requires specialized skills and knowledge. A valid CDL ensures that the driver has undergone the necessary training to handle the complexities and regulations associated with operating a CMV safely. The requirements for obtaining a CDL involve passing written and skills tests that show the driver understands the specific regulations and safe operating procedures needed for commercial driving. Operating a CMV without one not only puts the driver at risk but also poses a danger to other road users.

In contrast, excessive speeding greater than 10 mph could also be considered serious, but the baseline violation of driving without a valid CDL has stricter implications and consequences, as it undermines all standards of eligibility to drive commercially. Driving a CMV without passengers is not a violation in itself, and while using a mobile device while driving is unsafe and can lead to penalties, it may not reach the same level of seriousness as operating without the proper licensing.