What can happen to my NJ commercial driver's license (CDL) if I leave the scene of an accident while driving a commercial vehicle?

A:

Because of the nature of the vehicles being operated by a person with a CDL, certain charges are more serious than if they had been received while driving a non-commercial vehicle.  This is true of the consequences for leaving the scene of an accident in New Jersey. The penalties depend on whether there was property damage or personal injury, and whether it is a first or subsequent offense.

Personal Injury or Death (First Offense)

• Your CDL must be suspended for one to three years for a first offense, with a mandatory three years if you were transporting hazardous materials at the time or the vehicle was placarded for same.
• Your basic driving privileges are suspended for one year.
• A fine of $500 to $1,000
• Court costs of $33 and a surcharge of $6
• A jail term of 180 days in addition to, or instead of, the fines.

Personal Injury or Death (Second Offense)

• Both your CDL and basic license are suspended for life
• A fine of $1,000 to $2,000
• Court costs of $33 and a surcharge of $6
• A jail term of 180 days in addition to, or instead of, the fines.

Property Damage (First Offense)

• Your CDL must be suspended for one to three years for a first offense, with a mandatory three years if you were transporting hazardous materials at the time or the vehicle was placarded for same.
• Your basic driving privileges are suspended for six months.
• Fines of $200 to $400.
• Court costs of $33 and a surcharge of $6
• A jail term of 30 days in addition to, or instead of, the fines.

Property Damage (Second Offense)

• Your CDL must be suspended for one to three years for a first offense, with a mandatory three years if you were transporting hazardous materials at the time or the vehicle was placarded for same.
• Your basic driving privileges are suspended for one year.
• Fines of $400 to $600
• Court costs of $33 and a surcharge of $6
• A jail term of 30 to 90 days in addition to, or instead of, the fines.

If you have a CDL and are pulled over for leaving the scene of an accident where there is personal injury, death, and/or property damage, give my office a call at 888-857-8418 or contact me through this site, for more information and a free consultation.

Related Topics

• What can happen to my commercial driver's license (CDL) if I get a DWI / DUI?
• What can happen to my commercial driver's license (CDL) if I refuse the breathalyzer?
• What happens if I drive a commercial vehicle while my CDL is suspended or revoked?

Have more questions about NJ traffic court?  This article not answer your question?  Get more answers here. You can also get the answers to the most frequently asked questions by downloading my free book, A Guide to Driving Legally in New Jersey and Surviving Traffic Court If You Don't.  It will give you the answers you need all in one place.  Then call me at 888-857-8418 contact me through this site for an appointment for a free consultation to discuss your case.