Maryland Commercial Drivers: Weight Limits and Violations   Approximately 2 million tractor-trailers operate within the United States today. Overloading CMVs not only make traffic hazards but can cost nearly $1 billion dollars in road repairs per year.  Maryland operates 13 Weight and Inspection Stations (TWIS) to enforce state and federal guidelines. Any vehicle in excess of Read More

Maryland Commercial Drivers: Out-of-service Violations In April 2012 the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance published their latest policy handbook of standard North American out-of-service criteria for CMVs. Seven levels of inspection exist to help states enforce their guidelines. Canada, the United States and Mexico all come under the same regulations.  A driver can be declared out-of-service Read More

How Do You Get a Maryland CDL? Quick answer: You pick a class (A, B or C), complete Entry-Level Driver Training with a provider on the federal registry, pass a knowledge test at 80%, hold a commercial learner’s permit, pass a skills test, and clear a DOT medical exam. Under 21, you’re limited to driving Read More

Maryland CDL Endorsements: What Each One Means — and What It Costs You Quick answer: Maryland uses the federal endorsement codes — T (doubles/triples), P (passenger), S (school bus), N (tank), H (hazmat), X (tank + hazmat). Each requires a knowledge test; P and S also require a skills test. But here’s what the licensing Read More

New Restart Rule For Maryland CDL Drivers 2013 is coming with a big change for Maryland truck drivers.  Starting July 1 2013, the FMCSA is instating a new restart rule limiting when CDL holders can start driving after an off-duty break. The days of working 82-hour weeks are over. Instead, the new rule requires drivers to Read More

Maryland Traffic Lawyer For Logbook Violations The logbook – some truckers hate it but all truckers live by it. The federal government strictly regulates driving windows and even errors in rest periods can have serious consequences. In a 14 hour driving window,  Maryland truck drivers have a maximum drive time of 11 hours. Here’s an example Read More

What Happens When a Maryland Officer Makes a Mistake on a Traffic Ticket? Many people believe that if the officer makes any mistake at all when writing up a traffic ticket, they can get the ticket thrown out. Unfortunately, the reality is a bit different. If the officer makes a small, insignificant mistake, like writing Read More

Types of License Suspensions There are two basic varieties of license suspensions you can receive in Maryland. 1.    Points Suspension  If you collect between eight and 11 non alcohol or drug-related points on your license a points suspension will occur. Though this is seen as the less severe of the two types of suspensions, there’s Read More

Should I Sign My Traffic Ticket in Maryland? The answer to this question is an easy one: unequivocally yes. Signing your Maryland ticket merely indicates that you’ve properly received it. The Maryland State Police clearly say on their website that a person’s signature “simply shows that you have received the ticket; it is not an Read More