Truck and Bus Drivers Hide Traffic Convictions

The Richmond Times Dispatch has reported that truck and bus drivers have been able to hide their traffic convictions by attending driving school and then having the conviction erased from their record. This procedure is not permitted under federal and state regulations governing the holders of commercial driver's licenses. However, the drivers have been given this break because prosecutors say they did not think it was fair to jeopardize someone's job. This discovery came in the wake of a fatal accident caused by a bus driver who hit a pedestrian. The driver had several prior traffic convictions but they did not appear on the driver's record and the employer was not aware of them. This loophole has been utilized many times by truck and bus drivers in the Richmond area. Local prosecutors say the practice will no longer be permitted. However, the question remains as to how many other Virgina jurisdictions permit this practice. In Charlottesville, a truck driver recently struck and killed a bicyclist. The truck driver was not charged with any offense although his CDL was not in proper order. Clearly, truck and bus drivers need to be held to a higher standard of care if they are going to be permitted to operate large vehicles on the highways. Employers should be made aware of their traffic infractions so that the driver can face the consequences of poor driving behavior. Federal law requires it and the Virginia courts should not permit it.


Experienced Injury Trial Lawyers
Serving Virginia, including Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Staunton, Waynesboro