As a CDL driver, you are probably quite familiar with the basic requirements to keep and maintain your logbook.
Believe it or not, that logbook can be the difference between you continuing to work and earn a living or being thrown in jail and given a criminal record for life.
The following information was written specifically for you in order to help you become more familiar with the seriousness of logbook violations in NY and the penalties associated with them.
New York’s Logbook Law
Under New York Transportation Law 212(a), all CDL drivers are required to “keep and carry on the vehicle records showing the day and hour when and the place where he went and was released from duty, whether in this state or outside of this state.”
CDL drivers need to know that “Failure to produce such records upon demand shall be presumptive evidence of a violation of this article relating to keeping such records.”
In other words, not having your logbook on you when an officer requests it is enough evidence in itself to charge you with a logbook violation.
It is absolutely vital to take your logbook and record-keeping tasks seriously. Failing to make them a priority could result in the loss of your job and the possibility of jail time.
Penalties
According to New York Transportation Law 213, falsifying your logbook and failing to keep records are both misdemeanors in New York.
Getting convicted of either or both of these crimes means you will have a criminal record that will remain with you forever. Remember, New York will not seal or expunge a criminal record, so getting a job (or maintaining your current job) will be difficult to say the least.
Additionally, a conviction for a logbook violation could put you behind bars for up to 6 months and force you to pay a fine of up to $250.
Failing to show up for your first court date can result in the suspension of your CDL. Likewise, under New York Transportation Law 145, the court has the power to “suspend the registration or privilege of operation of any vehicle” relating to a logbook violation.
Imagine losing your CDL, losing your job, and going to jail for 6 months all because you failed to maintain or falsified your logbook.
Do not let a logbook violation be an end to your career. Contact an experienced New York traffic ticket attorney who can fight for your rights.
Who Should You Contact?
If you were charged with a violation of New York’s logbook law (NY TL 212(a) and NY TL 213) or any other CDL offense in NY, contact Adam H. Rosenblum of Rosenblum Law. His team of skilled traffic ticket attorneys will fight to keep you out of prison and on the road. Call the Rosenblum Law today at 888-883-5529.
