I am a truck driver and was fined for a traffic violation and went to court. I am reading that legal fees for employment is deductible. are there any restrictions to this

[spgrim]

I am a truck driver and was fined for a traffic violation for being overweight on a bridge and went to court. Turbo task guidance section under eligible expenses lists "Court costs and attorney fees related to either doing or keeping your job" so this feels like it definitely applies.  Are there any restrictions or other rules that would override this?

[Coleen3]

Unfortunately, no.

According to IRS rules, you may not deduct any fines you have to pay for moving violations or other civil infractions such as parking fines or tickets for failure to property maintain the vehicle. You may deduct legal fees and court costs associated with defending yourself in court as a business expense. If your license is suspended and you have to reinstate it, you may not deduct the fees associated with that process. The IRS allows you only to deduct expenses that are necessary for your income-producing activity, and speeding tickets do not qualify.