The most common traffic violation in the world is the speeding ticket, and California is no different. However, citations for commercial vehicle speeding typically start at just five mph over the statewide limit of 55 mph or less.
Maintaining a clean driving record is paramount for commercial drivers. Speeding tickets can have a significant impact beyond the initial fine. In this blog post, we will explore the hidden consequences of a commercial vehicle speeding conviction and how to potentially mitigate them.
What the CA Commercial Vehicle Speeding Law Says
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22406 and Section 22406.1, also titled Speed Laws, are the most relevant traffic codes that address commercial vehicle speeding.
CA VC 22406 makes it illegal to exceed 55 mph in most commercial vehicles, vehicles with more than two sets of axles, including private vehicles, like RVs towing other vehicles, buses, and vehicles hauling hazardous materials (HM).
CA VC 22406.1 makes it a misdemeanor crime to exceed that 55 mph statewide speed limit by 15 or more mph. That only includes commercial vehicles traveling more than 70 mph, not if the grade or road conditions require a reduced speed of 35 or 40 mph, as is very likely on the Grapevine, the Donner Pass, Sherman Grade, or others.
Financial Penalties for Paid Fines and Commercial Vehicle Speeding Ticket Convictions
Commercial speeding tickets in CA typically range from $366 to $800, depending on the severity of the violation. Remember, exceeding the speed limit in designated zones like school zones or construction areas can double the fine. Also, 15 mph over the speed limit is a misdemeanor that could lead to a fine of more than $1,000 and jail time, if convicted.
Likewise, a speeding ticket in a construction zone is a “serious offense” at the DOT FMCSA, as is 15 or more mph over the speed limit.
Beyond the Fine: The Impact on Your Career
A speeding conviction goes beyond the initial financial penalty. Here's how it can affect your career:
Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) Points: The CA DMV assesses 1.5 NOTS points for any minor infraction moving violation conviction, including speeding. Accumulating four or more points in a year can lead to license suspension. That’s combined with your private vehicle, too, though there are exceptions if you can prove most of your points were accumulated in your commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and attend a CA DMV NOTS hearing.
Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) Points: The FMCSA assigns CSA severity points based on your speed and the circumstances of your speeding violation. These points stay on your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years, impacting your ability to negotiate pay and benefits with potential employers.
Protecting Your Driving Privileges
Consulting a traffic attorney experienced in handling commercial vehicle speeding tickets can help you navigate the legal process and potentially minimize the consequences.
Remember, prioritizing safe driving habits and adhering to speed limits is crucial for a successful career as a commercial driver. This is mainly a note for novice drivers, as experienced commercial drivers already know.
“I got two CDL tickets in the Bakersfield area, and they were able to get them dismissed with nothing on my record. I would highly recommend them to anyone! Hopefully something like this never happens again but if it does, they will be the first people I call!”—Jaerinne L. Yelp.
Consult Bigger & Harman, APC, About Your Commercial Vehicle Speeding Ticket
When you have a commercial vehicle speeding ticket, contact Bigger & Harman.
We are Kern County traffic ticket attorneys who regularly appear in Lamont, Delano, Mojave, Shafter, Ridgecrest, and Bakersfield to resolve traffic tickets for CA drivers.
Call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300. Alternatively, you can use the convenient contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.