Understanding commercial traffic law in CA is crucial for drivers navigating Fresno County and California highways. The rules are stricter. The penalties are steeper.
On major commercial routes in CA, enforcement is frequent—especially for commercial drivers hauling freight up and down I-5 or State Route 99.
Illegal Cell Phone Use: A Costly Mistake
In California, even glancing at your phone while driving can trigger a citation.
If a commercial driver is seen holding a phone—even at a red light or while stuck in traffic—it’s a violation.
Hands-free use is allowed, but only with a dash-mounted device operated by a single swipe or tap, or when it is part of the vehicle’s communication system, like the Electronic Logging Device (ELD).
Violations of these rules could lead to fines, NOTS and CSA severity points, or even termination, especially for those drivers who pay the fine without disputing the ticket.
Illegal cell phone use is a “serious offense” at the FMCSA, and a second conviction or paid fine within three years can lead to a minimum 60-day driver disqualification.
Further, all moving violation convictions become a part of your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record.
Many fleet managers and trucking companies will not tolerate a second moving violation. Likewise, the DOT FMCSA can add a huge fine on top of the state penalties, for the driver and the carrier.
Disputing Commercial Traffic Law Violations in Fresno County, CA
No matter how careful you are, mistakes happen. One misunderstood moment with law enforcement can lead to serious consequences.
That’s why disputing commercial traffic Law violations with the help of an experienced Fresno County traffic attorney matters.
At Bigger & Harman, we help truckers and fleet drivers in Fresno County and across much of California protect their CDLs.
From fighting citations to challenging incorrect negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) and Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points, we know commercial traffic law and how to defend you in court.
HOS Rules & State-Specific Requirements
The FMCSA's Hours of Service (HOS) rules regulate your driving time, rest time, and on-duty hours.
All cargo-carrying drivers must take a mandatory break within the first 8 hours of duty. Other driving and working hours are mandated by the DOT FMCSA. There’s a strict limit to how long you can drive or work before you’re required to take another break.
In California, drivers might also be subject to state-specific rules—like mandatory break times that go beyond federal regulations.
These added requirements can be tricky. Staying compliant takes planning and awareness. We help drivers interpret both state and federal rules correctly.
Why Higher Standards Matter in CA
Under commercial traffic law in CA, moving violations mean more than just fines.
Commercial drivers get 50% more NOTS points for the same infraction compared to regular drivers. That increases your insurance rates and raises red flags for your employer’s fleet insurance.
Some employers will let you go after just one moving violation because once terminated, your violations no longer count against their DOT number.
What Counts as a Serious Offense?
Offenses like speeding, following too close, unsafe lane changes, or handheld device use are serious offenses that could result in a driver’s disqualification.
Two convictions in three years? That could result in a 60-day CDL driver disqualification. These violations don’t just affect you—they impact your carrier’s DOT number and bottom line, too.
We know driving commercially isn’t just a job—it’s a livelihood. That’s why we’re here to support and defend drivers who keep California moving.
Reach out to Bigger & Harman’s Fresno County traffic attorneys to dispute commercial traffic law violations and accusations before they cost you your career. Let us help keep your record clear and you in the driver’s seat.
Ask Bigger & Harman About California’s Commercial Traffic Law in CA
If you need resolution of a violation of commercial traffic law in CA, in Fresno Courthouse in Fresno County, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755.
Likewise, you can use our convenient contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
DOT FMCSA CFR Part 383.31, Notification of Convictions for Driver Violations.
CA VC Section 22406 & 22406.1, Other Speed Laws.
FMCSA CFR 49 Part 383.51, Driver Disqualifications.