How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in a Commercial Vehicle in Fresno, CA
Getting a speeding ticket in a commercial vehicle can seriously impact your CDL and your driving career.
In Fresno County, CA, traffic enforcement is strict—especially for truckers traveling on I-5. Watch out for “speed traps”near Santa Nella, CA, close to the Truck Stop at Exit #403.
“No peace officer or other person shall use a speed trap in arresting, or participating or assisting in the arrest of, any person for any alleged violation of this code nor shall any speed trap be used in securing evidence as to the speed of any vehicle for the purpose of an arrest or prosecution under this code.”
NOTE: Whereas CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 40801, Prosecutions Under Code, forbids law enforcement officers (LEOs) from using speed traps, setting up RADAR or LIDAR speed measurement sites is not a speed trap.
A speed trap is defined by CA traffic law as a stretch of road where a driver’s speed is measured by timing how long it takes to travel between two designated markers.
Read the NOLO.com article, Are Speed Traps Legal? How Do I Fight a Speed Trap Ticket, or our Understanding the Speed Trap Ticket, then call give us a call.
We help commercial drivers handle these tickets and protect their licenses.
Know the Real Cost of Speeding
Most commercial vehicle speeding tickets carry fines ranging from $485 to $800.
But that’s not the real peril. Pleading guilty by paying the fine adds 1.5 NOTS points to your record. 50% more than the one point given to non-commercial drivers. Too many points can trigger a driver’s license suspension.
A commercial driver with a suspended license must appear in court or hire an attorney to request a restricted license to continue commercial driving.
California’s Speed Limits for Trucks
Under the CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22406, Speed Laws, commercial vehicles identified in that section must follow a 55 mph statewide limit.
That includes all highways—even when cars are going 70 mph.
Out-of-state drivers from Nevada or Oregon often don’t realize this when passing through California.
If you’re caught doing 70 mph (15 or more mph over), that’s a “serious offense” with the FMCSA. A second conviction within three years can lead to a 60-day driver disqualification.
Why NOTS and CSA Points Matter
CDL holders must keep their driving records clean with both the DMV and FMCSA.
CSA severity points remain on your Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years.
These points also affect your carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile. Even your first moving violation could spike their fleet insurance premiums and put your driving position at risk.
A clean driving record can also help you negotiate better pay and benefits.
Fresno County Traffic Attorneys Can Assist Immensely
Bigger & Harman’s Fresno County traffic attorney regularly appears in court for you.
We negotiate directly with the traffic court judge because prosecutors don’t handle infraction-level speeding cases.
If you're facing a misdemeanor—for example, speeding more than 15 mph over the limit—we work with the court or prosecution to reduce or dismiss charges.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Keep Your CDL & Career Safe
Our attorneys fight speeding tickets in commercial vehicles daily. We practice only traffic law in California Courts.
We’ve helped countless drivers avoid points and suspensions. Don’t let one ticket sideline your career. We can represent you in Fresno County courts and help keep your record clean.
Need to fight a speeding ticket in a commercial vehicle? Call us today—don’t go it alone.
Contact Bigger & Harman About a Speeding Ticket in a Commercial Vehicle in Fresno County, CA
Got a speeding ticket in a commercial vehicle in Fresno County, CA? Learn how our traffic attorneys can help protect your CDL, reduce the charges against you, or request a full dismissal.
Contact Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300 or 349-9755 for Spanish speakers (se habla Español ) to schedule a free consultation with no obligation.
We routinely appear in Fresno Courthouse to resolve speeding tickets on behalf of commercial drivers.
Use our friendly online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
CA VC Sections 22406 & 22406.1, Speed Laws.
Cornell Law School LII WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor.