It is crucial for commercial drivers to dispute an unsafe lane change in a commercial vehicle.
California commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders must dispute all moving violations in a commercial motor vehicle to protect their driving career.
This is especially true when a violation falls under the DOT FMCSA’s rules for driver disqualification, such as a “major offenses,” that require a minimum disqualification of one year, or a “serious offense” that requires a minimum of two months' disqualification with a second conviction within 36 months of the most recent paid fine or conviction.
The DOT FMCSA lists the following eight violations as serious offenses:
- Erratic or improper lane changes. (In California, these are referred to as “unsafe lane changes.”)
- Excessive speeding.
- Reckless driving.
- Using a hand-held communication device to talk or text while driving.
- Tailgating or following too close.
- Driving without a CDL or commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
- Driving without the proper endorsements.
- Violating a traffic control device or signal that results in a fatal accident.
Another serious offense is a railroad crossing violation. However, there’s no second chance with this violation. A first conviction will lead to an immediate driver disqualification of 60 days. CDL holder must hire a traffic attorney or face unemployment.
Getting an unsafe lane change ticket while driving along I-80 near Truckee, CA, can feel overwhelming, and paying the fine could make it worse.
Many commercial drivers underestimate how serious this citation can be, especially since it may lead to driver disqualification under federal rules.
Understanding Unsafe Lane Change Violations
Under California Vehicle Code (VC) Sections 22107 and 22108, drivers must ensure a lane change is safe and signal properly. Failure to do so—even briefly—can result in a citation.
The law states that no driver should turn or move from a lane until it’s safe and after signaling for at least 100 feet. If another vehicle is affected, the citation is almost guaranteed.
Why the Fine Is the Least of Your Concerns
In California, the fine might seem minor—around $238—but the real damage could be the aftermath.
The DMV adds 1.5 NOTS points to your driving record, which triggers notifications to your employer and the DOT FMCSA.
Even worse, the FMCSA lists this as a serious offense. A second conviction for the same violation within three years could mean a 60-day driver disqualification.
The ABCs of Why It Matters
Each moving violation can have multiple effects on your driving career:
A. It raises the carrier’s CSA severity score and affects the driver’s PSP record.
B. It increases insurance premiums and employer scrutiny.
C. It can lead to disqualification with a repeated conviction within three years.
For commercial drivers in Truckee, even one unsafe lane change ticket can ripple across multiple systems, including your Safety Measurement System (SMS) score.
Location-Specific Risks on I-80 in Truckee, CA
The stretch of I-80 through Truckee is known for steep grades and heavy patrol activity. CHP officers stationed along Donner Pass don’t hesitate to cite quick lane movements or late signals.
Many drivers ask, “What should I do if I get an unsafe lane change ticket on I-80?”
The answer is simple. Don’t just pay the fine. Contest it with help from a CA traffic attorney familiar with Truckee and Nevada County courts.
When Another Driver Wasn’t Affected
We often ask drivers, "Did your movement actually affect another vehicle?" If not, you may have a strong defense.
CA VC 22107 specifically states:
“No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.”
Therefore, although it’s prudent to develop a habit of proper signaling, not doing it when there’s no other traffic on the road, is not “unsafe.”
Employer Notifications and Reporting Requirements
The DMV’s Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program automatically alerts your employer about moving violations annually.
But drivers must also self-report any conviction, other than parking tickets, within 30 days, even for violations outside California.
That’s why it’s so important to handle every ticket properly—with guidance from an experienced traffic attorney. One oversight could cost your driving privileges.
Consult Bigger & Harman, APC, About an Unsafe Lane Change Ticket in Truckee, CA
At Bigger & Harman, we’ve helped countless commercial drivers dispute citations like this across California.
We understand how critical your CDL is and how one ticket can disrupt your career.
Our team works with drivers personally—by phone, email, or in person—to build strong defenses that aim for dismissal or reduced charges in Truckee Courthouse.
If you’re dealing with an unsafe lane change ticket, don’t take chances. Contact us today and protect your driving record before penalties escalate.
Call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300, use our automated contact form, or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com. Se habla Español: 349-9755.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What happens if I’m convicted of an unsafe lane change ticket in Truckee, CA?
A: A paid fine or conviction adds NOTS points by the DMV and will trigger DOT FMCSA reporting. It will also impact the driver’s PSP and possibly future employment.
Q: Can an unsafe lane change ticket lead to driver disqualification?
A: A second conviction of serious offenses, such as unsafe lane changes, within three years will result in a 60-day driver disqualification at the FMCSA.
Q: Why hire a CA traffic attorney for a citation in Truckee?
A: A traffic attorney can often appear on your behalf in Nevada County court, and negotiate an alternative charge, a no-point conviction with a fine only, and/or request an outright dismissal.
References:
CA VC Section 22107 & 22108, Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.31, Paragraph 6.2.7, Notifying Employer of Convictions.
The EPN Program in CA.