Most truckers are painfully aware of the massive fines possible with an overweight truck ticket.
However, did you know that a vehicle more than 4,500 pounds over the limit faces jail time and a criminal record for this misdemeanor offense? If ticketed, consult a commercial driver’s license (CDL) ticket attorney.
Although the fine for a slightly overweight truck is only around $238 and a minor infraction, more seriously overweight trucks without a permit could cost as much as $1.00 per pound overweight.
Our CDL ticket attorney team at Bigger & Harman has helped countless commercial drivers handle these tough situations. We understand what’s at stake—your license, job, reputation, and record.
Understanding Overweight Truck Tickets in Truckee, CA
The CHP monitors every entrance to the Truckee Weigh Station on I-80.
Many drivers are caught on video reaching for their cell phones or seat belts before pulling in, which can lead to added violations.
Along with overweight truck tickets, we often see citations for logbook, seatbelt, and cell phone use violations during inspections.
Many new CDL holders don’t realize they can avoid costly fines by weighing their trucks before reaching the scale.
You can use private CAT scales in Nevada—check the “Coops are Open” website for available weigh stations before you hit California. Before you cross the Stateline your vehicle must be compliant.
It might cost $20 or $30, but for fleet drivers and those independent truckers without a support staff, that small precaution can prevent a ticket that threatens their livelihood.
What Causes Overweight Truck Tickets?
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 35551(c), Axle Limits, mandates:
“The distance between axles shall be measured to the nearest whole foot. When a fraction is exactly six inches, the next larger whole foot shall be used.”
It also defines axle weight limits, combination vehicles, and how they’re measured.
Neglecting that minor detail could make your rig up to 5,000 pounds overweight—a misdemeanor in California.
“A misdemeanor is a type of offense punishable under criminal law. A misdemeanor is typically a crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail.”—Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (LII) WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor.
Several different factors could result in your truck being overweight, such as axle count, the distance between axles, the weight over one wheel, and the vehicle's allowed weight.
If you’ve been stopped near the Donner Pass or anywhere on I-80 in Nevada County, contact a CDL ticket attorney immediately.
Ignoring the ticket could lead to a failure to appear (FTA) charge, which is a misdemeanor, while paying the fine without a challenge is an admission of guilt.
That decision could add NOTS points to your driving record and CSA severity points to your DOT FMCSA file. These stay on your PSP for three years and may affect your employment opportunities.
Why an Experienced CDL Ticket Attorney Matters
A seasoned CDL ticket attorney knows how to challenge technical mistakes in weight calculations or axle measurements.
At Bigger & Harman, we regularly defend commercial drivers in the Truckee Courthouse. We look for inconsistencies in the scale readings, measurement methods, and documentation used during inspections.
A strong legal defense aligned with your situation can reduce fines, prevent points, or even permit the traffic court judge to dismiss the charges altogether. Our attorneys know how to navigate California’s strict commercial traffic laws and protect your CDL.
Local Insight: Truckee & Donner Pass Enforcement
Truckee’s weigh station is one of the busiest in Northern California.
The CHP is strict on commercial driver of large trucks because I-80 serves as the main freight corridor to the Bay Area. Drivers heading west from Reno are often pulled in for roadside inspections there.
Understanding the CA weight and permit requirements could give you an advantage—and that’s where we come in.
Our team understands how Truckee’s courts handle commercial cases. We’ve spent years defending drivers who haul freight through Nevada County. That local knowledge can make all the difference in your case.
Don’t Risk Your Career Over an Overweight Truck Ticket
Paying the fine may seem easier, but it can cost you more long-term.
Fines for overweight truck tickets often exceed $1.00 per pound overweight once surcharges and assessments are added.
Worse, each violation damages your professional record. That can hurt your chances for better routes, bonuses, or new job offers. However, when your vehicle is over by 4,501 pounds or more, your freedom and reputation are in jeopardy from this misdemeanor charge.
Instead of paying the fine and hoping for the best, let us help. Our law firm focuses on protecting CDL drivers from serious penalties.
Contact Bigger & Harman, the CDL Traffic Attorneys, About an Overweight Truck Ticket
If you’re facing an overweight truck ticket in Truckee Courthouse, call Bigger & Harman, the CDL ticket attorneys, at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español 349-9755.
Alternatively, email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use the online contact form to set up your free consultation, without obligation.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What should I do after receiving an overweight truck ticket in Truckee?
A: Consult a CDL ticket attorney about your options.
Q: How much is the fine for overweight truck tickets in California?
A: The fine for a minor infraction is about $238, but the fine for a grossly overweight truck is typically $1.00 per pound overweight after court and surcharge fees. Imagine how much it could cost for a vehicle that is three to five tons overweight. Plus, the driver faces jail time or probation. You need a CDL ticket attorney with trial experience.
Q: Will an overweight truck ticket affect my CDL record?
A: A paid fine or conviction for an overweight truck ticket adds 1.5 NOTS points in California and FMCSA CSA severity points that can remain on your PSP for three years.
References:
CA VC Section 35551(c), Axle Limits.
The Cornell Law School LII WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.