Finding a lawyer for logbook violations near me can be frustrating, especially when you’re constantly on the go like most commercials drivers.
At Bigger & Harman, we understand how stressful protecting your CDL and livelihood can be.
Avoiding logbook violations at the Truckee weigh station on I-80 isn’t easy. Even if you beat a ticket in court, many drivers think it will stay on their Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record forever.
That’s not true. The DMV is not notified if you dispute a traffic violation in court and win. Therefore, neither is the DOT FMCSA.
However, if you appeal or get the charge changed to a non-moving violation, you can request removal by filing a DataQsRequest for Data Review (RDR) with the DOT FMCSA.
Both drivers and carriers can request an RDR.
Preventing Logbook Violations
Before moving your truck, always double-check your electronic logging device (ELD) settings.
If you used your truck for personal conveyance during off-duty hours, be sure it’s properly logged. If not, contact fleet headquarters to correct your Record of Duty Status (RODS) before moving.
The ELD is a tool—it can’t guess your intentions. Check and update your Form & Manner entries daily. Correcting mistakes before inspection helps avoid violations.
Each Form & Manner error is just one CSA severity point. But they add up fast. CHP officers at the Donner Pass weigh station don’t miss much.
Another tip: Buckle your seatbelt before entering the weigh station. Inspectors monitor you on video as soon as you begin your approach.
Also, never pick up your phone while rolling into the station. If your phone is on your logs or shipping papers, leave it alone until you’re fully parked. Even holding it could mean an illegal cell phone violation.
Fighting a ticket without a lawyer for logbook violations near me costs precious time and money. Working with an experienced attorney could save both.
Bigger & Harman’s Nevada County CDL Traffic Attorney in Truckee, CA
Many drivers are surprised to learn they can fix mistakes showing on their PSP reports. The FMCSA’s DataQs system makes it possible.
Start by visiting the DataQs RDR page. There, you’ll find the quick reference guide Registering for DataQs: What You Need to Know, helpful FAQs, and step-by-step instructions in the Crash Preventability Determination Program.
Fleet managers should use this system, too. Incorrect crash reports and violations affect their Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile. A higher percentile can trigger FMCSA interventions and drive their fleet insurance costs up.
Lowering CSA severity points by correcting mistakes can protect your safety record—and your paycheck.
If you successfully appeal a CDL ticket, you can request that it be removed from your PSP. When charges get reduced, drivers and carriers can ask for the CSA severity points to be dropped to just one.
According to the FMCSA:
“…the FMCSA has updated its PSP system to allow for the removal of citations that have been reversed in court. Drivers or their representatives can also dispute errors on their PSP reports by submitting a request for data review through DataQs at dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov.”
If you need help gathering court documents or filing a DataQs challenge, reach out. Bigger & Harman’s Nevada County CDL traffic attorney team can help you fix logbook issues, fight traffic tickets, and defend your driving record.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Contact Bigger & Harman About a Lawyer for Logbook Violations Near Me in Truckee, CA
If you have traffic tickets that need resolution in Truckee Courthouse, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300 — Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our contact form to arrange a free consultation.
References:
The Crash Preventability Determination Program.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The quick reference guide Registering for DataQs: What You Need to Know