Commercial drivers on I-80 driving to the Bay Area Ports are often cited for commercial vehicle speeding infractions due to the commercial vehicle speed limit differential between Nevada and CA.
According to CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22406, Speed Laws, it is an infraction of the traffic code for most commercial vehicles with three or more axles, including Ryder, U-Haul, or other commercial rental vehicles to drive above 55 mph statewide.
“No person may drive any listed commercial vehicles on a highway at a speed in excess of 55 miles per hour.”
Therefore, if ticketed on I-80 around Truckee, CA, consult one of our Nevada County traffic attorneys.
A commercial vehicle speeding infraction can put your job at risk and lead to costly fines. If you’ve been ticketed while driving through Truckee on I-80 on your way to the Bay, you need to understand California’s speed laws and your legal options.
What CA Law Says About Commercial Vehicle Speeding
Under CA Vehicle Code (VC) Sections 22406 and 22406.1, commercial vehicles are limited to 55 mph statewide.
Going 70 mph, even to meet a tight deadline, is considered a misdemeanor.
That means you could face a criminal record for simply trying to stay on schedule. Before paying a ticket, talk to a CA traffic attorney about your options.
Penalties for a Commercial Vehicle Speeding Infraction
Speeding in a commercial vehicle carries harsher penalties than for passenger cars. Here’s what you’re looking at:
1-9 mph over: Fines around $285, plus 1.5 NOTS points for three years.
10-14 mph over: Fines range from $459 to $550, with 1.5 NOTS points.
15+ mph over: Fines up to $1,000, 1.5 NOTS points, potential jail time, and a misdemeanor record.
DOT FMCSA Consequences for Commercial Drivers
Speeding violation convictions or paid fines go straight to the DOT FMCSA, leading to:
Up to ten CSA severity points, potentially tripled with time-weight factors.
A "serious offense" mark on your PSP record for three years.
Higher Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentiles for your carrier, impacting fleet safety scores, insurance costs, and possibly your driving position.
If violations pile up, you risk an FMCSA driver disqualification:
Second offense: 60-day disqualification
Third offense: 120-day disqualification
Fourth offense: One-year disqualification
Ongoing violations: Lifetime commercial driving ban
Most trucking companies won’t keep a driver on payroll after a second offense.
No fleet wants to pay higher insurance rates for a driver who can’t operate their rig.
How to Avoid Speeding Tickets in Truckee, CA
Pay attention to speed limits, especially near the weigh station on the Donner Pass and Lucky’s Travel Plaza in Soda Springs.
Use in-vehicle speed alerts or limiters to prevent accidental speeding.
Adjust for weather and traffic conditions on I-80, where fog and snow reduce visibility.
Keep a safe following distance to avoid following too close violations.
Always prioritize safety over making a delivery on time.
Strengthening Your Local Defense Around Truckee, CA
If you’re traveling through Truckee on I-80, avoiding a possible commercial vehicle speeding infraction is more likely if you know the local enforcement hotspots.
Officers frequently monitor speeds near Lucky’s Travel Plaza at Soda Springs, The Truck Stop at Emigrant Gap, and high-traffic areas leading into downtown Truckee.
Nevada County's strict enforcement of commercial vehicle speeding infractions makes it essential to seek legal advice if you're ticketed.
Understanding the specific patterns of local law enforcement could help you stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. When prevention fails, call us to have one of our attorneys that regularly handles Nevada County cases help you on your ticket.
Nevada County Ticket Attorney: Why You Need Legal Help
If you’re facing a commercial vehicle speeding infraction in Truckee Courthouse, a skilled attorney can help.
A Nevada County ticket attorney can negotiate for reduced fines, no-point convictions, or even a dismissal.
Don’t let a speeding ticket at any of the local law enforcement hangouts like The Truck Stop near Emigrant Gap cost you your career. Seek legal assistance to resolve your commercial speeding ticket at the Truckee Courthouse to protect your livelihood.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Contact Bigger & Harman to Help You Resolve a Commercial Vehicle Speeding Infraction in Truckee Traffic Court
If you’ve been ticketed and need resolution in Truckee Courthouse in Nevada County, CA, for a commercial vehicle speeding infraction, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español 349-9755.
Use our contact form to schedule a consult or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
CA VC Sections 22406, Speed Laws.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.