If you’re a commercial driver who returns from an over-the-road trip to find an “Order of Suspension/Probation” in your mailbox, contact Bigger & Harman immediately to request a CA DMV NOTS hearing for commercial drivers.
The DMV can serve you by personal service or by mail.
For NOTS Hearings the DMV will usually serve you by mail. You only have 14 days from the DMV mailing date to request a hearing.
However, if you are served by a state official or peace officer in person, you only have 10 days to request your hearing. You can request a hearing by phone or by mail with your request postmarked by the due date.
Time is of the essence, but we can contact the DMV directly and perhaps get a CA DMV NOTS hearing for commercial drivers set up due to the unusual circumstances.
If you’ve been out of state due to work, that could be justification for an extension. But beware, the DMV has been rejecting more and more late hearing requests.
If you're a commercial driver, your license is your livelihood. A CA DMV NOTS Hearing for commercial drivers is your chance to challenge points on your driving record and protect your career. Commercial drivers accumulate points at 1.5 times the rate of non-commercial drivers, so immediate action is crucial when ticketed.
Understanding the NOTS System for Commercial Drivers
California commercial drivers must follow strict regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the California DMV.
These rules cover rest periods, maximum driving hours, and vehicle inspections. With higher standards come tougher penalties.
Even minor traffic violations can impact your driving record, insurance rates, and job opportunities.
A few points can mean the difference between keeping your job or facing suspension. That’s why understanding the system is essential.
Why a CA DMV NOTS Hearing for Commercial Drivers Matters
The DMV assesses commercial drivers 50% more NOTS points per violation than their non-commercial driving peers. However, there is a way to extend the allowable number of points before suspension.
If you accumulate four points in one year, six in two years, or eight in three years, and most were while driving a commercial vehicle, you may be eligible for additional leeway at a CA DMV NOTS Hearing for commercial drivers.
The DMV recognizes that commercial drivers spend 60-70 hours a week on the road, increasing their exposure to traffic violations. Because of this, requesting a hearing could allow an increase in the maximum allowable points before suspension.
This could mean two, four, or even six more points—just by requesting and making the correct argument at the hearing.
Understanding NOTS Points for Commercial Drivers
If you receive a traffic ticket, paying the fine may seem like the easiest option.
However, doing so admits guilt and adds points to your record. More points mean a greater risk of license suspension.
Without a clean record, securing high-paying jobs or maintaining employment as a commercial driver becomes difficult.
At-fault accidents also add points. If an accident on your record is unfairly marked as your fault, a traffic attorney can argue to have those points removed.
A successful CA DMV NOTS hearing for commercial drivers can help prevent unnecessary suspensions and keep you on the road. This is crucial for protecting your career and financial stability.
Why Hire a Traffic Attorney for a CA DMV NOTS Hearing for Commercial Drivers?
Many commercial drivers try to represent themselves at a DMV NOTS hearing. Some even turn down work to attend, thinking they will save money. Unfortunately, without legal experience, drivers often lose their cases.
This may force them to hire an attorney later to request a restricted license just to keep working. Hiring an experienced traffic attorney gives you the best chance of reducing or eliminating NOTS points.
These attorneys spend 60 or 70 hours a week working on defense strategies, filing documents, and attending trials that decide the very tickets you might need to get removed from your driving record to keep driving.
At Bigger & Harman, APC, we offer free initial consultations to review your driving record and discuss your options.
With our help, the DMV may dismiss your suspension or allow additional NOTS points leeway on your commercial driver's license, keeping you on the road and protecting your livelihood.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Ask Bigger & Harman for Assistance with a CA DMV NOTS Hearing for Commercial Drivers
If you received an “Order of Suspension/Probation” from the DMV, you should request a CA DMV NOTS hearing for commercial drivers and call Bigger & Harman immediately at (661) 349-9300 or 349-9755, se habla Español.
Likewise, you can use our convenient contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The CA DMV Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) Webpage.
CA VC 12810.5, Issuance and Renewal of Licenses.