When you get stopped on I-15 around Victorville in San Bernardino County, CA, you might ask yourself, do I need a traffic attorney for a commercial lane violation?
The obvious answer is yes. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders must fight every moving violation in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and most in their personal vehicles.
A commercial vehicle lane violation happens when a truck driver operates in a restricted lane.
Under CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22348(c), Speed Laws, commercial vehicles defined in CA VC Section & 22406,Speed Laws, must stay in the right lane or the second lane while passing only.
On freeways with three or more lanes, they cannot use the third lane or beyond.
What Happens If You Get a Commercial Lane Violation in Victorville, CA?
If you receive a commercial lane violation in Victorville, CA, you could face a $238 fine. Worse, the DMV will add 1.5 negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points to your record.
That’s not all. The violation also gets reported to the DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), impacting your Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points score.
This can have serious consequences for your driving career and the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile.
Long-Term Effects of a Commercial Lane Violation
A commercial vehicle lane violation isn’t just a simple ticket. It’s a moving violation with long-term consequences.
The DMV’s NOTS points and the DOT FMCSA notification will affect your CSA severity points. These remain on your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years.
Carriers' insurance providers track these points in the fleet’s SMS percentile and use them to calculate risk.
If a carrier’s percentile reaches 75 or above, the FMCSA will increase inspections and policy and procedure reviews for that company.
To avoid FMCSA penalties, some fleet managers let go of drivers with violations. If you’re terminated, finding a new job can be tough since all carriers must check a driver’s PSP before hiring, and a driver with a moving violation is not a desirable addition to their fleet.
Having a clean driving record helps when negotiating pay-per-mile rates and benefits. Any marks on your PSP can limit your job options and earnings.
Do I Need a Traffic Attorney for a Commercial Lane Violation in Victorville, CA?
You might wonder, "Do I need a traffic attorney for a commercial lane violation?" The answer is almost always yes, but it depends on your situation.
Ask for a free initial consultation to learn your options.
Fighting a ticket in court can help prevent NOTS points and FMCSA penalties. However, challenging a ticket alone takes time, and as a commercial driver, you likely can’t afford to miss work or turn down a load.
Why Hire a CA Traffic Ticket Attorney?
A CA traffic ticket attorney can handle your case while you stay in the driver’s seat. If you’re cited for a commercial lane violation in Victorville, CA, you need legal representation to protect your record and career.
At Bigger & Harman, we specialize in defending commercial drivers. We understand what’s at stake and can work to get your ticket reduced or dismissed.
Don’t risk your job over a traffic ticket—contact us today for a free consultation.
Protect Your Livelihood
A single violation can impact your future. Don’t leave it to chance.
Let an experienced CA traffic ticket attorney fight for you. Keeping your record clean means better job opportunities, higher pay, and greater security in your career.
Call Bigger & Harman now to discuss your case and keep your driving record in top shape.
Ask Bigger & Harman: Do I Need a Traffic Attorney for a Commercial Lane Violation?
If you have been accused of a commercial lane violation, call us at (661) 349-9300— Se habla Español 349-9755.
Likewise, you can use the convenient contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.