Speeding in a commercial vehicle on the Grapevine is a moving violation and a serious issue for truckers and bus drivers.
This stretch of Interstate 5 in California has strict speed limits, especially for large vehicles with three or more axles.
However, due to the steep inclines and potential hazards, the speed limit coming from the Los Angeles area and for those coming from Lamont in Kern County on I-5 is often reduced to 35 or 45 due to safety concerns.
“One of the priorities of the CHP Fort Tejon Area is to ensure the safe travel of the motoring public through the Grapevine. A major concern has been the increasing number of commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles towing trailers that are traveling at unsafe speeds and within the wrong lanes.”—CHP - Fort Tejon - Grapevine Facebook.
Exceeding those limits can result in commercial vehicle speeding tickets that must be resolved in Lamont Courthouse in Kern County or Valencia/Chatsworth in LA County, CA.
Understanding Commercial Vehicle Speeding on the Grapevine
Speed Limits — The legal limit for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) is usually 55 mph, with reductions for safety.
Strict Enforcement — CHP actively patrols this section and issues frequent citations.
Consequences — Fines range from $550 to $800, with severe impacts on your CDL.
Why CMV Speeding Tickets Are More Serious
Speeding in a commercial vehicle brings more consequences than a regular traffic ticket. A conviction or paid fine results in the following:
DMV NOTS Points — The DMV assigns 1.5 NOTS points per conviction for minor infractions.
Employer Reporting — The violation is reported to the DOT FMCSA and to your employer through the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
Mandatory Self-Reporting — You must notify your employer of any moving violation in the U.S., Mexico, or Canada within 30 days.
How It Affects Your Career
Both drivers and carriers face Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) points.
These points impact the Safety Measurement System (SMS), which insurance companies use to set rates. A high SMS percentile can lead to expensive premiums and more frequent inspections at weigh stations.
An SMS percentile of 75 or above will trigger an Inspection Selection System (ISS) alert for all commercial vehicles using that DOT number, and they will be pulled into open weigh stations for a roadside inspection.
“The ISS is used at roadside inspection stations to help inspectors identify and prioritize motor carriers for safety inspections.”—Trucksafe Consulting.
A speeding violation remains on your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years. A clean record can help you secure better-paying jobs with reputable carriers.
Why You Need a CDL Speeding Lawyer
Fighting a ticket for speeding in a commercial vehicle on the Grapevine can be complex.
CMV drivers work on tight schedules and can’t afford to miss work or turn down loads for possibly multiple court dates.
Self-representation often results in admissions of guilt and unfavorable outcomes. Further, appeals of traffic convictions are almost impossible unless there were errors made by the court.
At Bigger & Harman, we handle these cases for you.
Our goal is to obtain a dismissal, negotiate a reduced charge, or secure a no-point assessment, when possible.
Protect your clean driving record, keep your job, and avoid costly penalties by working with an experienced CDL speeding lawyer.
Contact Bigger & Harman About Commercial Vehicle Speeding on the Grapevine
If you were issued a speeding in a commercial vehicle on the Grapevine, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300 or 349-9755—se habla Español.
Speeding tickets on the LA side must be resolved in Valencia/Chatsworth Courthouse in LA County or Lamont Courthouse in Kern County, CA, on the North side.
Also, use our online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
The CHP - Fort Tejon - Grapevine Facebook Page.
The Trucksafe Consulting article, What is the Inspection Selection System?
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.