Commercial drivers in California face stricter penalties than other motorists.
One of the most common violations is commercial vehicle speeding. Understanding the law and potential consequences can help drivers protect their driving careers.
California’s Commercial Vehicle Speed Limit Differential
CA Vehicle Code (VC) §22406 sets a maximum speed of 55 mph for:
- Motortrucks or truck tractors with three or more axles
- Passenger vehicles or buses towing trailers
- School buses transporting pupils
- Farm labor vehicles carrying passengers
- Vehicles transporting explosives
- Trailer buses
Even if the posted limit is higher, these vehicles must remain at or below 55 mph.
Potential Misdemeanor Charges for Commercial Vehicle Speeding
CA VC §22406.1 makes commercial vehicle speeding 15 mph or more above the limit a misdemeanor.
Further, it is a “serious offense” at the DOT FMCSA, where second or subsequent convictions within three calendar years result in a driver disqualification for 60 days or more.
Penalties include:
- Fines exceeding $1,000 with added county and state surcharges, penalties, and court fees, which could total $2,000 or more.
- Points on a CDL holder’s Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record
- Possible jail time or probation
- Risk of license suspension or revocation of a California driver’s license
- Driver disqualification from the DOT FMCSA for repeated offenses
- Job loss due to CDL restrictions
A misdemeanor conviction is more than just a traffic violation—it can affect a driver’s livelihood.
Why Defense Matters
Some drivers believe that paying the fine resolves the matter. In reality, paying the fine is an admission of guilt.
That admission can harm drivers if they later face civil litigation. By seeking dismissal or acquittal in traffic court of a ticket that could potentially point to your responsibility for an accident, CDL holders avoid providing evidence that could be used against them in a lawsuit.
Our team at Bigger & Harman emphasizes this point: resolving the ticket in court is critical to protecting your future.
Local Defense in Woodland, CA
CDL holders cited on I-5 in Woodland or anywhere in Yolo County and California should take commercial vehicle speeding charges seriously.
Bigger & Harman regularly represent drivers at Woodland Courthouse. We know the judges, the procedures, and the strategies to pursue dismissal, or alternatively, a reduced no-point violation.
We prioritize the defense of:
- Truck drivers
- Bus drivers
- Farm and labor transport drivers
- Owner-operators facing CDL tickets
Although we defend noncommercial drivers for the same traffic tickets, our priority is the commercial driver.
Contact Bigger & Harman, the Commercial Speeding Ticket Lawyers, Today
If you are facing a commercial vehicle speeding ticket, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300 or 349-9755 (se habla Español). You can also email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or fill out our online contact form.
Bigger & Harman regularly defends clients in Yolo County Courthouse, call for a free consultation.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Why is there a speed limit differential for commercial vehicles in California?
A: The easy answer is safety. The heavier your vehicle is and the faster it's going, the longer it takes to stop. Although commercial drivers are more focused on the road than the average noncommercial driver, a Prius going 70 can stop quicker than an 80,000-pound Peterbilt going 55 mph. However, the state of California does not take the safety considerations of speed differential as seriously as most other states and most freeway accidents involving trucks are passenger vehicles running into the back of big rigs.
Q: What happens if I am caught going 15 mph over the commercial vehicle speed limit?
A: Exceeding the limit by 15 mph or more is a misdemeanor violation of commercial vehicle speeding under CVC §22406.1 and will likely be charged as a misdemeanor. If you are convicted, the FMCSA considers this “excessive speeding” and a “serious offense.” A second conviction within three years will trigger a 60-day driver disqualification.
Q: How can a traffic attorney help a commercial driver with a speeding ticket?
A: An experienced lawyer can contest the ticket, aim for dismissal, reduce penalties, and protect your PSP record.
References:
CA VC Sections 22406 & 22406.1, Speed Laws.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.