Penalties for a commercial truck lane violation on the highway, in particular, I-80 near Roseville, CA, can impact your commercial driver’s license and scar you Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP).
Getting cited for a commercial truck lane violation on the highway can hurt your career. It’s more than just paying a fine.
Your fleet manager, the CA DMV, and the FMCSA all get involved once a conviction occurs.
At Bigger & Harman, we help CDL holders fight these violations to protect their record, their job, and their livelihood.
What the Law Says About Commercial Vehicle Lane Use in CA
Under CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22348(c), commercial vehicles must remain in the right lane. They can use the second lane only when passing.
On highways with three or more lanes, trucks cannot drive in the third lane or beyond except to make a left turn or exit.
Violating this law brings a $238 fine and 1.5 NOTS points if convicted. Paying the fine counts as a conviction. Therefore, it is wise to consult a CA traffic attorney before pleading guilty and paying the fine.
Long-Term Career Effects of a Lane Violation
NOTS points remain on your CA motor vehicle driving record (MVR) and the record of CSA severity points Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years.
Carriers must review PSP records when hiring new drivers. Even one violation can cost you jobs, miles, and long-term earning power. Moving violations damage your ability to negotiate better pay and benefits.
Protecting your record is essential if you want steady work and opportunities for better pay.
Why a Commercial Lane Violation Impacts More Than You
A conviction affects the driver and the fleet.
Once DMV adds NOTS points, FMCSA is notified. Then CSA severity points and time-weight multiples are applied. That can double or triple the score.
Carriers with an SMS percentile of 75 or higher face more inspections and audits. Even a score of 50-74 is considered marginal, and the DOT FMCSA could initiate interventions.
Many fleets avoid the risk of increased spotlights on their fleet’s safety record and fleet insurance premiums by letting drivers go after a moving violation.
It’s often more cost-effective, at least from a fleet insurance standpoint, to hire a driving school graduate with no experience and no prior violations.
Dispute Commercial Lane Violations with a Traffic Ticket Attorney
A commercial lane violation is not just a traffic violation. A conviction is a direct hit to your driving career.
Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders know how quickly things can change on busy highways like I-80 in Placer County, near Roseville.
That’s why professional representation is critical. One of our attorneys can appear in court, fight to reduce or dismiss charges, and protect your record from the CA DMV and FMCSA hits.
Should You Fight It?
Drivers often ask, “Do I need a traffic lawyer for a lane violation?” The short answer is yes.
Missing a court date or trying to handle it yourself can be more costly than hiring legal help.
With Bigger & Harman on your side, you can keep working while we take care of the courtroom, and you’ll never have to worry about turning down a load of cargo to attend court or a failure to appear (FTA).
Don’t Risk It—Talk to Us First
Your license and career are worth protecting. Bigger & Harman know CDL traffic law inside and out.
We’ve defended many commercial drivers in Placer County and across California.
We offer a free consultation to review your case. That way, you know your options before making decisions that could impact your future.
Consult Bigger & Harman About Commercial Truck Violation on the Highway
When you’re facing a commercial truck lane violation on the highway, like I-80, around Roseville, CA, you need legal help.
All moving violation convictions or paid fines result in NOTS points in CA and FMCSA notifications.
That leads to CSA severity hits, higher SMS percentiles for your carrier, and a scar on your PSP record.
Bigger & Harman can step in, request dismissal first, and negotiate for reduced no-point penalties or alternates, if warranted. Contact us today. Let us defend your record, your CDL, and your career.
Contact Us Today!
A commercial truck lane violation on the highway (I-80) can be costly. Consult Bigger & Harman about possible reduce penalties and no-point alternatives at (661) 349-9300 or 349-9755 (se habla Español).
Bigger & Harman regularly defends clients in Roseville Courthouse in Placer County, call for a free consultation.
You can also email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our website's contact form for a free initial consultation.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What happens if I plead guilty or am convicted of a commercial truck lane violation on the highway?
A: You’ll get a fine of approximately $238 fine, 1.5 NOTS points, CSA severity points and time-weights, and a PSP record entry that remains for three years. All moving violations endanger a CDL holders career.
Q: How can a traffic attorney help fight my ticket?
A: An attorney can challenge the law enforcement officer’s account of the stop, show there was reason for you to go into the third lane, request dismissal, or negotiate a no-point violation or alternate charge with no record. This helps protect your CDL and your fleet’s SMS score.
Q: Can a commercial vehicle lane violation affect my job?
A: Unfortunately, yes. Many fleet managers are charge with keeping the fleet insurance premiums low; therefore, SMS percentiles often impact fleet safety ratings and insurance premiums. Many fleet managers release drivers after a paid fine or conviction if it affects their premiums.
References:
CA VC Section 22348(c), Speed Laws.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.