Interstate 5 (I-5) passes through Woodland, California. It's a major north-south highway that passes through the city.
Therefore, many commercial truck lane restriction violations on Interstate 5 must be resolved in Woodland Courthouse.
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22348(c), Speed Laws, states:
“A vehicle subject to Section 22406 shall be driven in a lane designated, or if a lane has not been so designated, in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, the driver shall use either the designated lane…”
That creates the commercial vehicle lane violation past the second lane on multi-lane highways in California.
REMINDER FOR THOSE HEADED TO THE BAY AREA: San Francisco started a pilot program to used speed cameras around the city to catch drivers doing more than 11 mph over the speed limit.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
A truck lane restriction violation can put a commercial driving career at risk. Actually, a conviction or paid fine for any moving violation can result in the termination of your driving position.
Fleet managers are charged with keeping fleet insurance premiums low. Every moving violation counts against the firm’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile. Therefore, the latest driver with a moving violation could be terminated to hire a new driver fresh out of school to bring their percentile down.
We often hear this question: “What can I do if I get a commercial lane violation on I-5?”
If you’re near Woodland in Yolo County, CA, you’re not alone. It happens often to commercial drivers, especially near truck stops like the one off I-5 near Road 102.
Why Commercial Lane Violations Matter
Truck lane restrictions may seem like a minor issue, but a commercial lane violation can come with big consequences. It’s not just about a fine. It’s about your CDL, CSA points, and your ability to keep driving.
Many fleet managers watch the Safety Measurement System (SMS) closely. CSA severity points, combined with Time-Weight Multiples, can drive up your insurance and put your job in jeopardy.
Common Errors That Hurt Ticketed Commercial Drivers
We’ve seen CDL holders make mistakes that complicate their case:
Ignoring the ticket can legally result in a misdemeanor Failure to Appear (FTA) charge.
Paying the fine without challenging it adds CA DMV and FMCSA severity points that hurt your record.
Representing yourself – it’s never a good idea.
Failing to gather dashcam footage and other evidence.
Not knowing that the charge might be reduced or dismissed.
Typically, the CDL holders’ best option is to consult a CA traffic attorney before deciding to challenge a ticket or pay the fine.
Violations We Handle Frequently
We help CDL drivers fight a variety of traffic violations:
Commercial vehicle lane violations
Speeding in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) (15 or more mph over the 55 speed limit is a misdemeanor crimein California)
Unsafe lane changes
Following too closely
Hours of Service (HOS) violations
Overweight trucks (more than 4500 pounds over is a misdemeanor crime in California)
Cell phone use
Non-emergency stops
Failure to appear or pay for a traffic ticket (a misdemeanor crime in California)
Bypassing scales or weigh station inspections (a misdemeanor crime in California)
The Problem with Commercial Vehicle Lane Violations
California law imposes stricter rules on commercial vehicles. Truck drivers can’t use the third in California. CHP watches these vehicles closely, especially on I-5 through Yolo County.
Even before grabbing breakfast at the Pilot Travel Center #168 in Dunnigan, CA—just 13 miles Northeast of Woodland, a driver might be pulled over for a truck lane restriction.
Although drivers don’t directly receive CSA points, the points impact their fleet's SMS score. That affects jobs and insurance.
Why You Need a CDL Lawyer in Yolo County
A CDL lawyer who regularly resolves traffic tickets in Yolo County knows what works. We work with the court system in Woodland and understand how local CHP enforces the law.
We examine every detail—ticket errors, signage, dashcam video, and driving conditions. We look for anything that helps your defense. Our goal is to reduce the charge, negotiate a no-point result, or to get the case dismissed entirely.
How We Support Truck Drivers
We don’t just show up. We prepare thoroughly, and when we can, we go to court for you. That saves time, keeps you on the road, and protects your record.
Many of our clients avoid costly insurance hikes, job loss, or point suspensions by fighting the ticket with our help.
Contact One of Bigger & Harman’s CDL Attorneys On Your Yolo County Ticket
Our team at Bigger & Harman, APC, is dedicated to protecting CDL drivers. We frequently handle truck lane restriction violation cases on I-5 through Yolo County.
If you’ve been ticketed in Woodland, CA, or anywhere in the area, contact us. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and build a solid defense.
Don’t go to court alone—let us help protect your driving career.
Consult Bigger & Harman About Truck Lane Restriction Violations on Interstate 5 Near Woodland
Ask Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español 349-9755, about a truck lane restriction violation on Interstate 5, during a free initial consultation.
We can resolve your traffic tickets in Woodland Courthouse to possibly keep moving violations from appearing on your CA MVR or FMCSA PSP.
Likewise, you could use our contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What qualifies as a truck lane restriction violation?
A: According to Vehicle Code 22348(c), use of the third lane by a commercial vehicle is prohibited.
Q: How can a traffic lawyer help with a truck lane violation ticket?
A: A CDL lawyer can contest evidence, negotiate a no-point conviction, or get the ticket dismissed entirely.
Q: Why does the CHP enforce truck lane restrictions so aggressively on I-5?
A: Truck lane restrictions are enforced to improve traffic flow and safety. Commercial traffic is restricted to 55-mph statewide. CHP focuses on I-5 because of its heavy truck volume. Violations in these zones can cause accidents or backups, which is why enforcement is strict.
References:
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.