Avoiding the commercial driver’s license (CDL) consequences for following too closely in a commercial vehicle could be crucial to your driving career.
If you’re convicted of following too closely or tailgating in a commercial vehicle, the DMV will assess 1.5 negligent operator treatment system points on your CA motor vehicle driving record (MVR) and notify the DOT FMCSA.
The FMCSA considers it a “serious offense,” which will result in a driver’s disqualification of at least 60 days upon a second conviction within three years. Each additional conviction will add more time to the disqualification—too many will lead to a lifetime ban from driving commercial vehicles.
Dispute all moving violations in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a traffic attorney to protect your CDL.
How to Possibly Avoid the CDL Consequences for Following Too Closely
The CDL consequences for following too closely are more severe than most drivers expect.
If you’re driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) near Woodland, CA, and get ticketed for tailgating, it’s not just about the fine—it’s about protecting your commercial driver’s license and your livelihood.
How the FMCSA Sees Following Too Closely
The FMCSA tracks safety violations through its Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) system. Following too close increases your CSA score. That can lead to more inspections and red flags on your record.
One conviction also gets reported to your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record. Two violations in three years? That’s a 60-day disqualification. Most employers won’t wait that out.
The Legal Definition in California for Following Too Closely
Under CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 21703, drivers must maintain a safe following distance.
On I-5 near Sacramento, CHP officers watch closely for violations. Often, a commercial driver’s first question during our complimentary initial consultation is: "What are the CDL consequences for following too closely on I-5 in Woodland, CA?"
Our answer is typically the $238 fine is just the tip of the iceberg if convicted.
If convicted, the DMV will assess 1.5 NOTS points on your CA motor vehicle driving record (MVR) and notify the DOT FMCSA.
The FMCSA will assess Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points and time-weight multiples, which will affect the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile for two years and the driver’s Preemployment Screening Program (PSP) record for three.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
What’s at Risk Beyond the Fine?
Following too closely can cost you more than money:
Fines that add up.
Higher insurance premiums.
CSA and NOTS points.
Employer discipline or termination.
For independent drivers, a 60-day suspension equals lost income. For company drivers, it could mean a lost job.
CDL Consequences for Following Too Closely in California
Let’s look at what CDL holders really face:
A first conviction or paid fine for tailgating adds points to your MVR and PSP.
A second? You’ll be off the road for 60 days.
CDL drivers should always fight the first offense. That’s what protects your future. And that’s why we encourage drivers to reach out to a traffic attorney before it’s too late.
What a Traffic Attorney Can Do
If you're cited for following too close near Woodland, we can help you:
Possibly negotiate a reduction to a non-moving violation with no NOTS points or FMCSA notification.
Evaluate if the citation holds legal merit.
Develop a defense strategy for traffic court.
We’ve helped hundreds of commercial drivers protect their records. We know how to navigate the courts and argue for dismissals or point reductions.
Understanding the CDL Consequences for Following Too Closely
The phrase CDL consequences for following too closely may sound generic, but the impact is anything but. One ticket can snowball into higher CSA scores, job risk, and even FMCSA scrutiny.
It’s not just about the ticket—it’s about staying employable. That’s why many drivers near Woodland and throughout Yolo County trust us to help them fight back.
Consult One of Bigger & Harman’s Yolo County Commercial Traffic Attorneys
We understand it’s not always feasible for an in-person consultation while you’re on the road.
We offer commercial drivers a complimentary consultation by phone, email, or in person. We know many of the local law enforcement, what the State must prove, and the judges in Yolo County.
We’ve defended cases from I-5 in Woodland or around Sacramento, and we understand how these citations work.
If you're facing the CDL consequences for following too closely, don't pay the fine until you've spoken with us.
Let us help you protect your CDL, your job, and your future.
Consult Bigger & Harman About Possibly Avoiding the CDL Consequences for Following Too Closely in a Commercial Vehicle
To possibly avoid CDL consequences for following too closely in a commercial vehicle on I-5 near Woodland Courthouse, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755.
Use our user-friendly contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com immediately.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What are the CDL consequences for following too closely in a commercial vehicle?
A: A conviction or paid fine for a first offense in Yolo County results in a fine of around $238, adds NOTS and CSA points that appear on your PSP for up to three years, and a second offense results in a 60-day disqualification. A third or subsequent conviction results in increased disqualification periods.
Q: How does a conviction for following too closely affect my PSP and CSA scores?
A: The CA DMV will assess 1.5 NOTS points and report the conviction or paid fine to the FMCSA. The FMCSA will assess CSA severity points and record the conviction on your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) report and your carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile, which could lead to additional interventions by the FMCSA and possibly higher fleet insurance premiums, which could affect your employment.
Q: What should I do immediately after receiving a ticket for following too closely?
A: Take notes about the details of the stop. Contact a commercial traffic attorney for Yolo County before paying the fine. Hiring a CA traffic attorney to challenge the citation in court could improve your chances of avoiding penalties.
References:
CA VC Section 21703, Additional Driving Rules.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The CA DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
If you have questions about the CDL consequences for following too closely, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español 349-9755.