A commercial vehicle misdemeanor speeding charge can be stressful for any CDL holder.
If you received one while driving through Riverside County, CA—especially on the I-10—you may be wondering what to do next.
We know this because we’ve helped countless drivers just like you protect their commercial driver’s license (CDL) and livelihood.
What Vehicles Must Follow the 55 MPH Commercial Limit?
Not every commercial vehicle is subject to this specific law.
Under CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22406, the 55 mph speed limit applies to:
“Motortrucks or truck tractors with three or more axles
Passenger vehicles or buses towing another vehicle
School buses transporting students
Farm labor vehicles carrying passengers
Vehicles transporting explosives
Trailer buses”
Even some rental trucks and other large vehicles may fall under this category.
It’s best to speak with a CDL traffic attorney before making any assumptions or statements.
What Happens After a Misdemeanor Speeding Charge?
A commercial vehicle misdemeanor speeding conviction means a criminal record. That’s no small issue.
According to Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute (LII), “A misdemeanor is a type of offense punishable under criminal law…typically by less than 12 months in jail.”
Most Riverside County judges know CDL holders are working hard to support their families.
With an experienced traffic attorney, there’s often a chance to reduce the charge to an infraction or get a full dismissal of the citation.
NOTE: The DMV started processing Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) renewals online. Click the “Start CDL Renewal” button.
Key Details About Commercial Vehicle Misdemeanor Speeding Tickets
Truckers moving freight across I-10 in Riverside County, CA, must understand these key facts about a commercial vehicle misdemeanor charge:
It applies to commercial vehicles as listed in CA VC 22406.
It can be charged as a misdemeanor if driving 15+ mph over the 55-mph limit.
A conviction can lead to jail time, though it’s rare.
It's a DOT FMCSA “serious offense.” A second offense leads to a 60-day disqualification.
Look for “22406.1” with an “M” circled on your ticket. If that’s the charge, it’s a criminal misdemeanor offense. Avoid making a statement to law enforcement or court officers without an attorney present. Ticket errors don’t guarantee a dismissal.
Always use your right to remain silent.
Fines start at $1,000 and increase significantly with penalties and assessments.
Commercial Drivers Heading to or Coming From Los Angeles or Long Beach Ports
Many CDL holders traveling from or to the Ports of Los Angeles or Long Beach use the I-10.
That stretch in Riverside County is a common location for CHP to issue commercial vehicle misdemeanor speeding tickets.
We’ve seen the number of tickets increase dramatically, similar to the spike on I-5 in Fresno County and I-15 in Victorville, CA.
If you’re one of those drivers, don’t risk your license. Get help fast.
What to Do at the Traffic Stop
If pulled over, sign the ticket and stay calm. Exercise your right to remain silent. Don’t argue or offer explanations.
Then, contact one of Bigger & Harman About your Riverside County as soon as possible to review your options and build your defense.
Ask One of Bigger & Harman’s Riverside County Traffic Attorneys
We’ve handled hundreds of these cases and know what to expect in court.
CDL holders who hire a traffic attorney can mean the difference between a criminal conviction on your record and a reduced or dismissed charge.
Judges often don’t want to saddle CDL holders with criminal records for doing their jobs.
We work to keep your driving record clean, protect your CDL, and fight unnecessary penalties.
We’re based in Central California, but we represent drivers statewide, including those cited on I-10 in Riverside County.
If you received a commercial vehicle misdemeanor speeding ticket, reach out now. Don’t let one mistake cost you your driving career.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
CDL Holders Should Call Bigger & Harman About a Commercial Vehicle Misdemeanor Speeding Ticket in Riverside County
Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of Bigger & Harman’s Riverside County, CA, traffic attorneys to discuss your commercial vehicle misdemeanor speeding charge at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español at 349-9755.
Use Bigger & Harman’s convenient contact form, or email them at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Is a commercial vehicle misdemeanor speeding ticket on I-10 in Riverside County a criminal charge?
A: Yes. Driving 15 mph or more over the statewide 55 mph limit in a commercial vehicle can be charged as a misdemeanor under CA VC 22406.1.
Q: Can my CDL be suspended after a commercial vehicle misdemeanor speeding conviction?
A: The DOT FMCSA classifies excessive speeding, 15 mph or more over the speed limit or speeding in construction zone as a “serious offense.” A second conviction within three years leads to a minimum 60-day driver disqualification. A first-time suspension is very rare. However, under California law any speeding related offense can have a suspension of up to 30 days.
Q: Do I need a traffic attorney for a misdemeanor speeding ticket in Riverside County?
A: Absolutely, if you are smart. It is a misdemeanor charge. A CDL traffic attorney can often negotiate with the DA and judge to reduce the charge to an infraction or get the charges dismissed entirely, helping you avoid a criminal record and FMCSA penalties. At the very least, get a public defender or other attorney. But they still will probably not know how this will effect your driving record as a commercial driver and what to do about it.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.