A CDL speeding ticket lawyer knows that one I-5 speeding ticket adds risks to a driving career.
Every commercial driver hauling freight through Woodland in Yolo County, CA, faces strict standards and speed laws.
Our law firm understands that the transition from open northern roads often surprises professional drivers. If you get a ticket, we can help.
California Speed Laws in Woodland
Many drivers coming from Oregon or Washington State, headed for the Bay Area on I-5, find this out the hard way.
California mandates a 55-mph limit for most commercial vehicles that are subject to speed law 22406. Many truckers get tagged with speeding tickets on I-5 around Woodland in Yolo County.
Local law enforcement officers (LEOs) are familiar with this and know they can add between $238 and $550 to the Yolo County treasury for even five to ten mph over the limit.
A trucker driver who just drove into California from the rural sections of I-5 might not be aware of the statewide 55 mph speed restriction for commercial vehicles in California. Surrounding states have higher speed limits!
CA Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22406 limits specific vehicles to 55 mph statewide:
- Truck tractors or motor trucks with three or more axles.
- Any passenger vehicle or bus towing another vehicle.
- School buses with pupils currently on board.
- Any vehicle transporting explosive materials.
- Farm labor vehicles carrying passengers or laborers.
Commercial rental vehicles, such as U-Haul, Ryder, and others, might also fall under this speed law, so stay under 55 mph and stay ticket-free.
The Stakes in Yolo County
A paid fine or conviction in the Woodland Courthouse is very expensive for a commercial driver.
Typically, a commercial speeding ticket in Yolo County is between $238 and $800. Fines for excessive speeding can be much higher than these standard rates.
Under CA VC Section 22406.1(a), driving 15 mph over the statewide 55 mph limit in this VC is a misdemeanor.
Regarding this charge, the Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (LII) provides the following definition:
“A misdemeanor is a type of offense punishable under criminal law. A misdemeanor is typically a crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail.”
Federal CSA Scores and Safety Rankings
An excessive speeding conviction is a "serious offense" at the FMCSA that could result in a driver disqualification for a second or subsequent conviction within three years of the first.
This mark stays on your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years. It also impacts the trucking firm’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile for two years.
The FMCSA assesses ten Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points for this. These points carry a time-weight multiple of two or three.
Our law firm helps drivers navigate these complex federal safety categories.
Contact Bigger & Harman, the CDL Speeding Ticket Lawyers, to Discover Your Options
When commercial drivers need the help of a CDL speeding ticket lawyer, they often turn to Bigger & Haman in Woodland in Yolo County, CA.
Call us today to discover your options about a speeding ticket at (661) 367-8232 or 859-1177 (se habla Español). The initial consultation is free and without obligation.
Also, email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or fill out our online contact form.
Protect your PSP and your reputation by calling our team today. We offer flexible appointments and can provide answers over the phone or by email.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Why hire a CDL Speeding Ticket Lawyer instead of paying the fine?
A: Paying the fine is an admission of guilt that results in NOTS points in CA, and the DMV notifies the DOT FMCSA, which adds CSA severity points and time-weights to your carrier’s SMS percentile. The record will also be maintained on a commercial drivers PSP for up to three years. A lawyer fights for reduced no-point charges or a dismissal to protect your license and PSP.
Q: Can an attorney prevent a "serious offense" classification for excessive speeding?
A: A lawyer may be able to negotiate a no-point or alternate violation in the Woodland Courthouse. This prevents the conviction from being labeled as a "serious offense."
Q: How do CSA severity points and time-weights impact my career?
A: High driver safety percentiles increase your carrier's risk profile and its fleet insurance costs. Defending your ticket helps maintain your value to your trucking firm.
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 Cornell Law School LII WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor.