Speeding in a CMV can quickly derail a professional driving career in California.
Our law firm understands the pressure of meeting tight delivery deadlines on US Route 101. We help commercial driversnavigate the strict enforcement found throughout Santa Barbara County, CA.
Local law enforcement often monitors traffic near Goleta and Summerland along the coast. Drivers heading toward Lompoc or Solvang also face frequent patrols on regional highways.
Resolving a speeding ticket in these areas requires a knowledgeable of the local courts, speed laws, and legal strategies.
Understanding the Risks on US Route 101
California mandates a 55-mph speed limit for most large trucks, buses, and trailers with three or more axles.
Exceeding this limit while speeding in a CMV leads to heavy financial penalties. The fine for commercial drivers speeding in a CMV typically ranges from $238 to $800 per violation.
A conviction also results in 1.5 NOTS points on your CA motor vehicle record (MVR). These points stay on your record and are reported to the FMCSA. Our team works to keep your driving record and PSP clean.
Likewise, moving violations in a CMV are assessed CSA severity points and time-weight multiples that impact your carrier’s SMS percentile, which is often used to determine fleet insurance premiums.
One moving violation can impact your employability when it causes a rise in premiums.
The Impact of a DOT FMCSA "Serious Offense"
The FMCSA classifies driving 15 mph over the limit as a "serious offense."
Two or more convictions within three years lead to a 60-day driver disqualification. This classification makes speeding in a CMV a threat to your current job, hampers your ability to negotiate better pay and benefits, and scars your PSP making it more difficult to land a new driving position.
These violations remain on your PSP record for three years. Fleet managers use this data when making hiring and retention decisions. Protecting your PSP is vital for maintaining your value in the industry.
How an Experienced Speeding Ticket Lawyer Can Help
A knowledgeable lawyer can often appear in a Santa Barbara court for you.
Their representation in court allows you to stay on the road and continue earning a living. We negotiate with the court to seek a dismissal or a reduced charge.
1.We review the officer's evidence for any technical errors or inconsistencies.
2.Our team could challenge the calibration records of the speed measurement devices used or inconsistent statements by the ticketing officer.
3.We work to raise the level of reasonable doubt in seeking a dismissal to keep points off your CA MVR and FMCSA PSP.
We handle everything from simple speeding to lane violations and logbook issues. Our goal is to prevent a scar on your professional reputation. Experienced legal help can make a major difference in the outcome.
Contact a Lawyer About Speeding in a CMV in Santa Barbara County
If you receive a speeding ticket, consult an experienced attorney before paying the fine. Paying the ticket is an admission of guilt that impacts your career.
Bigger & Harman provides the support needed to fight these moving violations in Santa Maria’s Miller Division (Traffic Court) and in the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
We help you avoid CA NOTS points and potential driver disqualifications by the FMCSA. Our team understands the specific procedures used in courts.
Call us today at (661) 367-8232 to discuss your legal options—Se habla Español.
You can also email us at mailto:attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our website contact form.
Bigger & Harman regularly defends clients in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Call for a free, no-obligation consultation. We assisted drivers with more than 30,000 California traffic tickets.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Is speeding in a CMV more expensive than a car ticket?
A: Commercial drivers who pay the fine for speeding in a CMV often pay much higher fines. Fines in Santa Barbara County typically range between $238 and $800 for certain speed violations. However, speeding 15 or more mph over the statewide 55-mh limit is a misdemeanor offense that could cost a commercial driver around $2,500 to $3,000.
Q: How many NOTS points will the DMV add for a paid fine or speeding conviction?
A: A commercial speeding conviction adds 1.5 NOTS points to your California record. This is 50% more than what a passenger vehicle driver receives.
Q: Will my carrier see my ticket even if I am out of state?
A: Commercial drivers are mandated to notify their carrier of convictions for moving violations within 30 days. Also, the DMV notifies the FMCSA, which assesses CSA severity points and time-weight multiples, and then updates the carrier’s SMS percentile. These high percentiles can lead to higher fleet insurance premiums for 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.