A CDL traffic attorney understands that even a minor moving violation on I-80 can stall your career.
When you are hauling freight over the Donner Pass near Truckee, CA, the stakes are much higher. Our law firm knows that Nevada County law enforcement monitors the I-80 corridor very closely.
Professional drivers entering California from Nevada often face immediate challenges just over the state line. They might encounter the CHP at the Donner Pass Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility. This facility is a major roadside inspection point for commercial vehicles.
Understanding Moving Violations in Truckee
Many drivers face citations near the weigh station just east of Truckee in Nevada County.
Local LEOs are very familiar with the steep grades and curves of the Donner Pass. They often issue tickets for commercial lane violations or exceeding the 55-mph limit.
A conviction in the Truckee Courthouse can result in a fine between $238 and $800.
More serious violations, such as “excessive speeding” 15 or more mph above the statewide speed limit, an FMCSA serious offense, will require a higher fine if convicted. The fine for this California misdemeanor offense could total more than $3,000 if convicted.
Facing Federal FMCSA Standards
The DOT and FMCSA hold every commercial driver to a much higher safety standard.
A commercial ticket for a moving violation will remain on your driving history in CA and at the FMCSA on your PSP for up to three years.
This violation could leave a scar on your PSP record for three years. The DOT FMCSA mandates trucking firms check a driver’s PSP before hiring.
This scar on your PSP could impact your ability to gain employment at higher-paying firms or your ability to negotiate better pay and benefits if hired.
Understanding Commercial Points
It is vital to distinguish between state-level NOTS points and federal CSA severity points.
While California assesses NOTS points on your driving record, the FMCSA tracks points for carrier safety, which could impact your employability.
Below is a comparison of how common violations are weighted:
Violation Type | CA DMV (NOTS Points) | FMCSA (CSA Severity) |
|---|---|---|
Speeding (1-15 mph over) | 1.5 Points | 1 to 7 Points |
Excessive Speed (15+ mph) | 1.5 Points | 10 Points |
Following Too Closely | 1.5 Points | 5 Points |
Unsafe Lane Change | 1.5 Points | 5 Points |
Texting While Driving | 1.5 Points | 10 Points |
Local Knowledge and Experience with the Truckee Courthouse
Working with a CDL traffic attorney who regularly appears in Nevada County offers a clear advantage.
We are familiar with the local judges and courthouse procedures in Truckee. Our goal is to avoid points on your record through aggressive negotiation.
If points cannot be avoided, we sometimes can work to gain a dismissal/acquittal by challenging the evidence to raise the level of “reasonable doubt.”
We can subpoena officer statements or calibration records for speed measurement devices. This local knowledge helps us protect your CDL and PSP.
Knowledgeable Support for Trucking Professionals
Our team provides dedicated assistance for those operating commercial vehicles through Truckee on I-80 in Nevada County.
We offer the following legal services to protect your livelihood:
- Strive to have your legal allegations dropped or decreased.
- Secure vital proof, such as radar maintenance logs or official law enforcement testimony.
- Clarify every available legal path based on your specific situation.
We provide representation for a wide variety of commercial trucking tickets, such as:
- CMV speeding.
- Unauthorized commercial vehicle lane use.
- Moving loads without valid oversize permits.
- Unsafe lane changes.
- Bypassing scales when open (a misdemeanor offense in CA).
- Electronic logbook errors or HOS breaches.
- Following too close/Tailgating.
- Using a handheld mobile device while driving a CMV.
We will review any CDL traffic ticket and advise you of your options.
Contact a CDL Traffic Attorney About a Commercial Driver’s Moving Violation
If you receive a traffic ticket in Truckee, you should consult a CDL traffic attorney immediately.
Our law firm helps drivers avoid a possible court appearance, the resulting NOTS points, and CSA severity points. We work to prevent FMCSA notifications and high CSA severity points for your carrier.
When commercial drivers get ticketed for a moving violation in Truckee, they typically call Bigger & Harman to resolve it in the Truckee Courthouse at (661) 367-8232—se habla Español 859-1177.
Commercial drivers can also use our secure contact form to set up a free consultation. We also use email at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com to stay in contact with drivers on the road.
Let us help you protect your career and your livelihood.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Why would I hire a CDL traffic attorney for a moving violation when the fine is typically less than the legal fee?
A: Paying the fine is an admission of guilt that results in points and FMCSA notification. A knowledgeable attorney fights to reduce or dismiss charges to keep your record clean. Any points on your driving record hamper your ability to negotiate better pay and benefits.
Q: Can Bigger & Harman clear a Failure to Appear (FTA/FTP) in Nevada County?
A: We frequently assist commercial drivers who missed a court date while out on a long haul. We can help clear bench warrants and resolve the underlying traffic matter.
Q: Can hiring a CDL traffic attorney protect my carrier's SMS percentile?
A: By disputing the ticket, we are often able to prevent the assessment of NOTS points, which could lead to CSA severity points and time-weight multiples that impact your carrier's safety ranking and help maintain lower fleet insurance premiums.
References:
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.