If you’ve ever received a commercial speeding ticket on I-5 near Woodland in Yolo County, CA, you might wonder—can radar guns actually be wrong?
The short answer is yes, they can, although if used and maintained correctly they are very accurate. And for commercial drivers, that error could mean more than just a fine—it could lead to extreme penalties that impact a commercial driver’s career.
Understanding California’s 55 MPH Speed Limit for Commercial Drivers
Under CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22406, most commercial vehicles and even some private vehicles with three or more axles or those towing another vehicle are limited to 55 mph statewide. That includes big rigs, buses, and vehicles hauling trailers.
When law enforcement alleges that a truck driver was going 15 mph or more over the limit, it’s not just a simple citation. It could be charged as a misdemeanor commercial speeding ticket—a “serious offense” under FMCSA regulations.
“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.”— Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (LII) WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor.
Two convictions within three years for this violation will result in a 60-day disqualification, taking you off the road and possibly off the payroll.
Can Radar Guns Be Wrong?
Absolutely. Radar devices are only as accurate as their calibration, operation, and environment.
Several factors can create false readings:
- Improper calibration – Officers must test and certify radar units regularly. If not, readings can be inaccurate.
- Interference – Power lines, weather, or nearby vehicles can distort radar signals.
- Angle error – If the radar beam isn’t aligned directly with your vehicle’s path, it could read higher speeds.
- Multiple targets – In heavy traffic, a radar gun might clock another high-profile vehicle or big rig as it passes you.
We’ve seen experienced truckers cited based on faulty readings that didn’t hold up under legal scrutiny. However, it is always wise to consult a traffic attorney about commercial traffic tickets.
Why Commercial Speeding Tickets Carry Serious Consequences
Even a single commercial speeding ticket can have long-lasting consequences:
- NOTS points on your California driving record
- FMCSA CSA severity points and time-weight Multiples
- Employer scrutiny through your Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record
- Potential loss of the ability to negotiate future job opportunities and better pay and benefits.
Worse still, a misdemeanor commercial speeding ticket may appear on criminal background checks, which can jeopardize employment with major carriers.
How a Traffic Attorney Can Challenge Radar Evidence
A knowledgeable traffic attorney can review your citation for procedural or evidentiary errors. We often find that radar gun records or officer training logs are incomplete or outdated.
Common legal challenges include:
- Missing or outdated radar calibration certificates
- Poor visibility or traffic conditions at the time of the citation
- Failure to identify the correct vehicle in multi-lane traffic
Each detail matters. The right defense strategy can mean the difference between keeping your CDL and losing your livelihood.
Local Enforcement Along I-5 in Yolo County
CHP officers monitor the I-5 corridor through Woodland because of the volume of truck traffic moving to and from California ports and distribution centers. Many commercial drivers are cited in this area due to radar or pacing methods.
We regularly assist truckers cited on I-5, Highway 113, and nearby routes through Yolo County. We understand the local courts, the CHP’s enforcement habits, and how to question flawed radar evidence effectively.
Consult Bigger & Harman About a Commercial Speeding Ticket
If you’ve received a commercial speeding ticket or a misdemeanor commercial speeding ticket in or around Woodland, CA, on I-5, contact Bigger & Harman, APC right away.
Our team focuses exclusively on traffic defense. We know how to challenge unreliable radar evidence, negotiate reduced penalties, or request a dismissal when warranted.
Your CDL is your career—protect it with professional legal help.
Call (661) 349-9300 or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our secure contact form to set up a free consultation. We defend CDL drivers in Woodland Courthouse and throughout California. Se habla Español: 859-1177.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: How much is a commercial speeding ticket in California?
A: A commercial speeding ticket typically costs between $367 and $800, but a misdemeanor speeding ticket could cost more than $1000, and the financial impact doesn’t stop there. It can add NOTS points and FMCSA penalties, which could mean a minimum driver disqualification of 60 days.
Q: What makes a misdemeanor commercial speeding ticket different?
A: Driving 15 mph or more over the 55 mph limit for commercial vehicles can be charged as a misdemeanor, and it is a “serious offense” under FMCSA rules. In fact, the FMCSA considers 15 mph over the speed limit as “excessive speeding.”
Q: Can radar guns really be wrong?
A: Improper calibration, weather conditions, or interference from other vehicles can lead to inaccurate readings.
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 DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The Cornell Law School LII WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor.