Commercial driving laws and lane violations can create serious stress for CDL drivers who receive a traffic ticket. We understand that pressure.
We help commercial drivers every day, and we know how quickly a traffic ticket for a moving violation can affect your driving position and career.
Understanding Commercial Driving Laws & Lane Violations
In California, vehicle codes require drivers of commercial vehicles subject to Section 22406 to use designated lanes in 22348(c), Speed Laws, the right lane closest to the curb, or the second lane to overtake or pass a slower vehicle.
Commercial drivers are rarely allowed to use the third or further lane on a highway with two or more lanes except when making a left turn or authorized U-turn.
Many commercial drivers who pass through Santa Maria, CA, rely on US-101. This highway is the main route for commercial traffic in the region. Officers monitor lane use and commercial driving laws closely.
Even one mistake can trigger legal and financial problems. Many drivers search, “How do I dispute a commercial lane violation near me?” We want those drivers to find us when they need help.
How Tickets Affect Your CDL
Commercial tickets on US-101 often involve unsafe lane changes, speeding, or following too close. Some drivers also face overweight truck citations or expired endorsement issues.
A CDL violation can result in a “serious offense.” A second conviction within three years can even cause a driver disqualification. These consequences are severe. One simple decision can impact your entire driving career.
We understand how important your CDL is. We treat your case with that same urgency.
Commercial Driving Laws and Lane Violations & Liability Risks
Commercial crashes often lead to civil liability claims. A ticket can complicate these cases. A conviction can affect negotiations or accident investigations.
We help drivers understand whether a plea could harm a civil claim. We review evidence. We look at the roadway details on US-101. We consider how a lane violation might appear to opposing counsel.
Common allegations include:
- Excessive speed
- Unsafe commercial lane changes
- Distracted driving
- Overweight vehicle concerns
- Hours-of-Service issues
We work to avoid convictions that could create unnecessary liability. We challenge errors. We seek alternate charges or dismissals whenever possible.
Why Immediate Help Matters
Paying the fine is an admission of guilt. That decision affects your record and your PSP for three years. Many new drivers do not realize this until it is too late.
We review each ticket carefully. Our first step is always the same: we pursue a dismissal. If dismissal is not possible, we negotiate for an alternate or reduced charge. This protects your CDL whenever possible.
The Value of Legal Support
One of the most significant hurdles to disputing a commercial lane violation is the ability to appear in court without missing a cargo load. When you hire us to resolve your traffic tickets, we will normally not require you to appear.
Courtrooms can feel overwhelming. Judges hear many commercial cases each day. A driver without representation may say something harmful to their case.
We appear in the Santa Maria Courtroom for you. We resolve commercial tickets daily. Most clients never need to appear in court. We handle that part for them.
Local Experience with Santa Maria, CA CDL Cases
Drivers often come to us after receiving a traffic ticket on US-101 near Santa Maria. These tickets can escalate fast. Penalties can increase when the DOT FMCSA is notified.
We defend CDL drivers against:
- Speeding tickets
- Commercial lane violations
- Oversized vehicles without permits
- Unsafe lane changes
- Red-light violations
- Stop-sign violations
- Railroad crossing violations
- Logbook violations
- Cell-phone tickets
- Other commercial traffic offenses
Our goal is to protect your CDL and your future.
A Practical Look at Commercial Driving Laws and Lane Violations
Commercial driving laws and lane violations require attention and quick action. Even minor details matter. CHP and local law enforcement officers on the 101 often rely on their observations, which can lead to misunderstandings.
That is why commercial drivers should not face these cases alone. A traffic attorney familiar with CDL violations can make a real difference.
Contact Bigger & Harman About Commercial Driving Laws & Lane Violations
If you received a ticket in Santa Maria or anywhere in California, we could help.
A commercial traffic attorney can review your case, identify defenses, and protect your CDL while you continue driving. We remain available through phone, email, or our online contact form so drivers can reach us from the road.
Bigger & Harman regularly defends clients in Santa Maria Courthouse (Miller Division). Call for a free, no-obligation consultation about a commercial vehicle lane violation at (661) 349-9300—Para Español, marque 859-1177.
Use our handy and secure contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Why hire a traffic ticket attorney for commercial driving laws and lane violations?
A: An attorney can challenge evidence, request dismissal, and protect your CDL.
Q: Will legal representation help safeguard my CDL job?
A: Reducing or dismissing violations protects your driving record, PSP, and employment.
Q: Are commercial lane violations always valid?
A: Many tickets involve misunderstandings or questionable observations that an attorney can dispute. Brake-checking, which a law enforcement officer might not observe, has become a national concern that could force a commercial driver to switch lanes without warning.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.