The consequences of speeding in a commercial vehicle can impact every part of a commercial driver’s life, and we see this every week when a driver calls us after receiving a traffic ticket.
Many drivers feel overwhelmed. We understand that feeling. Our goal is to explain the driver’s options and how a CDL traffic attorney may help.
Speeding in a CMV carries risks that go far beyond the fine. A conviction follows the driver, their record, and their career.
Why the Consequences Feel So Severe
California and the DOT FMCSA apply strict standards to CDL drivers.
A conviction impacts a driver’s DMV record, their CSA severity score, and their ability to stay employed. That pressure is real. We hear it in every call we receive.
Local terrain makes things more difficult and hazardous.
Speed limits drop sharply on the I-5 on the Grapevine because of the steep 6% downgrade through the Tejon Pass. Heavy vehicles need long stopping distances.
Some limits suddenly drop as low as 35 mph to prevent runaways and rear-end collisions. These conditions force law enforcement to enforce the speed limits aggressively, and tickets are common.
On the LA County side of the Grapevine, speeding tickets must be resolved in the Chatsworth/Valencia Courthouse, and those on the Kern County side must be resolved in the Lamont Courthouse. Check your court reminder.
Financial Consequences Could Add Up Quickly
Many drivers think paying the fine ends the problem. It doesn’t—it’s only the beginning.
Paying the fine for speeding is the same as pleading guilty. The DMV reports the conviction to the DOT FMCSA. That creates CSA severity points for the driver and their carrier. That record becomes a part of the commercial driver’s PSP.
The financial fallout can include:
- A fine can range from $366 to $800 for an infraction to thousands of dollars for a misdemeanor, depending on the speed.
- Insurance increases that last for years
- Ten state and county surcharges are added to the base fine, which can make it three to five times more expensive.
Families will feel the financial strain.
Consequences That Impact Employment
A conviction goes on the commercial driver’s Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for up to three years. Fleet recruiters must consider those records during the recruiting process or face FMCSA interventions.
Drivers also face:
- NOTS Points
A speeding conviction adds 1.5 NOTS points. Too many points lead to a license suspension. - FMCSA Driver Disqualifications
Speeding 15 mph or more over the CA 55-mph CMV limit is a “serious offense.”
Two convictions in three years result in a 60-day CDL driver disqualification.
Three convictions mean 120 days, and later violations risk a lifetime ban. - Interstate Driver Disqualification
The FMCSA cannot suspend a California CDL. However, they can prohibit the driver from operating commercially across state lines. This could mean immediate termination, as many fleet managers will not hold a driving position open, and the CSA severity points and time-weight multiples impact their fleet insurance premiums.
Criminal and Professional Consequences
Many drivers are surprised to learn that certain speeding tickets are misdemeanors. If the driver is speeding 15 mph or more above the statewide commercial vehicle limit, they may face:
- A misdemeanor record
- Up to 90 days in county jail, though probation is more common.
- Job loss, especially with zero-tolerance carriers
One citation can cause a company to remove a driver from service to possibly avoid a higher Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile and FMCSA interventions.
“A misdemeanor is a type of offensepunishable 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.
Why Tickets on the Grapevine Carry Extra Risk
The steep descent on the I-5 on the Grapevine is one of the most heavily enforced segments in the state.
CHP officers monitor the speed of commercial vehicles because heavy vehicles can gain momentum quickly.
One mistake on a 6% downgrade can lead to brake failure and runaway vehicles. These safety concerns explain the strict enforcement.
Ask Bigger & Harman About the Possible Consequences of Speeding in a Commercial Vehicle
We help CDL holders challenge speeding tickets, protect their DMV and PSP records, and reduce the long-term damage a conviction can cause. A commercial driver’s speeding ticket lawyer understands how local courts work and what options may still be available.
If you need help possibly avoiding the consequences of speeding in a commercial vehicle in Chatsworth/Valencia or Lamont Courthouse, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—Marka 859-1177 para Español.
Use our contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What are the possible consequences of speeding in a commercial vehicle on the Grapevine?
A: Commercial drivers face a massive fine, 1.5 NOTS and CSA severity points, and possible driver position termination.
Q: Should a driver hire a traffic attorney after a Grapevine speeding ticket?
A: A CDL traffic attorney can request dismissal, challenge speed measurement device evidence and law enforcement perspectives, and negotiate a no-point option when possible.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
DOT FMCSA CFR Part 383.31, Notification of Convictions for Driver Violations.
CA VC Section 22406 & 22406.1, Other Speed Laws.
FMCSA CFR 49 Part 383.51, Disqualification of Drivers.
CA DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
The Cornell Law School Legal LII WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor.