"What does this ticket mean for my CDL?" is a question we often hear from our trucker clients.
If you are a CDL holder, receiving a commercial lane violation poses a substantial risk. It's more than just a temporary hassle.
Your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is your livelihood. Don't risk the future of your career. We, the team at Bigger & Harman, are here to start building your personalized defense today.
The Rules for Commercial Vehicle Lane Use in CA
We understand the pressures of driving major routes. California Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22348(c) outlines the rules. Commercial vehicles must stay in the far-right lane. They can only use the second lane for passing.
On highways with three or more lanes, commercial drivers cannot use the third lane or lanes beyond.
Exceptions are only for making a left turn or exiting the highway. If convicted of this commercial lane violation, the penalty is steep. Penalties typically include a fine of $238, 1.5 NOTS points assessed by the DMV, and notification is sent to the FMCSA.
🛣️ Local Risks on I-5 in Stockton, CA
The I-5 corridor is a major north-south route through San Joaquin County, California. It sees high volumes of commercial traffic daily.
Due to this high traffic, law enforcement actively monitors the I-5 area near Stockton, CA.
Getting cited for a commercial lane violation here can hurt your career. It's more complicated than simply paying the fine.
Your fleet manager, the CA DMV, and the FMCSA can all get involved if you’re convicted. A paid fine is a conviction.
We help CDL holders fight these violations. Our goal is always to protect your record, your job, and your livelihood.
Long-Term Damage from a Moving Violation
Paying the fine is an admission of guilt that immediately results in a conviction.
NOTS points stay on your CA motor vehicle driving record (MVR). The DMV notifies the FMCSA, which adds CSA severity points to your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record. These records are stained for three years.
Carriers must review PSP records when hiring. Even one moving violation can cost you a new driving position or the ability to negotiate benefits and long-term earning power. Protecting your record is key to securing steady work and negotiating better pay.
Fleet Impact from a Commercial Lane Violation
A conviction affects both the driver and the fleet operator.
Once the DMV adds NOTS points, the FMCSA applies time-weight multiples to the CSA points. This can double or triple the safety score.
Fleets with high Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentiles face FMCSA interventions, audits, and more frequent roadside inspections.
Many carriers fire drivers to avoid increased scrutiny and higher fleet insurance premiums. This is often seen as a cost-effective measure.
Consult Bigger & Harman About a Commercial Vehicle Lane Violation
Drivers often ask, "Do I need a traffic attorney for a commercial lane violation?"
The short answer is yes, absolutely. A conviction is a direct hit to your driving career.
Missing a court date or handling the case yourself can be far more costly than hiring a CDL traffic attorney.
We can appear in the Stockton Courthouse for you. This allows you to keep working without turning down cargo.
We protect your record from both the CA DMV and FMCSA. We offer a free consultation to review your case. You will know your options before making career-impacting decisions.
Call Bigger & Harman, APC, for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation about a commercial vehicle lane violation at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español 859-1177. Use our handy and secure online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Should I hire a traffic attorney or just pay the fine?
A: Paying the fine might seem like the cheapest option; however, it admits guilt and adds points. A traffic attorney can fight the ticket to get charges reduced to a non-moving violation or a possible dismissal, which protects your CDL and PSP.
Q: How long does a commercial lane violation affect my PSP record?
A: CSA severity points related to a commercial lane violation remain on your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for a period of three years, and affect your employer’s SMS percentile for up to two years
Q: What are the penalties for a commercial lane violation in California?
A: A conviction carries a fine of $238 and adds 1.5 NOTS points to your California driving record. Paying the fine counts as a conviction. The CA DMV notifies the FMCSA, and your ticket becomes a part of your PSP and your carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile.
References:
CA VC Section 22348(c), Speed Laws.