A commercial vehicle lane violation can damage your professional driving career.
We help commercial drivers who are facing a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) ticket. Our firm understands the unique challenges of driving in Placer County for CDL holders.
Interstate 80 (I-80) serves as the primary route to the Oakland Port. Many truckers use this east-west path through Sacramento, CA, to reach the Bay Area. We see many citations issued along this busy Roseville corridor.
Our commercial ticket attorneys regularly appear in local traffic court. We know the local rules and procedures in Roseville. Our team works hard to protect your livelihood and record.
Risks of a Commercial Vehicle Lane Violation
Depending on how the law enforcement officer (LEO) wrote up the ticket for a lane violation, a conviction could lead to a "serious offense" on your record.
This paid fine or conviction could impact your Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) score. Our commercial ticket attorneys work to avoid these possible results.
Although a commercial vehicle lane violation properly written up, is a minor infraction—when a LEO writes it up citing a violation of CA Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22107, the FMCSA might file this as an unsafe lane change, which is a serious offense that could result in a driver disqualification with a second conviction within three years.
The correct CVC is Section 22348(c), Speed Laws:
“A vehicle subject to Section 22406 shall be driven in a lane designated pursuant to Section 21655, or if a lane has not been so designated, in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb.”
CVC 22107 or 22108 pertains to lane changes, which the FMCSA could view as an unsafe lane change, a serious offense:
“No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.”
Both of these are moving violations that could impact your driving record if convicted. However, despite these traffic codes being similar, the consequences of a paid fine could be costly. Always consult a CA traffic attorney before paying a traffic ticket fine.
Likewise, there are other CVCs that a LEO might misuse. There are thousands of traffic codes, and it is only natural that a LEO might not know them all—however, that’s our job as commercial traffic attorneys.
Protecting Your Career and Fleet
Fleet managers should prioritize safety training for all their drivers.
Avoiding a commercial vehicle lane violation helps reduce potential legal liability. Our CDL traffic violation attorneys offer guidance for these situations.
We also help with speeding tickets and other moving violations. Our goal is to keep your driving record as clean as possible. We offer experienced representation for all commercial driving clients.
Tips for Drivers and Fleet Managers
Following these tips can help drivers avoid a commercial vehicle lane violation:
- Always use the designated lanes; if there are no designated lanes, use the right-hand lane for travelling and the second lane for passing only.
- Be aware of "truck-only" lanes on specific highways.
- Look for signs indicating truck restrictions or truck-only lanes.
- Many bridges in California are designated for trucks and charter buses in the right-lane only.
- Always avoid lanes beyond the second lane with three or more lanes on I-80 in California.
Fleet managers should remind drivers of the lane restriction for commercial vehicles and these tips during scheduled training.
The Value of Experienced Representation
Paying a fine is an admission of your legal guilt. This choice can stay on your record for several years. We suggest consulting a CA traffic attorney before taking that step.
Our firm handles the legal details so you can stay behind the wheel and earn money. We often appear in Roseville traffic court on your behalf. This courtesy prevents you from missing important days on the road.
"I got two CDL tickets in the Bakersfield area, and they were able to get them dismissed with nothing on my record. I would highly recommend them to anyone! Hopefully something like this never happens again but if it does, they will be the first people I call!"— Jaerinne L., Roosevelt, Fresno County, CA.
Consult Bigger & Harman About a Commercial Vehicle Lane Violation in Roseville, CA
If you’re cited for a moving violation around Roseville in Placer County, CA, contact us at (661) 349-9300 or 859-1177 para Español.
Bigger & Harman regularly defends clients in Roseville Courthouse. Call for a free consultation.
Our team understands the stress of a commercial driver’s ticket. Contact us today to discuss your specific legal situation. We can develop a personalized defense to protect your driving record and PSP.
You can also email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our website's contact form for a free initial consultation.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What is a commercial vehicle lane violation on I-80 near Roseville, CA?
A: This violation could involve not using designated lanes for commercial vehicles. In California, CMVs are restricted to the first (right-hand) lane for traveling and the second lane for passing or overtaking. The third lane of freeways with three or more lanes going in the same direction are restricted lanes for passenger vehicles only. Vehicles hauling a trailer or another vehicle are also restricted to the first or second lane.
Q: Will a paid fine for a lane violation impact my CDL record?
A: A paid fine for a lane violation will be assessed NOTS points by the CA DMV, who often notify the DOT FMCSA. The FMCSA will assess CSA severity points and time-weights, which will remain on the driver’s PSP for three years and the carrier’s SMS percentile for two years.
Q: Should I fight a commercial lane violation ticket?
A: The decision to dispute any traffic ticket should only be made after consulting a CA traffic attorney. Many situations could lead to a reduced, no-point result with a fine only, while others could lead to an outright dismissal. A commercial traffic attorney who attends traffic sessions in Truckee Courthouse regularly can advise you about these situations and your ticket. At Bigger & Harman, an initial consultation is always free and without obligation.
References:
CVC Sections 22107 & 22108, Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals & 22348(c), Speed Laws.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.