Seasoned commercial drivers know the commercial traffic ticket lawyer near me in Kern County is Bigger & Harman. 

They have more than ten years of experience in Kern County courts, and a solid reputation of trust among truck drivers.

Commercial drivers know their CDL supports their families. One citation can threaten that stability. We understand what is at stake every time traffic court is involved.

Our team at Bigger & Harman, APC, works with commercial drivers daily. We represent drivers in Bakersfield, Lamont, and courthouses throughout Kern County.

Why Drivers Need a Commercial Traffic Ticket Attorney Near Me in Kern County

Commercial drivers are held to stricter standards in California. Points are assessed at one and a half times the rate of their noncommercial driving peers. That means even one moving violation conviction can threaten their driving career.

A paid fine adds CA DMV NOTS points, which also can trigger an FMCSA notification. Then, CSA severity points and time-weights are assigned to the carrier’s SMS. 

Every moving violation by a driver using their DOT number impacts their percentile. Carriers with a percentile of 75 and above are subject to FMCSA interventions that include every vehicle being pulled in for roadside inspections at weigh stations. 

The violation stays on a driver’s PSP for up to three years. That record affects future job opportunities and their negotiations for better pay and benefits with employers.

This is why drivers call a commercial traffic ticket attorney before paying the fine.

Challenging a Speeding Ticket from the Five on the Grapevine

If a commercial driver receives a speeding ticket on the Kern County side of the I-5 on the Grapevine, they usually have to resolve it in Lamont Traffic Court. 

We’re typically there every day when the court is in session. We have the knowledge, experience, and reputation with the court to get the best possible results. 

The fine for speeding tickets routinely costs commercial drivers between $238 and $800. However, as most CDL holders know, the fine is only the beginning of the nightmare associated with a moving violation.

After a paid fine or conviction, the CA DMV can notify the DOT FMCSA (you’re required to notify your employer), and then that record becomes a part of their PSP for up to 3 years.

Further, “excessive speeding” or 15 mph over the State’s 55-mph limit for commercial vehicles is an FMCSA “serious offense.” A second paid fine will result in a 60-day driver’s disqualification. Repeated convictions can lead to a lifetime ban.   

We can often get an alternate, no-point conviction to avoid a disqualification.

Resolving Red-Light Camera Tickets In Bakersfield 

In Bakersfield, one of the primary catalysts for commercial traffic tickets is the red-light camera. 

Bakersfield utilizes red-light cameras at ten specific intersections throughout the city. Commercial drivers should exercise extreme caution at these intersections, but when prevention fails, a commercial traffic ticket attorney “near me” in Bakersfield, should be consulted.

One of the primary issues for CDL drivers in their personal vehicles is the red-light cameras at the intersection of California Avenue, New Stine Road, and Stockdale Highway.

Crucial Considerations About Red-Light Camera Tickets for Commercial Drivers

• Increased Risk: Commercial drivers are often at a higher risk of red-light violations due to their longer vehicles.
• Eligibility Restrictions: Be aware that commercial drivers in their CMV are not eligible to complete Traffic Violator School (TVS) to mask a violation. CDL drivers are eligible if they are in their personal vehicle, but the conviction is not confidential.
• Verification: Red-light camera citations are usually issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. If you receive a notice, do not automatically pay the fine; consult a traffic attorney to review the evidence. The State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was you behind the wheel when the picture was taken.

However, hiring a CDL traffic attorney typically gets significantly better results than truck drivers, just as most lawyers don’t make good truck drivers.

Red-light camera tickets are not the only tickets we can help you resolve; we also handle: