Commercial drivers traveling I-80 near Roseville often call us with questions and requests for representation. Many are surprised by the consequences of speeding and FMCSA serious offenses.
Many more don’t realize the extent of damage they can do to their driving careers by paying the fine. Simply paying the fine creates a conviction for a moving violation, and leads to a DMV NOTS point assessment and possible FMCSA ramifications.
That decision will impact a commercial driver's livelihood for up to three years, and depending on their speed and driving history, it could lead to a driver disqualification.
How Speeding Near Roseville Creates Problems Nationwide
Roseville sits along the busy I-80 in Placer County, CA. Heavy truck traffic brings increased CHP monitoring.
Many commercial speeding tickets handled by Placer County Traffic Court originate on I-80 near Roseville. Others come from freight traffic entering and leaving I-5 near Woodland and Sacramento.
Drivers from outside California often overlook or do not know about the statewide 55-mph limit. The speed limit on I-80 on the Nevada side of the state line is 70 mph.
Not knowing or ignoring the 55-mph speed limit for commercial vehicles across California could lead to an expensive speeding ticket or a date with Roseville Traffic Court, unless the commercial driver hires a CA traffic ticket attorney who doesn’t require the driver’s attendance.
Consequences of Speeding and FMCSA Serious Offenses
California limits most commercial vehicles to 55 mph. In many areas, non-commercial vehicles are allowed to drive 65 or 70 mph, legally. However, many are driving 80 or 90 mph, while commercial drivers are ticketed for a few mph over the limit.
Under VC 22406.1, speeds 15 mph over the limit can be charged as misdemeanors. Commercial drivers face risks that passenger drivers do not.
A misdemeanor speeding conviction in a CMV is an FMCSA serious offense. A second serious offense within three years triggers a 60-day disqualification.
Additional convictions increase the disqualification period. Too many may end a driving career.
However, when Caltrans and local authorities establish a 35 mph speed limit due to a steep grade, going 50 or 55 mph there is an infraction, not a misdemeanor. But under FMCSA regulations, it is still excessive speeding, a serious offense, as is any speed over the limit in a construction zone.
Why a Speeding Conviction Hurts More Than Expected
Many inexperienced drivers focus only on the fine.
A more significant issue typically involves FMCSA notification and future employment consideration with a scar on their PSP.
After a conviction, DMV assigns 1.5 NOTS points. A conviction could also limit your options on your FMCSA.
These are some common consequences:
- A possible criminal record with jail time or probation where a VC 22406.1(a) was charged.
- 1.5 NOTS points that put the driver within 2.5 points of a DMV suspension threat.
- FMCSA reporting.
- CSA severity points.
- PSP entries.
- Employment difficulties.
Excessive Speeding Is a Serious Offense
FMCSA classifies excessive speeding as a serious offense.
Safety concerns drive that decision. An 80,000-pound tractor-trailer needs significant stopping distance. Conditions become worse in rain or heavy traffic.
Commercial drivers often underestimate that risk. That is why FMCSA treats excessive speeding differently.
A second conviction within three years will result in a CDL driver’s disqualification for a minimum of 60 days. Additional convictions lead to longer disqualification periods and an eventual ban from interstate commercial driving.
New CSA Severity Points Simplify SMS Scoring
Fleet Rabbit recently discussed the new approach and we are still waiting for the implementation date.
Their article states, “The current 1–10 CSA point severity scale will be replaced by a simpler 1 or 2 weighting system.”
Major offenses, serious offenses, and Out-of-Service (OOS) Order violations that lead to a conviction receive a weight of two. Most other convictions receive a weight of one.
This new system can be very unfriendly to independent operators and small fleets, as they cannot spread out the damage across several vehicles like larger fleets.
How Local Court Experience Helps CDL Holders
We regularly help commercial drivers cited on I-80 near Roseville.
Familiarity and experience with local procedures makes it easier for us to get the officer’s statement, speed measurement device calibration and training records, and more that can help us negotiate for alternative, no-point charges and dismissals.
Roseville Traffic Court handles many commercial cases. Every driver deserves individual attention.
The consequences of speeding and FMCSA serious offenses extend beyond fines. A conviction may affect future driving opportunities.
Criminal Penalties Can Become Expensive & Damage the Driver’s Reputation
A misdemeanor speeding conviction carries more than a fine and the DMV’s 1.5 NOTS point assessment. Probation or jail may also be possible.
Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII) WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor explains:
"A misdemeanor is a type of offense punishable under criminal law. A misdemeanor is typically a crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail."
Court costs, state and county penalties may exceed expectations. The fine for speeding 15 or more mph over the CA 55-mph restriction can cost nearly $3,000 after the ten state and local surcharges are added. Although most cases end in significantly less of a fine and consequence.
Lost work time creates additional hardship.
Consult Bigger & Harman About the Consequences of Speeding & FMCSA Serious Offenses
Commercial drivers should discuss the consequences of a speeding conviction with a CDL traffic attorney before pleading guilty. Paying a traffic ticket creates a conviction.
The consequences of speeding and FMCSA serious offenses reach far beyond a fine. They may affect employment, income, and a criminal record.
Our office understands Roseville Traffic Court procedures. We often appear for the commercial driver, saving them time and pay-per-mile salary.
If cited on I-80 near Roseville in Placer County, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300. Para Español, marque (661) 859-1177. Commercial drivers may also use our website's secure contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com for a free consultation.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: I got a speeding ticket on I-80 near Roseville. Is it really that serious?
A: It can be. Speeding 15 mph over the 55-mph restriction for commercial vehicles is a misdemeanor offense in CA depending on how it was charged, and “speeding excessively” is a serious offense under federal law.
Q: What are the consequences of speeding and FMCSA serious offenses in Roseville Traffic Court?
A: Speeding 1-14 mph over the speed limit carries a fine of between $238 and $800; whereas, speeding 15 mph over the statewide 55 is a misdemeanor offense. That distinction could lead to a massive fine, jail time, probation, 1.5 NOTS points, and an FMCSA designation as a “serious offense.” A second conviction of speeding excessively within three years will lead to a 60-day driver’s disqualification.
Q: Can a CDL traffic attorney appear in court for me so that I can keep driving?
A: Yes, in most cases, Bigger & Harman will not require your presence in court to resolve your speeding ticket.
References:
CA VC Sections 22406 & 22406.1, Speed Laws.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The Cornell Law School LII WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.31, Notification of Convictions for Driver Violations.
The Fleet Rabbit article, Fleet Compliance Checklist for 2026 (DOT + FMCSA).