Commercial drivers traveling I-5 through Woodland in Yolo County, California (CA), may not realize how quickly speeding in a CMV can become much more than a routine traffic stop.
CA has some of the strictest commercial vehicle speed laws in the country, and allegations of “excessive speeding” can carry consequences in CA and at the DOT FMCSA that extend far beyond a simple fine.
For CDL holders hauling freight through Woodland, on the I-5 approaching Sacramento, understanding the risks of a conviction can be critical to protecting a driving career.
NOTE: Although portions of the following scenario have been fictionalized for clarity, the legal consequences remain accurate and timely.
Could This Story About Speeding in a CMV Happen to You as a Commercial Driver?
After hauling a loaded container south from Seattle, a commercial driver, let’s call her Jane Doe, is looking forward to completing a delivery in the Fresno area and spending time with her family.
Approaching Woodland on I-5, she sees the flashing lights of a CHP in the mirror. A glance at the speedometer reveals approximately 72 mph.
The driver recalls seeing a posted 70 mph speed limit and initially wonders why she was being pulled over.
Moments later, the explanation becomes clear. Most commercial vehicles with three or more sets of axles in California are restricted to 55 mph. The CHP officer said that could even include a rental like a U-Haul, Enterprise, or Budget, depending on the type of vehicle.
The citation alleges a violation of CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22406.1—72 mph in a 55 mph zone.
That 17 mph difference may not sound significant, but under California law, speeding in a CMV by 15 mph or more above the commercial speed limit identified in CA VC Section 22406 can be charged as a misdemeanor.
“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.”— Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (LII) WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor.
California Takes Commercial Vehicle Speeding Seriously
Many commercial drivers entering California from Oregon, Nevada, or Arizona are surprised by California's lower speed limits for commercial vehicles.
In some neighboring states, speeds that are perfectly lawful for commercial traffic can create serious legal problems when crossing into California.
A conviction for misdemeanor speeding in a CMV may expose a driver to:
- A criminal record with probation or possible jail time.
- Fines that can approach $3,000 after state and local assessments.
- 1.5 DMV NOTS points.
- FMCSA reporting requirements that impact the driver’s PSP.
- CDL driver disqualifications.
For drivers who depend on a CDL to support a family, these penalties can create lasting financial consequences.
Why Speeding Excessively Can Threaten a CDL Career
Many commercial drivers focus only on the fine amount. However, the larger concern is often what happens after the court case ends.
Under FMCSA regulations, “speeding excessively” is considered a serious offense. A conviction will be reported to the FMCSA, which will maintain the record on the driver's PSP for up to three years.
A second serious offense within three years will result in a minimum 60-day commercial driver disqualification.
That means one conviction today can create problems long after the citation has been paid.
Why Commercial Drivers Often Seek Legal Guidance
A commercial speeding ticket near Woodland, CA, can affect much more than the driver's wallet.
Drivers traveling I-5 through Yolo County frequently ask questions such as, "Can speeding in a CMV ticket affect my CDL?" or "Will a conviction for speeding excessively appear on my PSP record?"
A conviction could affect a commercial driver's livelihood, future employment opportunities, and ability to continue working in the trucking industry.
Many drivers are surprised to learn that a conviction involving speeding excessively will trigger both state and federal consequences. Because every case is different, discussing available options with a CDL traffic attorney before resolving a citation is often worthwhile.
As noted above, parts of this blog post were fictionalized; however, many speeding in a CMV cases have similar results for commercial drivers. Get the facts about your exact situation.
Discuss Speeding in a CMV with Bigger & Harman, the CDL Traffic Attorney
When commercial drivers receive citations on I-5 near Woodland in Yolo County, CA, the decision made afterward can affect employment opportunities, fleet insurance costs, and their driving career.
At Bigger & Harman, we regularly assist commercial drivers facing commercial traffic ticket matters across California.
Whether the issue involves speeding in a CMV, maintenance violations, logbook concerns, or other CDL-related citations, we understand how important a commercial license is to a driver's livelihood.
Commercial drivers cited near Woodland, CA, can contact Bigger & Harman for a free consultation by calling (661) 349-9300 or 859-1177 para Español. Drivers may also email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our website contact form.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: How much is the fine for speeding in a CMV?
A: Commercial drivers typically pay between $238 and $600 for speeding up to 14 mph over the CA statewide 55-mph speed limit for commercial vehicles. However, speeding 15 mph or more over the 55-mph limit may be charged as a misdemeanor under CA Vehicle Code § 22406.1. If convicted, the total cost can approach $3,000 after state and local assessments and should result in FMCSA CDL-related consequences.
Q: Should I speak with a CDL traffic attorney about speeding in a CMV?
A: Yes. Convictions for commercial traffic tickets carry consequences beyond the initial fine. A CDL traffic attorney can help a driver understand the potential impact on a CDL, PSP record, and future employment opportunities. Remember, courts are often very different from each other. What your buddy said about his ticket will often not match your situation. For commercial drivers, even two or three mph can make a significant difference in the consequences.
Q: How does a conviction for excessive speeding affect my CDL?
A: A conviction for excessive speeding, or speeding 15 over in a CMV no matter what its called, should be classified as a “serious offense” under FMCSA regulations, and a second conviction within three years will lead to a driver disqualification.
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 & Wobbler.