Many drivers face the Shafter Traffic Court System in Kern County because of tickets received while speeding 100+ mph on I-5 or SR-46 heading for the coast. Frequently, truck and bus drivers get tickets for violating CA Vehicle Code (CVC) 22406, Other Speed Laws, which limits multiple axle vehicles and hazardous material drivers to 55 mph statewide. Certainly, there are many other traffic tickets processed at the Shafter Traffic Court in Shafter, CA, but these are the most prevalent.

Top Five Tickets in Shafter Traffic Court

In fact, the top five traffic tickets across the Central Valley and statewide are: speeding, running a stop sign or red-light, unsafe lane changes, reckless driving, and following too closely. Most traffic tickets are minor infractions such as speeding (speeding 100+ mph is considered a major infraction), red-light tickets, and unsafe lane changes. These do not lead to jail time. Other offenses such as reckless driving, racing, and hit and run are considered criminal offenses or misdemeanors and could result in jail time if convicted. However, misdemeanors can also be felonies such as hit and run with injuries or death, vehicular manslaughter, and others.

Many drivers with a ticket wonder how they know if the citation is for an infraction or a misdemeanor. On the citation, there is an “M,” and an “I.” Whichever is circled is what the law enforcement officer (LEO) thought the violation was.

Traffic Tickets & Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) Points

CA Vehicle Code (CVC) 12810, Issuance of Licenses, Expiration, and Renewal, gives the DMV authority to assess NOTS points for moving violations upon conviction resulting from a traffic ticket or an at-fault accident. According to this CVC, hit and run, DUI, reckless driving, driving under suspension or revocation, racing, speeding over 100 mph, and no insurance are two-point violations. Minor infractions and at-fault accidents assessed greater than 0% responsible merit one point.

When a driver accumulates four NOTS points within a year, six within two, or eight within three years, they are considered negligent operators and the DMV mails an “Order of Probation/Suspension.” The driver must then request a DMV Hearing to determine if the suspension is warranted. If they are not justified, a six-month suspension, plus 12-month probation goes into effect 34 days after mailing. Any further points, failure to appear, or accidents (regardless of fault) will lead to additional suspension/probation time.

NOTS points, possible suspension, and dramatically increased auto insurance premiums due to convictions are why it is wise to consult with a traffic ticket defense team that regularly works within the Shafter Traffic Court system. They know the judges, law enforcement, and traffic law. They can also represent you at a DMV Hearing to possibly avoid a DL suspension.

Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders usually have no other option but to fight a traffic ticket or face a termination of employment and difficulty finding another driving position.

Consult with a Traffic Attorney Who Works Within the Shafter Traffic Court System

Although Bigger & Harman’s office is in Bakersfield, they regularly represent clients at DMV Hearings, in Shafter Traffic Court, and other traffic courts across Central Valley. They have successfully represented more than 2000 drivers accused of traffic violations in Central Valley and some SoCal traffic courts. Give them a call today to discover your options to fight and win in traffic court.

Call Bigger & Harman, (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.

Send an email to attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.

References:

CVC 22406, Other Speed Laws

CVC 12810, Issuance of Licenses, Expiration, and Renewal

The 2018 CA Driver Handbook .pdf