CDL holders are held to a much higher standard than regular drivers. For instance, in CA, if you get convicted or pay the fine on a minor infraction, instead of the one Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) point given a regular driver, you get 50 percent more or, in this case, 1.5 NOTS points, three points for more serious infractions and misdemeanors.
What’s more, you could get disqualified from driving for 60 days for a second violation of what the FMCSA considers a serious offense such as an unsafe lane change, following too closely, or speeding 15 mph or more over the speed limit. Guess what: if you are going 70 mph in your CMV truck on I-80 where 70 mph is allowed, it really isn’t if you have more than three axles. You might be guilty of a misdemeanor crime!
Regular drivers ticketed for less than 100 mph normally avoid a driver’s license suspension unless they have too many points from other violations, but not a CDL holder. Two serious violations for 15 over, cell phone use, or other major violation and they get could a suspension.
CDL Holders Are Required to Notify Their Employer of Driving Convictions
No matter where you get the ticket or whether you are driving a CMV or your private vehicle, if you get convicted, you must report it to your employer. Say you get a speeding ticket conviction for 15 mph over the speed limit in Vegas while on vacation with your family. If you are convicted, you must report it to your employer.
Will it affect their fleet insurance? No. Could fleet management think of you as a liability even though you have never had a violation in your CMV and legally terminate your employment? Yes.
These are all reasons you, as a CDL holder, must hire a traffic ticket attorney to defend you when you get a traffic ticket. One conviction, even in your private vehicle, could mean the difference of $1,500 in your auto insurance premiums for the next three years the conviction will stay on your DMV motor vehicle driving record (MVR) in California, and more importantly on your Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record at the FMCSA.
What many who think a traffic attorney is too expensive should consider is the cost to your work, insurance, and future career opportunities if you get a ticket. Talk to an attorney when you get a ticket.
CDL Holders Need Knowledgeable Representation for Roseville Tickets
Call Bigger & Harman, (661) 349-9300, when you get violations out there on I-80 in your CMV. We handle only traffic law and do so with a flat rate so that you know going in how much you will pay. Although we cannot always get a dismissal, we have an outstanding reputation for success in CA Traffic Courts.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Send us an email today attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The 2019 CA Commercial Driver Handbook.pdf