Getting a citation for a red light or stop sign can be frustrating, particularly when a truck or bus driver gets home from a trip and finds it in their mailbox with only days to resolve it.

Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard on the road, and traffic violations can severely affect their commercial driver's license (CDL) and livelihood. Red-light and stop sign violations are common traffic offenses resulting in hefty fines, points on your CA motor vehicle driving record (MVR), and CSA severity points on your CDL and Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record.

The Difference Between a Roadside Stop & a Camera-Enforced Red-Light Ticket

In California, a camera-enforced red-light ticket costs nearly $500, while a roadside stop for running a red light or stop sign costs $238. Some say the higher ticket is because CA must pay a percentage of the ticket to a private company that maintains the system. However, a camera-enforced ticket could be easier to defend, especially if you weren't driving the vehicle at the time of the violation.

As the driver, you are not responsible for proving to the judge that you weren't driving. The burden of proof falls on the state, and hiring an attorney can help you preclude having to answer the judge's question of "Who was driving?" If it was your wife or teen driver, for example, saying it wasn’t you won’t help much. When you are pressured to answer the Judge or the officer prosecuting camera tickets, your auto insurance will go up anyway if you answer. An attorney can say, “I don’t know, but it wasn’t my client. Look at the picture, your honor.”  

Red-Light or Stop Sign Ticket Defenses

A commercial driver can use various defenses to dispute a red-light or stop sign ticket.

For example, if you weren't driving the vehicle at the time of the violation, you can argue that you're not responsible for the ticket. Similarly, if the red light or stop sign was newly erected, something was covering it, or the intersection was poorly marked, you may be able to challenge the citation.

Another common defense is if the light was yellow for a shorter time than the CA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) prescribes, and the driver could not stop safely, is a valid defense. It has happened in many CA municipalities. An experienced traffic attorney can help you explore your options and develop a strong defense strategy.

Hire a CA Traffic Attorney to Resolve Your Ticket

If you receive a red-light or stop sign citation as a commercial driver, it's crucial to seek the help of a CA traffic attorney. Traffic attorneys have experience navigating California's complex traffic laws and can help you understand your rights and options. 

They can work with you to build a strong defense strategy and represent you in court if necessary. An attorney may be able to negotiate with the traffic court judge to have the charges reduced or dismissed, potentially saving you money and points on your CDL. They can also help you avoid the time and stress of appearing in court on your own.

Some drivers do not understand how much help a no-point conviction can be, but commercial drivers know. It could mean the difference between comfortably providing for their family and accepting a driving position for 25 cents a mile with few benefits.

Consult Bigger & Harman, APC, Today

When cited for red-light or stop sign ticket, an experienced traffic attorney can help you resolve the ticket. When you have an appearance pending in Bakersfield court[MB1], call the Bigger & Harman Traffic Defense Team at (661) 349-9300 or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.

Running a red-light or a stop sign citation can have serious consequences for commercial drivers. If you receive a citation, it's important to understand your rights and options. By working with a CA traffic attorney, you can develop a strong defense strategy and potentially avoid the negative consequences of a moving violation on your CDL and livelihood. Contact us today to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.

Use our convenient contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation by phone or email.

Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.

References:

The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.

The CA MUTCD | Caltrans.