As a commercial driver, your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is your livelihood. Your ability to operate your vehicle is critical to your job, and any violation that puts your license at risk can severely impact your career. One such violation is roadside inspection violations. Here's what you need to know.

An Overweight Truck

Overweight trucks are a common violation during roadside inspections. 

If your vehicle is found to be overweight, you could face significant fines (typically $1.00 per pound for every pound overweight) and penalties, not to mention the very likely possibility of being placed out of service until you shift some of the weight to another truck or produce an already approved permit. Overweight trucks can cause damage to roads and bridges and are a danger to other motorists on the road. Plus, vehicles overweight by 4,501 pounds put the driver at risk of a misdemeanor charge.

Logbook Violations

Logbook violations are another common violation found during roadside inspections. 

Your logbook records your hours of service (HOS) and is required by the DOT FMCSA. If your logbook is not up-to-date or you have not followed HOS regulations, you could be cited for a logbook violation. These violations can result in fines, penalties, Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points, and even an Out-of-Service (OOS) Order for noncompliance with HOS times or fatigued driving.

Hours of Service (HOS) Violations

HOS violations are a critical aspect of your job as a commercial driver. 

HOS violations are a critical aspect of your job as a commercial driver. HOS regulations limit the time a driver can spend behind the wheel, on duty, and require you to take rest breaks. Violations of HOS regulations can result in fines and penalties, CSA severity points, and in some cases, an OOS Order.

Out-of-Service (OOS) Orders

If you or your vehicle is placed OOS during a roadside inspection, it means you or it is unsafe to operate on the road. 

OOS orders can be issued for various reasons, including faulty brakes, unsafe tires, lights and reflectors, or other mechanical issues. If your vehicle is placed OOS, you cannot operate it until the issues are resolved. OOS orders can result in lost wages, missed deadlines, maximum CSA severity points, and could damage your reputation as a commercial driver.

Assistance from a Traffic Attorney for Roadside Inspection Violations or Shortcomings 

Roadside inspection violations can significantly impact your CDL and your career. If you face any of these violations, it's essential to seek the guidance of a traffic attorney. A traffic attorney can review the specifics of your case and work to achieve a favorable resolution.

They can also work to minimize the impact on your CDL and your career. When a roadside inspection violation leads to a CA traffic ticket, consult a traffic attorney before you pay the fine or challenge the ticket in court.

In Truckee, CA, Call Bigger & Harman, APC, Who Routinely Assist Commercial Driver Resolve Traffic Tickets & at DMV Hearings  

We are Bigger & Harman, APC; call us at (661) 349-9300. We are traffic defense attorneys who specialize in assisting with roadside inspection violations, frequently in Truckee Traffic Court in Nevada County, CA. Use our contact form to send a picture of your ticket and a summary of the stop, or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com. 

Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.

References:

The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.

The FMCSA CFR 49 Part 383.51, Driver Disqualifications.