Although a commercial truck lane violation in Kern County, CA, is only a minor infraction with a fine of around $238, it is a moving violation. Therefore, the DMV will assess 1.5 Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points for a paid fine or conviction.
Trucks play a crucial role in the transportation industry, serving as vital assets for many large businesses that are integral to the economy. These vehicles are responsible for transporting a significant amount of goods to various destinations, establishing them as valuable commercial assets.
However, the coexistence of trucks and smaller vehicles on highways often leads to traffic congestion and serious accidents. Encounters between trucks and smaller vehicles on busy highways pose challenges for drivers of passenger cars.
Disparities in the characteristics of vehicles, such as shape, speed, and size, contribute to a high number of accidents on highways. Since most commercial vehicles on CA highways are limited to 55 mph statewide, speed is the most significant factor for commercial vehicles in the third or faster lane, as most four-wheelers are going 70 mph or more.
Many states, including CA, have implemented laws that designate specific lanes for larger trucks in response to this safety concern.
Utilizing these designated lanes reduces the risk of accidents and facilitates a smoother traffic flow.
Let’s examine these CA Vehicle Codes and how to avoid a commercial truck lane violation.
More Significant Than the Fine
Fleet managers do not take moving violations by commercial drivers using their DOT number lightly. Many have a zero-tolerance for moving violations and will terminate the driver, which causes the fleet insurance premium to go up.
Many times, it is not up to them. The front office C-suite often considers their fleet insurance premium the fleet manager’s #1 priority.
When a commercial driver tries to hide a conviction from their employer, it worsens quickly. The FMCSA mandates that drivers notify their employer of moving violation convictions within 30 days.
“A CDL holder must notify their employer(s) within 30 days of conviction for any State or local law pertaining to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation). The notification must be in writing and include all information outlined in 49 CFR 383.31(c).”
In CA, the DMV uses the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program to notify fleets of driver convictions annually on the anniversary of their entry into the program.
Also, the Driver License Compact (DLC) is an alliance between states and some Canadian Provinces to notify the home state of driver convictions and failures to appear.
Furthermore, when the CA DMV notifies the FMCSA, they will assess Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points, which become a part of the commercial driver’s Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years.
Therefore, if their current fleet terminates them, any trucking firm they apply to must consider their PSP before hiring them, and the commercial truck lane violation and other convictions will become a part of their negotiation for pay and benefits.
Consult a Kern County, CA, traffic attorney before paying the fine or deciding to dispute the ticket.
Consult Bigger & Harman, APC, about a Commercial Truck Lane Violation Ticket
When you need help resolving a commercial truck lane violation, contact Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Likewise, you can use our handy online contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
CFR 49 Part 383.31, Paragraph 6.2.7 Notifying Employer of Convictions.
The Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
The Driver License Compact (DLC).
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.