Speeding in a CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle) carries far greater consequences than a speeding ticket for a regular car. While the fine may range from $550 to $800 depending on the severity of the offense, the repercussions extend far beyond your wallet.
A Chain Reaction of Penalties
A CMV speeding conviction or a paid fine trigger a series of events. The DMV assesses 1.5 Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points.
The speeding violation is reported to the Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (DOT FMCSA) by the CA DMV, and to your employer through the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
However, this doesn’t relieve you of the need to report any moving violation conviction in any American state, Mexico, or Canada to your employer in writing within 30 days.
This system applies to all moving violations in a CMV, regardless of location.
Impact on Carrier and Driver
At the FMCSA level, both the driver and the carrier's DOT number are assigned Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) points.
These points contribute to the carrier's Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile, which is heavily considered by fleet insurance providers when determining premiums. A higher percentile indicates a greater risk, potentially leading to significant insurance cost increases for the carrier.
What’s more, an SMS percentile of 75 or above triggers the Inspection Selection System (ISS) to pull in all commercial vehicles using that DOT number for a roadside inspection at open weigh stations.
Those DOT numbers with a percentile of 51-74 are considered marginal and pulled into open stations randomly. Therefore, the system targets carriers with a high safety percentile for additional roadside inspections.
“The ISS is used at roadside inspection stations to help inspectors identify and prioritize motor carriers for safety inspections.”— Trucksafe Consulting.
The driver's speeding ticket stays on their Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years. This record can significantly impact your ability to negotiate better pay and benefits, as a clean driving record is highly valued in the trucking industry.
Why You Need a CA Traffic Attorney for Speeding in a CMV
Unlike a standard speeding ticket, contesting a ticket for speeding in a CMV presents unique challenges.
CMV drivers often have tight schedules and can't simply turn down a load to appear in court. When they self-represent, they may sit in court all day only to plead not guilty and have to return on another day to dispute the ticket.
As CA traffic attorneys, we at Bigger & Harman can navigate the legalities on your behalf, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
This assistance could involve negotiating a reduced charge, a possible fine only with a no-point assessment, or even getting the ticket dismissed entirely. Our intervention can help protect your clean driving record and employment prospects and potentially save your career.
Consult with Bigger & Harman, APC, about a Speeding in a CMV Ticket
A paid fine or conviction for speeding in a CMV can negatively affect your driving career for up to three years. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders must challenge every moving violation with a CA traffic attorney.
If you have been cited for speeding in your CMV, call us at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Likewise, you can use the convenient contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.