When you receive a commercial vehicle speeding ticket, it's essential to understand your rights and the consequences.
A conviction or paid fine for CMV speeding leads to 1.5 negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points. These points are reported to the CA DMV, which in-turn notifies the DOT FMCSA (please note that some commercial enforcement officers from CHP directly send violations to DOT FMCSA before a conviction in court).
You are required to notify your employer of any moving violations within 30 days. However, the DMV will notify them through the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program. This process affects all commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, regardless of the state where the violation occurred.
The Impact on Your Commercial Driver’s License & PSP
The financial impact of a CMV speeding ticket is significant, typically ranging from $485 to $800, depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving. However, the real cost lies in the points assessed. These points trigger a series of repercussions for both you and your carrier.
At the DOT FMCSA, Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) points are assigned not just to you but also to your carrier’s DOT number. Every moving violation adds to the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile.
This percentile is crucial as fleet insurance providers often use it to determine the carrier’s risk level and insurance premiums. Higher SMS percentiles can lead to increased insurance costs for your employer, which may affect their operations and, ultimately, your employment.
Additionally, an SMS percentile of 75 or higher will lead to all vehicles using that DOT number to be pulled into open weigh stations in accordance with the Inspection Selection System.
“The FMCSA describes ISS as a system ‘used at roadside inspection stations to help inspectors identify and prioritize motor carriers for safety inspections.’ Similar to CSA, its purpose is to target carriers with compliance problems and put them through additional inspections to identify additional gaps.”— Drivewyze.
Further, fleets with a percentile between 51 and 74 are “marginal” and may be pulled in to fill available gaps when inspectors are not busy. These roadside inspections take time, cut into the driver’s driving schedule, and can lead to delivery delays.
For individual drivers, the consequences of a commercial vehicle speeding ticket extend beyond immediate fines.
The conviction or paid fine remains on your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years. A clean driving record is vital when negotiating your pay-per-mile salary and benefits.
Recruiting fleets must consider the applicant’s PSP. Employers look for drivers with spotless records to ensure safety and reliability. Therefore, even a single speeding ticket can impact your earning potential and career prospects.
Why You Need a Traffic Attorney to Dispute a Commercial Vehicle Speeding Ticket
Handling a CMV speeding ticket without professional help can be challenging.
As a commercial driver, you cannot easily turn down a load of cargo to appear in court to dispute a ticket. This is where a CA traffic attorney can assist.
We can represent you in court, potentially reducing or eliminating the charges and the points assessed on your record.
Our goal at Bigger & Harman, APC, is to protect your driving record and your livelihood. With our traffic court experience, we navigate the legal system on your behalf, allowing you to continue driving without interruptions.
Don’t let a speeding ticket jeopardize your career; let us help you resolve it effectively.
Consult Bigger & Harman About a Commercial Vehicle Speeding Ticket in Woodland, CA
When you need help resolving a CMV speeding ticket in Woodland Courthouse in Yolo County, choose Bigger & Harman, APC.
We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to commercial drivers. We’ll examine the circumstances, decide on a plan, and offer you a flat rate to resolve your speeding ticket. Regardless of the number of court appearances we must make to resolve it, our price won’t go up.
Give us a call at (661) 349-9300 (Se habla Español (661) 349-9755, use our handy contact form or send an email to: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
CVC Sections 22406, Speed Laws.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.