Receiving an overweight truck violation in Riverside County can be a costly and stressful experience.
You might have to appear in court to resolve the ticket, and with fines reaching up to $1.00 per pound over the limit, the financial burden can be significant. Hiring an experienced traffic attorney can help you navigate these legal challenges and potentially reduce penalties.
Consider the scenario where your truck is 4,000 pounds over the limit. These consequences could result in a fine nearing $4,000—a hefty sum, particularly for independent contractors, owner-operators, or small fleet owners.
These substantial fines can put immense pressure on smaller trucking businesses, especially in an industry already facing challenges. In fact, many trucking companies have gone out of business in recent years due to a variety of financial issues.
Get a Permit Instead of an Overweight Truck Ticket
In California, Caltrans manages permits for oversized vehicles.
Fleet managers often handle these permits, but if you're an owner-operator in Riverside County or picking up a container from a port that may be overweight, it's crucial to contact the Caltrans Transportation Permits office.
Their website provides clear steps for obtaining single-trip or repetitive-trip permits, helping you avoid the risk of an overweight truck violation.
Understanding Overweight Truck Limits
According to California Vehicle Code (VC) Section 35550(a), Axle Limits, the law is clear: "The gross weight imposed upon the highway by the wheels on any one axle of a vehicle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds."
For any wheel supporting an axle, the limit is 10,500 pounds. Sections 35550–35796 of the code cover vehicle weight regulations and road restrictions, all of which must be adhered to by commercial drivers.
Weigh Stations and Overweight Trucks
When you encounter a CHP-regulated weigh station in Riverside County, it’s important to stop for inspection if you’re driving a commercial vehicle.
Per CA VC Section 260, Definitions, commercial vehicles include any vehicle used for transporting goods or persons for hire or profit. This can also apply to rental trucks like Ryder or U-Haul.
Failing to stop at a weigh station can lead to additional violations, especially if law enforcement must bring you back for inspection.
With weigh stations scattered throughout Los Angeles and Riverside County, it's wise to use one and verify your load before heading out on the road. It’s far cheaper than facing an overweight truck violation.
Why Hire a Traffic Attorney?
Hiring a traffic attorney can be your best defense if you're facing an overweight truck violation in Riverside County.
A knowledgeable attorney can review your case, identify any possible technical oversights on the citation, and fight to reduce or dismiss the charges. You could avoid severe financial penalties and keep your driving record intact with the right representation.
In short, whether it's securing permits, understanding the legal weight limits, or fighting a citation in court, an experienced traffic attorney can protect your livelihood and help you avoid costly mistakes.
When You Need Help with an Overweight Truck Violation in Riverside County, CA, Consult Bigger & Harman
If you were ticketed on I-10 for an overweight truck violation in Riverside County, we assist commercial drivers in Banning, Blythe, Indio, Corona, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, and Riverside. Contact us today.
We understand that commercial drivers face many challenges when contesting an overweight truck violation. Therefore, we offer a free initial consultation with no obligation.
Call us on (661) 349-9300 or 349-9755 se habla Español.
Use our convenient contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
CA VC Section 35550(a), Axle Limits.