If you have been ticketed for an unsafe lane change on I-5 or I-80 around Sacramento, CA, you should consider asking Bigger & Harman about their free initial consultation by phone, email, or in person.
They understand how difficult it can be financially to get time off or turn down a load of cargo to attend an appointment, or worse yet, to sit in traffic court waiting for your name to be called.
They charge a one-time, flat fee to resolve tickets for commercial drivers in California and are members of the California Traffic Defense Bar Association.
Safety & Prevention First
Avoiding traffic tickets altogether is always best, especially for commercial drivers.
But that’s easier said than done when you’re behind the wheel of a massive truck that weighs 40 tons or more. Sometimes, you can't stop quickly because a vehicle has pulled in front of you too soon.
In California, unsafe lane change violations are governed by CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22107 & 22108, Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals, which states, "No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after giving an appropriate signal..."
However, the reality for charter bus and truck drivers is that evasive action is sometimes necessary to avoid a collision, and there’s no time for the driver to signal their intention.
When you are forced to make a quick maneuver, you may not have the time to check your surroundings carefully or activate your turn signal for other drivers to see.
Unfortunately, law enforcement officers (LEOs) might only witness your sudden lane change and not the actions of the driver who caused the issue.
In these cases, who usually gets the ticket? The larger vehicle—the one that made what was perceived as an unsafe lane change—is often blamed, even when the smaller vehicle is the real cause.
The Impact of an Unsafe Lane Change on CDL Holders
A ticket for an unsafe lane change can have severe consequences for CDL holders.
The DOT FMCSA considers certain traffic violations as "serious offenses" that can lead to disqualification from driving.
After a second offense within three years, CDL drivers face a 60-day disqualification. A third offense can result in a 120-day disqualification. Therefore, it’s crucial to fight the first conviction with the help of a traffic attorney, as you never know what future offenses might arise.
A conviction can also result in steep fines under California’s traffic laws and civil penalties for the driver and carrier at the federal level.
An experienced attorney may be able to get your case dismissed or negotiate for a no-point conviction, which is treated similarly to a parking ticket.
These no-point convictions prevent points from being added to your driving record and avoid any notification being sent to the FMCSA.
Why Hiring a Traffic Attorney is Essential
If you’re facing an unsafe lane change citation, particularly as a CDL holder, it is vital to hire a traffic attorney.
An experienced attorney can analyze your case, gather evidence, and potentially get the charges reduced or dismissed. This helps protect your driving record and could ensure that the FMCSA is not notified of your offense.
Navigating traffic court alone can be challenging, especially for CDL drivers who have more at stake than the average motorist.
Although there are no guarantees, having legal counsel can increase your chances of a successful outcome and ensure that an unsafe lane change violation doesn't jeopardize your livelihood.
Contact Bigger & Harman for Help with an Unsafe Lane Change Ticket in Sacramento, CA
If you have been ticketed for an unsafe lane change on I-5 or I-80 around Sacramento, CA, consider asking Bigger & Harman about their free initial consultation by email, phone, or in person.
We frequently assist CDL holders with traffic tickets in
Call Bigger & Harman on (661) 349-9300 or 349-9755, se habla Español.
Utilize our handy online contact form or email us attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
CA VC Section 22107 & 22108, Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals
The CA Commercial Driver's Handbook.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.