Receiving a speeding ticket in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) brings much more serious consequences than a typical speeding ticket.
While fines may vary from $550 to $800 depending on how fast you were going, the true impact in California and at the DOT FMCSSA level goes far beyond just the fine.
The Chain of Penalties for CMV Drivers
A paid fine or conviction for speeding in a CMV sets off a chain of penalties. The DMV will assess 1.5 Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points.
Additionally, the DOT FMCSA will be notified, as will your employer, through the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
This system applies to any moving violation in a CMV and your personal vehicle. You must report the conviction to your employer in writing, regardless of whether the violation occurred in the U.S., Mexico, or Canada.
Impact on Both the Driver and the Carrier
Speeding in a CMV affects both the driver and the carrier.
The FMCSA assigns Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) points not just to you but also to your carrier's DOT number. These points contribute to the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile, which insurance companies review when determining premiums.
A high SMS percentile can result in significantly higher insurance costs for the carrier and put them at risk of agency intervention.
If the percentile reaches 75 or above, the Inspection Selection System (ISS) will pull in all vehicles associated with that DOT number for inspections at open weigh stations. Even those with a lower score of 51-74 are randomly pulled in for roadside checks.
“The ISS is used at roadside inspection stations to help inspectors identify and prioritize motor carriers for safety inspections,” according to Trucksafe Consulting. Frequent violations can lead to more inspections, increasing downtime and costs for the carrier, which could jeopardize your driving position.
The Lasting Impact on Your Driving Career
For the driver, a speeding ticket in a commercial vehicle remains on their Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years.
A moving violation for speeding can hinder your ability to negotiate better pay or employment opportunities, as a clean driving record is a key factor in the trucking industry.
Why You Need a CDL Traffic Attorney
When you're cited for speeding in a commercial vehicle, the stakes are high.
Handling the case on your own can be time-consuming and stressful, especially when balancing your work schedule.
Many CMV drivers cannot afford to miss work to go to court, and self-representation could result in multiple court appearances.
This is where hiring a CDL traffic attorney becomes invaluable.
At Bigger & Harman, we have the experience and knowledge to represent you in court and to work toward the best possible outcome. Our attorneys can often negotiate to reduce the charges, aim for a fine-only resolution with no points on your record, or even seek dismissal of the ticket altogether.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Protect Your Career with a CDL Traffic Attorney
For commercial drivers, a speeding ticket isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it can impact your career for years.
Hiring a CDL traffic attorney ensures that your case is handled professionally, potentially saving your driving record and career.
A clean record means better job prospects, higher pay, better benefits, and lower insurance costs for your employer.
Consult with Bigger & Harman, APC, for Help with CMV Speeding Tickets
A paid fine or conviction for speeding in a CMV will remain on your record for three years, impacting your career. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders need to fight every moving violation to protect their livelihood.
If you received a speeding ticket in your CMV in Woodland, CA, consult Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Or use the convenient contact form to schedule a free consultation by phone, email, or in person.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
CVC Section 22406 & 22406.1, Other Speed Laws.
The FMCSA CFR 49 Part 383.51, Driver Disqualifications.
The DOT FMCSA CFR Part 383.31, Notification of Convictions for Driver Violations.
The CA DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.