Commercial vehicle traffic tickets, particularly “moving violations,” can be career-altering for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders who drive for fleets.
It's not merely about paying a fine; it's about safeguarding their livelihood. At Bigger & Harman law firm, we understand the implications of these tickets, and we're here to help.
Common Commercial Vehicle Traffic Tickets
The following is only a partial list of the commercial vehicle traffic tickets we can assist commercial drivers resolve in Woodland Courthouse in Yolo County — without their presence.
- Speeding,
- Lane violations,
- Illegal cell phone use,
- Unsafe lane changes,
- Following too closely,
- Failure to use a seatbelt,
- Overweight trucks,
- Illegal U-turns,
- Hours of Service (HOS) rule violations,
- ... and others.
Commercial drivers face a wide range of potential infractions and misdemeanors; each could significantly impact their careers.
How Tickets Impact Commercial Drivers and Their Employers
A moving violation conviction isn't just an individual concern; it can ripple through a driver's career and affect their employer.
Any moving violation conviction, even in a personal vehicle, must be reported to their employer within 30 days. It can jeopardize a commercial driver's job.
The DOT FMCSA mandates that drivers inform their employers of all traffic convictions, irrespective of where it occurred or in which vehicle.
Many novice drivers believe that since they got a ticket in Ohio, pled guilty, and paid the fine, no one needs to know. However, the Driver License Compact (DLC) is an agreement between states to notify the home state of traffic convictions and failures to appear (FTA) to resolve most traffic violations.
Once the CA DMV is notified, the conviction will be assessed at the equivalent negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points, recorded on the motor vehicle driving record, and reported to the DOT FMCSA.
Likewise, the employer will be notified through the DMV’s Employer Pull Notice (EPN) program on the anniversary of the fleet’s hiring and registration of the driver.
Moving violation convictions can mean a rise in the fleet’s insurance premiums. While drivers might not directly feel the financial pinch, fleet managers certainly do. Increased premiums reflect a fleet manager's ability to train drivers effectively.
Many companies use the fleet insurance premium to measure the manager’s performance. Therefore, the manager might terminate the driver with a moving violation that affects their Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile in favor of a novice driver fresh out of school with no moving violations.
With such significant stakes, it's evident that commercial vehicle traffic tickets need a strategic and knowledgeable response.
Why Every Commercial Driver Needs a Traffic Attorney on Speed Dial
Engaging a traffic attorney for commercial vehicle traffic tickets is more than just getting legal representation; it's about preserving your career.
At Bigger & Harman, we have the knowledge and experience to resolve commercial traffic tickets, we can possibly:
- Persuade the traffic court judge to reduce charges to a no-point violation.
- Negotiate for a charge that often culminates in a non-moving conviction, essentially an expensive parking ticket, which preserves your driving record and keeps your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record clean.
- Represent drivers in court without requiring their presence. This ensures they won't miss any loads. We understand that if you’re not driving — you're not earning.
In summary, commercial vehicle traffic tickets can have profound implications for drivers and their employers.
By seeking the legal services of a seasoned traffic attorney like ours, drivers can strategically navigate these legal challenges, safeguard their career, and ensure they can negotiate from a position of strength for higher pay-per-mile income and benefits with large firms.
Our commitment is to offer a free initial consultation by phone, email, or face-to-face. Don't let a ticket jeopardize your livelihood; make us your trusted legal ally on the road.
Consult Bigger & Harman About Commercial Vehicle Traffic Tickets in Woodland, CA
Consult Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300 when you have commercial vehicle traffic tickets that require resolution in Woodland Courthouse in Yolo County. Use our user-friendly contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.31, Paragraph 6.2.7, Notifying Employer of Convictions.
The CA DMV Employer Pull Notice Program.