Commercial drivers on I-5 in Kings County, CA, must follow strict regulations regarding lane usage or face a commercial vehicle lane violation ticket.
These moving violations can have significant consequences on their driving record and career, particularly fleet drivers.
What Are Commercial Vehicle Lane Violations?
A commercial vehicle lane violation occurs when a commercial vehicle uses lanes restricted for commercial motor vehicles (CMV) travel.
According to CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22348(c), Speed Laws, commercial vehicles must stay in the right lane closest to the curb. They can use the second lane from the right only when passing.
On freeways with three or more lanes, commercial vehicles are prohibited from using the third lane and beyond, except for executing a left turn or a legal U-turn.
Understanding the Law
In Kings County, the law is clear. CA VC Section 22406, Speed Laws, outlines that commercial vehicles have limited lane access to ensure safety and traffic flow. Violating these rules can lead to a commercial vehicle lane violation ticket.
This seemingly simple infraction carries significant repercussions beyond the immediate fine for the driver and the carrier.
Consequences of a Commercial Lane Violation
Paying the fine or being convicted of a commercial lane violation in Kings County typically costs $238.
However, this violation adds 1.5 negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points to the driver's CA motor vehicle driving record (MVR) for three years.
Once a driver accumulates four points in one year, six points in two years, or eight points in three years, they are subject to suspension and probation unless they request a DMV NOTS hearing for additional leeway or get points removed.
The DMV reports these points to the DOT FMCSA. Additionally, all CDL holders must inform their employer in writing of any moving violation conviction, whether in a personal vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
The Impact of a Paid Fine on Your Career
The FMCSA assesses Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points, which stay on the driver’s Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years.
Each moving violation conviction also increases the carrier's Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile. Fleet insurance providers use this percentile to determine the carrier's risk quotient, influencing their insurance premiums.
Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial for commercial drivers when negotiating salaries and benefits.
Why You Need a CA Traffic Attorney
Navigating a commercial lane violation ticket in a CMV in Hanford Courthouse in Kings County, CA, can be overwhelming.
As a commercial driver, you often cannot afford to miss work to contest a ticket in court. This is where we come in.
Our experienced CA traffic attorneys understand the complexities of traffic laws and can represent you, ensuring your case is handled effectively without you having to turn down valuable cargo loads.
We work diligently to minimize the impact of a commercial lane violation on your driving record and career.
Contact Bigger & Harman for a Free Consultation
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you resolve your commercial lane violation ticket and protect your livelihood.
Call us at (661) 349-9300 — Se habla Español (661) 349-9755. Use our handy online contact form or email us attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download the e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
CA VC Sections 22348(c) & 22406, Speed Laws
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.