When it comes to commercial speeding tickets in Roseville, CA, commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders must fight back and dispute these alleged violations in court with the help of a CA traffic attorney.
Getting a commercial speeding ticket can be a stressful experience, even for an experienced commercial driver.
The potential consequences, especially for exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph or more, can be severe.
You may be facing a hefty fine, negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points, DOT FMCSA severity points, and even the possibility of a driver disqualification for repeated “serious offenses” on your CDL.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to navigate the legal system in Roseville Traffic Court.
We can assist you in resolving a commercial speeding ticket without you missing a load to sit in court waiting for your turn. You can continue driving and providing for your family while we resolve your ticket for a convenient flat fee.
Preventing a Commercial Speeding Ticket
Before we dive into contesting a ticket, let's look at some ways to avoid them altogether:
Know the Speed Limits: Remember that the statewide speed limit for most commercial vehicles with three or more axles is 55 mph.
Use a Speed Governor: Carburetor controls can help in maintaining a safe and consistent speed, especially on the extreme grades on I-80 and SR #65 near Roseville, CA.
Plan Your Route: Allow ample travel time to avoid the urge to speed up due to tight deadlines.
Avoid Distractions: Don't get distracted by your phone or talk radio.
By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting a commercial speeding ticket.
However, things happen. When they do, consult a CA traffic attorney.
Disputing a Commercial Speeding Ticket in Roseville Traffic Court
There are several ways to dispute a commercial speeding ticket:
Consult with a CA Traffic Attorney: Bigger & Harman offer a free initial consultation.
Challenge the Ticket in Court: You have the right to plead not guilty and argue your case before a judge or allow an attorney to represent you. The latter is the recommended course of action since traffic attorneys spend nearly every workday in court hearing the same types of disputes that could help them with a positive outcome for yours.
Negotiating with the Traffic Court Judge: You may be able to negotiate a lesser charge or a reduction in the fine. This negotiation is often best done by a knowledgeable attorney.
An attorney can often negotiate a non-moving violation conviction with no points. Keeping your record clean from points is the most important thing. You pay the fine and keep trucking.
Consulting and Hiring a Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney
While you can fight a commercial speeding ticket yourself, the consequences of a conviction, especially for excessive speeding, such as 15 mph or more over the speed limit or any speeding in a construction zone, can be devastating.
Here's why an experienced traffic ticket defense attorney can be invaluable:
Understanding of the Traffic Code: Traffic laws, especially those pertaining to commercial vehicles, can be complex. An attorney can explain the law in clear terms and advise you on the best course of action.
Courtroom Experience: Attorneys have the experience and knowledge to effectively argue your case in court and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Negotiation Skills: A skilled attorney can negotiate with the traffic court judge on your behalf, potentially reducing the charges or fines.
Possible Dismissal: There are many technicalities that warrant a dismissal, but the judge is under no obligation to do that unless asked. Knowing when to ask is crucial. Since a practicing traffic attorney spends most of their time in court, they know how the judges rule in various situations and which requests they most often approve.
Without fail, the commercial driver should consult a CA traffic attorney to determine their options when disputing a commercial speeding ticket.
Penalties for Commercial Speeding Ticket Convictions
The penalties for a commercial speeding ticket in CA vary depending on how much you were exceeding the speed limit:
1-9 mph over: This typically results in a fine of around $300 and 1.5 points on your Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) record.
10-14 mph over: This usually carries a fine of around $486 and 1.5 NOTS points.
15 mph or more over the statewide 55 mph speed limit: This can lead to a fine exceeding $1,000, three NOTS points, potential probation or jail time, and a criminal record.
Likewise, a speeding conviction for 15 or more over the speed limit or speeding in a construction zone is a “serious offense” at the DOT FMCSA.
A second serious offense conviction within 36 months of the first conviction will result in a 60-day driver disqualification, and a third within the same timeframe will result in a 120-day driver disqualification.
Don't Risk Your Career—Contact Us Today
A commercial speeding ticket can seem like an insurmountable task, but it doesn't have to be the end of the road.
Like one of our experienced traffic ticket defense attorneys, a CA traffic attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome.
Consult Bigger & Harman About Disputing Commercial Speeding Tickets in Roseville Courthouse
When you have a commercial speeding ticket in Roseville, CA, CDL holders must dispute these violations in Roseville Courthouse with Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300— Se habla Español (661) 349-9755. or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Alternatively, you can use the convenient online contact form.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.