Speeding tickets can happen to anyone, but a commercial truck speeding ticket can be far more severe than a simple fine.
This blog post explores the impact a commercial speeding ticket can have on your career and your employer's operations.
Beyond the Fine: NOTS & CSA Severity Points and SMS Percentiles
A commercial truck speeding ticket carries a steeper penalty than a regular speeding ticket. The conviction or payment of the fine results in Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points being added to your driving record.
These points are not only reported to the CA DMV, but these also go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and reported to your employer through a program called the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
This means the violation will be on your record regardless of where it occurred, impacting your employment prospects nationwide. However, this does not relieve the commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder from notifying their employer of any moving violation conviction in writing within 30 days, regardless of the vehicle they were driving or their location.
The number of points assigned can significantly affect both you and your employer. These points contribute to the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points assigned by the FMCSA. CSA severity points are added to the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile monthly.
This SMS percentile is a key metric used by insurance companies to assess risk and determine rates. A higher SMS percentile due to a driver’s moving violation, such a commercial truck speeding ticket can lead to increased insurance premiums for your employer, potentially impacting their operations and bottom line.
Long-Term Impact on Your Career
The repercussions of a commercial speeding ticket extend beyond immediate costs.
The conviction or paid fine will stay on your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years.
A clean driving record is crucial for commercial drivers, as employers prioritize safety and reliability when making hiring decisions and negotiating salaries.
Even a single commercial truck speeding ticket can hinder your earning potential and career advancement.
Protecting Your Livelihood with Legal Help
Fighting a commercial vehicle speeding ticket can be challenging, especially when you can't afford to miss work for court appearances.
This is where a CA traffic attorney with experience challenging commercial vehicle violations can be invaluable. An attorney can represent you in court, aiming to reduce or eliminate the charges and minimize the points on your record.
Their experience and knowledge of traffic court procedures can protect your driving record and, consequently, your livelihood.
Don't let a commercial truck speeding ticket derail your career. Seek legal guidance to effectively resolve the situation and keep your career on track.
Consult with Bigger & Harman About Your Commercial Truck Speeding Tickets in Roseville, CA
When you have a commercial truck speeding ticket you need resolved in Roseville Courthouse, choose Bigger & Harman, APC, to avoid a possible blemish on your PSP.
Contact us at (661) 349-9300 or use our user-friendly contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com. We’re here for you.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.31 Notification of Convictions for Driver Violations.
CVC Sections 22406 & 22406.1, Speed Laws.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.