Following too close in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) can have grave consequences on your driving career in Kings County and across CA.
A conviction for tailgating can result in a fine, higher insurance premium, points on your CA motor vehicle driving record (MVR), your Commercial Driver's License (CDL), or even termination by your employer, as all moving violation convictions affect their fleet insurance premium.
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 21703, Additional Driving Rules prohibits CMV drivers from following another vehicle too closely.
While a regular driver might face a fine and a potential insurance increase for a tailgating conviction, the repercussions for CDL holders are much more complex.
Unlike regular drivers who can attend traffic violator school (TVS) to keep the violation confidential, CDL holders are not authorized to use TVS for a commercial following too close violation.
The Impact on Your CDL and Employment
Even if a car cuts you off unexpectedly, making it difficult to maintain a safe following distance, you can still be ticketed for tailgating.
This is when getting the advice and counsel of a CA traffic attorney is wise.
The CA Commercial Driver Handbook recommends maintaining a three-second following distance between your CMV and the vehicle in front of you.
A commercial following too-close conviction or paid fine can also negatively impact your Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points. The DOT FMCSA uses the CSA severity points multiplied by a time-weight in a complex system to determine the safety risk of drivers and carriers and whether the carrier requires an FMCSA intervention.
Conviction and Termination
Many trucking companies have a zero-tolerance policy for moving violations even minor infractions. Commercial driversmust notify their employer of any moving violation convictions in writing within 30 days, regardless of location or vehicle.
Protect Your CDL: Consult a CA Traffic Attorney
If you are a CDL holder facing a following too-close citation in Kings County, it’s imperative to seek out legal counsel from an experienced traffic attorney.
An experienced attorney can assist you in disputing the ticket and minimize the potential damage to your driving record and career.
Avoid the Risks: Drive Safely and Keep Your Distance
The best way to avoid the consequences of a commercial following too-close conviction is to drive safely and always maintain a safe following distance.
Being a responsible commercial driver, you can protect your CDL, your career, and the safety of yourself and others on the road.
However, sometimes, regardless of the circumstances, you could be ticketed. Consult a CA traffic attorney.
Consult with Bigger & Harman, APC, about a Commercial Following Too-close Ticket
When facing a commercial following too-close ticket in Kings County, call us at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755. Alternatively, you can use our handy contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
CA VC 21703, Additional Driving Rules.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.