Avoiding a commercial vehicle speeding conviction is critical for protecting your driving career.
California’s strict speed limits for commercial drivers fall under CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22406, CA Speed Laws, which enacted a 55 mph speed differential for commercial vehicles with three or more axles.
This applies to various vehicles, including:
“(a) A motortruck or truck tractor having three or more axles.
(b) A passenger vehicle or bus drawing any other vehicle.
(c) A school bus transporting any school pupil.
(d) A farm labor vehicle when transporting passengers.
(e) A vehicle transporting explosives.
(f) A trailer bus.”
Likewise, a Ryder, U-Haul, or other rental vehicle could be classified as fitting the requirement when it has three or more axles. Even non-commercial vehicles hauling trailers must follow this speed restriction.
The Hidden Costs of a Commercial Vehicle Speeding Conviction
A commercial vehicle speeding conviction comes with more than just fines. The California DMV assigns 1.5 NOTS points for moving violations and reports them to the FMCSA. The FMCSA then assesses CSA severity points based on how far over the speed limit you were driving. These points remain on your PSP record for three years, making it harder to negotiate pay or benefits.
Financial Penalties
Fines for commercial speeding violations range from $366 to $800, even for minor infractions. Double fines apply in construction or school zones.
Avoiding speeding violations is key to maintaining a clean record and securing high-paying jobs.
Why a Clean Driving Record Matters for Commercial Drivers
Any moving violation conviction can jeopardize your driving career. Large trucking fleets prefer drivers with spotless records, offering them the best salaries, benefits, and route opportunities.
Convictions can make securing such roles challenging.
Strategies to Avoid Conviction
Follow speed limits diligently and stay alert in reduced-speed zones, such as construction areas where the Nationwide “Slow Down, Move Over” rule applies.
In CA, a commercial vehicle speeding conviction could lead to a double fine.
Vehicles approaching a work area or emergency vehicle on the highway must slow down and move to the next lane reaching 400 feet from the area.
Awareness of traffic conditions can prevent costly mistakes. Proactively avoiding a commercial vehicle speeding conviction ensures your career stays on track.
Why Consult a Traffic Attorney About a CDL Traffic Ticket
If you receive a CDL traffic ticket, consult an attorney immediately.
Experienced traffic lawyers in Truckee, Nevada County, CA, can explore options to reduce your charges, negotiate a no-point conviction, or a full dismissal.
They may help get your ticket dismissed or downgraded to a non-moving violation with no points.
Legal representation significantly improves your chances of a favorable outcome. Protect your livelihood by prioritizing legal help for any CDL traffic ticket.
Contact Bigger & Harman to Possibly Prevent a Commercial Vehicle Speeding Conviction in Truckee Traffic Court
To possibly avoid a commercial vehicle speeding conviction in Truckee Courthouse in Nevada County, CA, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755. We also offer help with Punjab speakers.
Use our contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
“I have used these attorneys on three occasions. I won two cases and lost one which resulted in a non-point violation. All three offenses were in a commercial vehicle. This last ticket was for speeding. I was clocked at 70 in a 55. That case was dismissed today.”—Chanerrick Tisdale.
References:
CVC Sections 22406 & 22406.1, Speed Laws.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.