A commercial lane violation under CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22348(c), Speed Laws, is a moving violation that can negatively affect the career of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder.
Protecting your CDL, keeping a clean Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record, and CA driving record are essential to maintaining your livelihood. Swift action is key when facing such allegations.
Understanding the Impact of Commercial Lane Violations
For commercial drivers, lane violations are considered moving violations under California traffic law.
These infractions have a fine of around $238 in Riverside County, but they can lead to an assessment of 1.5 Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points on your DMV record.
Points increase the risk of license suspension and can result in financial penalties. Further, the DMV notifies the DOT FMCSA of all commercial driver’s moving violations.
The consequences of a commercial lane violation extend beyond the fine. They can jeopardize your driving record and potentially your career.
Seek legal advice immediately to protect yourself from long-term repercussions to your driving career.
Types of Commercial Lane Violations
In California, commercial drivers must use the right-most or second lane for overtaking when no specific lanes are designated.
A commercial lane violation may include:
Overtaking on the right
Improperly overtaking on the left
Driving in the left (third) lane except to make a left turn or U-turn
Timely legal assistance is crucial to resolve such charges effectively. Never ignore a traffic ticket, a failure to appear could result in a misdemeanor charge and possible bench warrant.
Consequences for Carriers & Commercial Drivers
A conviction for a commercial lane violation can lead to more than DMV points.
It may impact your record with the DOT FMCSA and result in Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points.
These remain on your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record for three years and on your carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) for two years.
Why You Need an Attorney to Resolve Accusations of Commercial Lane Violations
Hiring an experienced traffic attorney in Riverside County can help protect your CDL and career.
An experienced traffic lawyer could negotiate reduced penalties, a no-point conviction, or even a dismissal. A no-point conviction avoids damaging your DMV record and FMCSA standings. If there are no points, the FMCSA is not notified.
No-point convictions might require higher upfront costs, which often spares drivers from losing opportunities due to a tarnished driving record.
Consult a knowledgeable Riverside County traffic attorney to protect your driving career.
Contact Bigger & Harman Immediately After a Misdemeanor Speeding Charge
If you’ve been accused of a commercial lane violation on I-10 around Blythe, Banning or Riverside in Riverside County, CA, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300— Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Utilize our handy online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
CA VC section 22348(c), Speed Laws.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.