For those who drive commercially, maintaining a clean driving record is essential. Sometimes, that means contesting a commercial vehicle ticket in court. Your best course of action is to challenge the ticket with the help of a CA traffic attorney.
Since commercial drivers receive points at one and a half times the rate of non-commercial drivers, it’s crucial to take immediate action if you’ve been issued a traffic ticket.
If you’re a commercial driver concerned about your driving record, our experienced Yolo County traffic ticket attorneys at Bigger & Harman, APC are ready to help.
We’ve been defending commercial drivers successfully for over a decade.
Commercial Drivers Face More Significant Consequences in California
In California, commercial drivers must meet higher standards than non-commercial drivers due to the serious risks involved in operating large vehicles, transporting hazardous materials, or managing passengers.
These drivers must comply with stringent regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the California DMV. These rules include mandatory rest breaks, limits on consecutive driving hours, and detailed vehicle inspections.
Because of these higher standards, penalties for commercial vehicle violations are more severe than for non-commercial drivers. That’s why contesting a commercial vehicle ticket is vital. Without acting, drivers risk heavy fines, career setbacks, and long-term damage to their professional reputation.
Seeking legal help from our attorneys can significantly increase the chances of successfully contesting a commercial vehicle ticket.
Common Mistakes Commercial Drivers Make
When faced with traffic violations, commercial drivers often make several common mistakes that can worsen the situation.
Avoid these errors to better protect your record:
Ignoring the Ticket: Some drivers hope a ticket will go away on its own. However, ignoring it can result in additional penalties and points on your record.
Self-Representation: Representing yourself in court may seem like a money-saving option, but without legal knowledge, the outcome can be unfavorable. If you wouldn’t ask me to park your truck, you shouldn’t represent yourself in court.
Pleading Guilty: Paying the fine without contesting the ticket can quickly accumulate points, jeopardizing your commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Failure to Collect Evidence: Many drivers forget to gather crucial evidence like dashcam footage or witness statements, which can support their case.
Not Knowing Your Legal Rights: Commercial drivers often don’t fully understand their legal options, leading to missed opportunities to have charges reduced or dismissed.
How We Help Commercial Drivers
At Bigger & Harman, APC, our experienced attorneys assist commercial drivers in contesting a commercial vehicle ticket.
We ensure drivers avoid common mistakes such as ignoring tickets or representing themselves in court. Our attorneys thoroughly collect and present evidence to support your defense, whether it’s witness statements or video footage, and educate you on your legal rights.
This approach increases the chances of reduced penalties or dismissal.
Here are some of the violations we could resolve for you:
Passing scales
Unsafe lane changes
Following too close
Non-emergency stops
CMV illegal cell phone use tickets
Over Hours of Service (HOS) violation
This is not a complete list, give us a call,
By trusting our firm, you stand a better chance of maintaining your CDL and protecting your livelihood.
Defense for Commercial Drivers in Yolo County
Our traffic defense practice extends to Woodland in Yolo County and throughout California.
We frequently appear in local courts and are familiar with the personnel and officers, allowing us to better handle your case. Our attorneys focus on minimizing the impact of your traffic offense to keep your commercial license intact.
Why Choose Bigger & Harman, APC?
When you work with us, you’ll receive:
Expert representation from an attorney with a 9.4 Superb Avvo Rating
Flexible appointments, including evenings and weekends
Personal attention to every case
Spanish-speaking services, if needed—Se habla Español 349-9755.
We invite you to review our client testimonials to see how our services have made a difference for other commercial drivers.
Let us help you protect your driving record and your career by contesting a commercial vehicle ticket today.
Ask Bigger & Harman About Contesting a Commercial Vehicle Ticket in Woodland in Yolo County, CA
If you have need help contesting a commercial vehicle ticket in Woodland Courthouse in Yolo County, CA, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755.
Use our online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.