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undefinedFor professional drivers in Woodland, CA, it can be tempting to speed, especially when deadlines are short.

However, the consequences of speeding in a commercial vehicle can be severe, impacting not only your wallet but also your career and freedom.

Speeding violations for commercial drivers come with higher penalties than for regular drivers.

Going 15 mph or more over the 55-mph California speed limit for commercial vehicles is considered a misdemeanor and is labeled a “serious offense” by the FMCSA.

A second serious offense within three years leads to a 60-day disqualification from driving.

How to Avoid a Speeding Ticket in a Commercial Vehicle

The best way to avoid the serious consequences of speeding in a commercial vehicle is preventing a ticket in the first place. 

Here are some tips:

  • Always know the speed limit. This may seem simple, but it's easy to overlook in unfamiliar areas, especially when coming from Nevada, Oregon, or Arizona.

  • Use in-vehicle speed alerts and governors. Many modern commercial vehicles have these features, so take full advantage of them.

  • Adjust your speed for weather conditions and road hazards. Slowing down in rain or fog can prevent accidents.

  • Keep a safe following distance. This gives you time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic.

  • Be cautious in construction zones or school areas. Speeding fines are often doubled in these areas.

  • Prioritize safety over tight schedules. A missed deadline is far better than a costly ticket.

If you do get a ticket for speeding in a commercial vehicle, consult a CA traffic attorney. A local attorney familiar with Woodland courts can help minimize the impact on your driving record.

California's Three-Tiered Speeding Penalty System for Commercial Vehicles

California applies a tiered system for speeding in a commercial vehicle, and the penalties depend on how much you exceed the speed limit:

  • 1-9 mph over: A fine of around $285 and 1.5 Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points.

  • 10-14 mph over: The fine increases to about $550 with 1.5 NOTS points.

  • 15 mph or more over: This leads to a $1,000 fine, three NOTS points, possible jail time or probation, and a potential misdemeanor charge.

Federal Consequences: FMCSA Notification

The penalties for speeding in a commercial vehicle extend beyond state fines.

The CA DMV notifies the DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) when a commercial driver is convicted of a moving violation.

The FMCSA assigns Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points based on the severity of the speeding offense.

Excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the limit) and speeding in a construction zone can lead to:

  • Up to ten CSA severity points, which may be multiplied by time-weight factors if there’s another conviction in the same category within six months to a year.

  • A mark on your carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) record for two years, affecting their safety score and insurance.

  • If you're convicted of a second serious offense within a three-year period, you will face a 60-day disqualification from driving. A third offense during that same timeframe increases the disqualification period to 120 days. If a fourth offense occurs, you will be banned from driving for an entire year, which could effectively terminate your commercial driving career.

"The best attorneys. I have used them on three occasions.

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 las ticket was for speeding. I was clocked at 70 in a 55. That case was dismissed today.” —Chanerrick Tisdale.

Take Advantage of the Bigger & Harman Offer of a Free Consultation

Consult Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300 — Se habla Español 349-9755, if you need help with a speeding in a commercial vehicle traffic ticket in Woodland Courthouse in Yolo County, CA. 

Use our online user-friendly contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.

Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License. 

References:

CVC Section 22406 & 22406.1, Other Speed Laws.

The FMCSA CFR 49 Part 383.51, Driver Disqualifications.

The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.

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