Bigger & Harman - June 2020

A TRAFFIC VIOLATION IN YOUR PERSONAL VEHICLE WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVERS?

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Getting a ticket is a sure way to ruin your day, but it can have an even greater impact on commercial drivers. As mentioned in our last newsletter edition, CDL drivers are held to a far higher standard than other drivers. When a CDL driver is pulled over and given a ticket for a traffic violation in their commercial vehicle, the fines they are issued are far steeper than other drivers receive. But, what happens if that same driver is pulled over in their private vehicle?

THE POINT AND FINE DIFFERENCE

In California, one of the first differences is the number of points tacked onto your license after receiving a ticket. If, for example, a Class A driver is pulled over for a speeding violation in their private vehicle, they’ll receive one point on their license. However, if they are in their commercial vehicle, they receive 1.5 points. Similarly, the fine for speeding in a CMV is staggeringly steep: $285 or more for 1–9 mph over, and $480 or more for 10 mph over and up, when the extra fees are added on. Other motorists face a base fee of $35 for driving 1–15 mph over (plus surcharges and assessments), which would put the total fine closer to $250.

“THEREFORE ENCOURAGE

ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD ONE ANOTHER UP, JUST AS YOU ARE DOING.”

Although Class A drivers might face fewer immediate penalties for a traffic violation, it can influence their future as CMV drivers.

THE RESULT OF A RECORD

A driver can attend traffic school to remove those points from their license if they were in their private vehicle, but unlike for a regular Class C driver, it’s not confidential. This means that the employer of the commercial driver as well as insurance agents can still see the driver has had the violation, even if there are no points on their record. Because that information is not confidential, the CDL holder may still pay higher insurance premiums, and it may impact their employer and working status. If you were given a ticket in your personal vehicle, talk to an experienced attorney as soon as you can to discuss your options. Call Bigger & Harman at (661) 859-1177 to schedule a consultation.

–1 THESSALONIANS 5:11

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