CLASS DRIVERS The Penalties of CSA Points
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Running a red light can cost you a steep fine of $400–500, no matter what sort of vehicle you’re driving. However, for bus or coach drivers, the consequences of getting a red-light ticket can be much more catastrophic than the loss of a few hundred dollars. POINTS ADDED TO YOUR LICENSE Class A drivers can get additional points added to their license if they’re issued a red-light ticket. In addition to the fine, drivers will get assessed with 1.5 Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points and 5 Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) points added to their commercial motor vehicle (CMV) license. These added points affect the driver’s chance of finding a new job and could even lead to termination by an employer. 7 BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CATEGORIES (BASICS) These BASICS are considered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under the CSA program. They are unsafe driving, hours of service (HOS), driver fitness, alcohol or controlled substances, vehicle maintenance, cargo, and collision indicators. CDL holders should be aware of the BASICS to avoid CSA and NOTS points against their driving record. EFFECT OF CSA POINTS The assessment of CSA points affects bus and coach drivers’ job security. If the holder of a CDL is issued a ticket while driving a personal vehicle, a driver won’t be assessed CSA points. However, a CDL holder must report all convictions to their employer within 30 days, regardless of whether it occurred in their CMV or personal vehicle. Many employers request a safety violation and collision report when hiring drivers so they can view a CDL holder’s CSA points. A CDL holder with zero points will naturally be more hirable than an applicant who has CSA points on his or her record. AVOIDING THE CONSEQUENCES Talking to a traffic attorney is the best way to fight back against an unjust ticket. Traffic court is complicated, and representing yourself is not recommended. An attorney can investigate the viewpoint of the LEO who issued the ticket, determine whether proper procedures were used, look into the yellow-light interval, and have access to information that may not be available to you. You don’t have to fight this alone. Call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349- 9300 to talk about your red-light ticket today. Let our attorneys ask the tough questions and investigate the incident for you.
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