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Driver with CDL suspension on a highway..

You’ve Received A Commercial Driver’s License Suspension: Now What?

California State requires anyone driving a vehicle weighing over 26,001 pounds, excluding trailers, hauling trailers that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, vehicles accommodating 16 or more passengers, including buses, and any vehicle used to transport materials that are hazardous to first obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if they are being used for commercial or business purposes. For truck and other professional drivers, a commercial driver’s license is a necessity; it allows them to make a living. Because of this, a professional driver must act quickly if their commercial driver’s license is at risk for a suspension. If you have a CDL suspension, you will be unable to perform the main duties of your job, which can therefore also be at risk.

Why Might I Get a CDL Suspension?

There are various reasons as to why a professional driver may face fines, traffic charges, or even license suspension. These factors include:

Alcohol or drug-related offenses
Carrying cargo weighing more than the limit
Driving without insurance
Failure to stop at weigh stations
Habitual traffic violations
Logbook violations
Safety regulation violations
Speeding
Traffic violations while driving a personal vehicle

“Serious Traffic Violations”

If a commercial driver has been convicted of two “serious traffic violations” on separate occasions, within a period of three years, while operating a commercial vehicle, he or she may lose their license for up to 60 days. Furthermore, if a commercial driver has been convicted of three serious traffic violations within a period of three years, that suspension will be increased to 120 days.

It is important to note that these license suspensions are applicable regardless of where the violations take place – inside or outside of California. “Serious traffic violations” for commercial drivers include:

Driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL
Speeding by a minimum of 15 miles over the limit
Tailgating
Traffic violations involving fatalities
Unsafe lane changes

Aggravated Offenses

A commercial driver can lose his or her license for a period of one year (or three years if transporting hazardous materials at the time) if they commit one of the following offenses:

Driving a commercial vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of .04% or higher
Using the vehicle to commit a felony
Leaving the scene of an accident
Refusing to blood alcohol testing
Operating a commercial vehicle with a CDL that is either suspended or revoked

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys Help Those in California Who Are Facing a CDL Suspension

Since the suspension or revocation of a CDL can have a major effect on your financial health due to inability to make a living, it is quite imperative that you speak with an experienced and knowledgeable California Commercial Ticket Attorney who will represent you aggressively in order to protect your license and therefore your livelihood.

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys’ skilled Traffic Ticket Attorneys have the experience with assisting commercial drivers dealing with potential points on their licenses, fines, and penalties. If you are looking at a potential suspension or revocation of your CDL, Cheap Traffic Attorneys can help. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!

Cheap Traffic Attorneys discusses the consequences of a California Roll, otherwise known as a rolling stop.

What Exactly Is a “California Roll”?

On the coast of California, one of the most common traffic offenses is the “California Roll,” or as it’s known in other places, a rolling stop. A “California Roll” occurs when a driver fails to come to a complete stop, with all wheels remaining stationary at a stop sign or flashing red traffic light.

Rolling stops are extremely common since they sometimes seem excessive when you have clear visibility and can see that no one is coming from any other direction. They also commonly occur due to drivers being in a hurry or even not realizing that they failed to come to a complete stop.

What Are the Consequences of Committing a California Roll?

The consequences of performing a rolling stop can be quite impactful. A ticket for a California Roll violation may result in a $238 fine and up to one point on your California driver’s license, which would then automatically be reported to your insurance company.

When insurance companies are informed as to any incurred points on your record, your insurance premiums tend to greatly increase, costing you even more money. In fact, according to Forbes, these rates could increase by up to as much as 19 percent in such a situation. So although it may at first seem unnecessary to obtain an attorney simply for a ticket, it is often well worth it in the long run, as you will likely end up spending less money all told.

How Can You Combat a Rolling Stop Violation?

There are a couple of different options for combating a rolling stop violation ticket. One such option is to go to traffic school. Those attending traffic school must take up 8 hours of their time and pass a test at the end to keep a violation off of his or her record altogether.

Though traffic school can be effective, often the most effective solution is simply to hire a traffic attorney, who has the knowledge and experience necessary in order to know how to best go about getting your penalty reduced or ticket dismissed. These legal professionals understand the procedures involved with such a fight as well as what may be necessary to convince a court that there has not been enough evidence of a violation to uphold the ticket. There are many requirements of a Stop Sign violation under California Vehicle Code section 22450a and the attorney may be able to use one of those requirements to your favor to dismiss your case.

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys Help Those in California Who Have Received a Traffic Ticket

At the Cheap Traffic Attorneys, we understand the significance that receiving such a ticket can have on your life and will work to minimize the consequences in any way possible. If you or a loved one has received a ticket for a California Roll violation, we can help. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys, visit us online or contact us today!

Cheap Traffic Attorneys discuss moving violations in Los Angeles.

What to Know About Moving Violations in Los Angeles

In California, drivers who are charged with a moving violation receive points on their license through the DMV. The number of points received is dependent upon the severity of the violation. Minor violations such as failing to stop at a stop sign, speeding (in most cases), and driving in a bike lane generally cost motorists one point, while other violations such as reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI) may justify two.

Some examples of moving violations in California are the following:

Speeding: one point
Speeding over 100 miles an hour: two points
Driving with a suspended license: two points
Running a red light: one point

Receiving a Negligent Operator Suspension

If a motorist receives four points within a single year or eight points within three years, he or she will receive a license suspension for up to six months. Commercial drivers, on the other hand, are entitled to a higher point count before they are labeled as such. This is called a Negligent Operator Suspension. Points also affect your wallet. Those with points generally face higher auto insurance payments. Sometimes even just one point on your driving record can cause your insurance premium to double.

The Importance of Defending Yourself

It is important to remember that before the DMV may legally suspend your license, you are entitled to a hearing with them in order to share your side of the story in order to prevent these consequences from occurring. It is wise to consult with a California traffic attorney who can represent you in an attempt to prevent or lower the length of your driver’s license suspension, or from being suspended altogether. A traffic attorney can help you to prove either of these scenarios as well as help to prove other factors, such as whether or not you spend significantly more time on the road than the average driver, that the DMV will then take into consideration regarding your right to drive. That is why it is in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced California traffic attorney.

The Cheap Traffic Attorneys Help Those in CA Who Have Received a Moving Violation

The lawyers at Cheap Traffic Attorneys understand the consequences that receiving points on your driving record can have on your life. Losing both your money from paying fines, as well as your driving privileges, should your license be suspended can affect everything from your ability to pay your bills, to how you get to work (to make money to pay your bills). We will fight for you to get the results that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, visit us online or call us at 310-945-5655 today!

Newly Proposed CA Law Could Increase Penalties for Texting While Driving

In a classic case of “legislative creep,” the California legislature is about to make cell telephone and texting and driving violations result in a point on your driver’s license. Back in 2005-2006, when California’s “hands-free” law was enacted, the politicians sold it to the public by saying to the effect of, “Well it is not a point violation, so it is like a parking ticket. Just pay the fine and it is finished.”

Fast forward through 12 years of insurance industry lobbying and here comes California Assembly Bill 47 (AB 47).

This newly proposed state law could have a much bigger impact on offenders, affecting someone’s driving record for quite a few years. And the auto insurance industry could not be happier.

The Impact of Assembly Bill 47

The proposed law, Assembly Bill 47, which is sponsored by Rep. Jim Frazier (D-Discovery Bay), would place a point to a violator’s driving record for texting while driving. Current driving offenses that carry the same penalty include running a red light or a stop sign, causing an accident, and speeding. Points generally stay on an individual’s driving record for a period of three years.

Points can also have a large impact on an individual’s car insurance premium. Though it depends on a case-by-case basis, insurance companies tend to view tickets as an indication that you are a riskier driver. In populous areas of California, you will pay up to $600 more per vehicle per year for every two points and you will pay $300 more per vehicle per year for every point on your driving record. This could end up being quite costly in the long-run.

The proposed harsher penalty is already garnering support from individuals in law enforcement, who believe that the current laws in place have not served to deter the general population from continuing to engage in risky behavior. Of course, the California legislature specifically exempted California peace officers from the cell/texting laws.

According to the NHTSA, sending or reading a text takes an individual’s eyes off of the road for five seconds. If a car is going at a speed of 55mph, this equates to driving the entire length of a football field without looking. The latest California state transportation data shows that in 2013 alone, more than 422,000 citations were issued to motorists for texting while driving.

If the law successfully passes, it will take effect beginning in 2021.

Cheap Traffic Attorneys Can Help Those with Texting and Driving Violations

If you or a loved one has received a ticket for a driving offense, including texting while driving, it can majorly impact your life for a long period of time. In fact, if you receive four points within a rolling 12-month period, you will receive an automatic six-month license suspension. That is why it is so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket attorney who understands all about police and traffic court operations.

As a former police officer, Mr. Pearson may save you time and money by contesting a traffic ticket in order to avoid increased points or insurance premiums. Lowering a ticket violation when permitted by jurisdiction can make a big difference. To learn more about traffic violations and to schedule a consultation, visit us online or call us at 310-945-5655 today!

What Can I Expect When I Get a Traffic Ticket?

You see the dreaded flashing lights behind you and your heart sinks into your stomach. You’ve just been pulled over for a traffic violation and now you have a traffic ticket. While it may feel like your day has officially been ruined, there are ways that you can deal with the process as quickly and painfully as possible. You may even be able to keep points off of your license.

Getting Pulled Over

When you get pulled over in California for speeding or another traffic violation, you can expect a few things to occur. The officer will first ask for your license, insurance, and registration. You should be sure to always have these three documents with you whenever you drive, as you can also face additional tickets for not having them.

Types of Traffic Tickets

There are two different types of traffic tickets to be aware of when you are pulled over:

Infraction. All basic California traffic violations are considered to be infractions. This includes everything from speeding, to not stopping at a stop sign, to running a red light.
Misdemeanor. If you have committed a more serious driving offense you are likely to receive a misdemeanor. This includes offenses such as DUI, excessive speeding, or driving on a suspended license.

You will sign and date the ticket and receive a copy. You are not admitting to any guilt, just that you agree appear in court on or before the date indicated on the bottom of the ticket. Hold onto it in a safe place because you will need it later on. Your “Notice to Appear” (ticket) will have important information on it such as your court deadline date to appear and citation number.

However, for crimes such as DUI, you could possibly be arrested then and your car may be impounded.

Plea Options

You can submit one of three plea options in response to your ticket: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Should you plead guilty or no contest, you are then required to send in the required fine and copy of your citation to the court. Once received, the case will be closed and any points as well as your citation will make their way onto your driving record, where they will remain for 3 to 7 years. It is possible to take a traffic school class to hide your ticket from your public record if the Clerk of the Court or Judge has allowed that option.

If you plead not guilty, you must go in front of a judge to plead your case or you must submit a written “trial by declaration” to the court. You may obtain counsel or represent yourself. If you do a “trial by declaration” you must pay your fine up front. When the case is finished, you may receive a reduced fine or refund if the court finds in your favor.

Points

Speeding, running a red light, at-fault accidents, and unsafe lane changes are one point, while reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, hit and run, and DUI are two.

Your license can be suspended or revoked if you accumulate:

4 or more points in 12 months
6 or more points in 24 months
8 or more points in 36 months

Any points can enable your auto insurance premiums to increase.

What Can You Do?

Finding an attorney to help is in your best interest. At Cheap Traffic Attorneys, we understand the impact that even one traffic violation can have on your driving record and work to help secure you the best outcome. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, visit us online or call us at 310-495-5655 today!

What Are the Consequences of Driving with Expired Registration Tabs in California?

Being issued a citation for driving with expired tags (stickers on the rear license plate) is more than just a nuisance if you fail to correct it. This is known as a correctable violation, or a “fix it” ticket, that can be resolved rather easily. If you pay a dismissal fee and show proof of correction, the court will dismiss the charge. If you fail to do so, you can be ticketed again and again, the fines will escalate and your driver’s license will be suspended. That’s the time to call CheapTrafficAttorneys.com.

Continue reading What Are the Consequences of Driving with Expired Registration Tabs in California?

California Department of Motor Vehicles Announces New Traffic Laws

At cheaptrafficattorneys.com, we are committed to helping our clients fight traffic tickets, avoid or minimize penalties, and reduce points on their driving record. With the new year upon us, it is important to be aware of new traffic laws going into effect as of Jan. 1, 2019.

The California DMV recently issued a memorandum reminding drivers of pending changes to the state’s traffic laws. These include:

Temporary License Plates (AB 516) — Authorized dealers of new and used vehicles are required to attach temporary paper license plates on every vehicle sold that does not display previously issued DMV plates. The temporary plates are designed to reduce the number of toll violations and improve road safety.
Gender Identity (SB 179) — Applicants for a drivers license or identity card have the option to select their own gender, female, male or non-binary. Those who select “nonbinary” will receive a card with an “X” gender category.
Driving Under the Influence/Ignition Interlock Device (SB 1046) — Repeat offenders for driving under the influence or first DUI offenders whose violation results in an injury must install an ignition interlock device for a period of 12 to 48 months. The requirement applies to DUI violations for alcohol use or combined alcohol and drug use, but does not apply to drug only violations.
Smog Check Changes and New Abatement Fees (AB 1274) — The smog check exemption for new vehicles is being raised to eight model years from the current exemption of six model years. During the additional two years of exemption, vehicle owners will pay an annual $25 smog abatement fee, but the current annual $20 fee for the first six years remains the same.
Driving Privileges for Minors (AB 2685) — Juvenile courts will no longer be able to suspend, restrict, or delay the issuance of a minor’s driver’s license for one year for habitual truancy or for being a ward of the state. Suspensions or delays reported prior to Jan. 1, 2019 remain in effect, however.
Motorized Scooters (AB 2989) — Motorized scooter riders who are 18 or older will no longer be required to use a bicycle helmet. In addition, individuals are prohibted from operating a motorized scooter on a highway with a speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour, unless it is on both a Class IV and Class II bikeway.
Unsafe/Unsecured Loads on Vehicles (AB 1925) — The DMV must include at least one question in at least 20 percent of knowledge tests (written exams) about the state’s unsecured load code. In sum, all vehicle loads (e.g. ladders, buckets and other loose items) must be covered or secured.
Passing Waste Service Vehicles (AB 2115) — Drivers approaching a waste collection truck with its amber lights flashing must move into an adjacent lane, if possible, and pass at a safe distance, or slow to a safe and reasonable speed if moving is not possible.

Continue reading California Department of Motor Vehicles Announces New Traffic Laws

When Should You Fight a Traffic Ticket in California?

If you have been issued a traffic ticket, you should consider fighting the ticket, and for good reason. In addition to incurring a fine, you may have points added to your driver’s license and also face the potential of an increase in your car insurance premium. Depending on the violation, your driver’s license may also be suspended, which will make it difficult to get to work, go to school or manage day-to-day activities. With so much at stake, you are well advised to enlist the services of cheaptrafficattorneys.com.

Continue reading When Should You Fight a Traffic Ticket in California?

Contesting a Speeding Ticket

A speeding ticket can put a real crimp in your day. Unfortunately, it can also put a crimp in your wallet. California fines and penalties for speeding tickets are significantly higher than they once were, and you may find yourself facing increased insurance costs, too. Our speeding ticket attorney can contest a speeding ticket and may be able to help you keep the ticket off your driving record and avoid those costs. Continue reading Contesting a Speeding Ticket

What are Failure to Appear Warrants and DMV Holds?

Failure to appear warrants are a type of arrest warrant that is issued for people who fail to appear in court at the appointed time. These warrants are issued by a judge, and they will remain in effect until the person appears in court. As a result of the failure to appear in Court, the Court will notify the DMV to place a hold on your California driver license. Within a short amount of time, the Driver will receive a notice from the DMV that the driver’s license will be suspended as of a certain date. Continue reading What are Failure to Appear Warrants and DMV Holds?