CA Traffic Tickets for Commercial Drivers Mean Extra Points

In California, the Department of Motor Vehicles uses a “point system” to keep track of Californians’ driving records. Each driver starts out with a clean slate. Points are added whenever the driver receives a ticket or is arrested for a driving infraction. Although points can hurt anyone’s driving privileges, the stakes are higher for commercial drivers. In California, a commercial driver receives more points than the ordinary motorist for the same offense.

For motorists driving private vehicles, most infractions earn only one or two points. For instance, causing a traffic accident or running a red light is worth one point apiece. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) is a two-point offense. The state can suspend or even revoke your driver’s license if you collect four points in a 12-month period, six points in a 24-month period, or eight points in a 36-month period.

California commercial drivers, however, receive one and a half points for every one-point offense and three points for every two-point offense. This means that traffic infractions by commercial drivers are more costly and commercial drivers who commit too many of them may have their licenses suspended or revoked much more quickly than the average motorist who made the same mistakes.

Commercial drivers rely on their valid commercial drivers’ license for their livelihood as well as transportation. Losing that license means a great deal more than just being unable to drive. If you’re facing the loss of your California commercial drivers’ license, the experienced California traffic violation defense lawyers at Sitkoff & Hanrahan can help. We will fight to help you keep your driving privileges. Call us today at 866-430-8383 for a free consultation.