CDL Violations in California

A citation in a personal car and a citation in a commercial vehicle are treated differently — and the stakes are higher for a commercial driver. Even one serious traffic conviction can threaten your commercial license, your job, and your FMCSA record. Here is what to watch for.

Why the stakes are higher

Under the federal Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program and California's Vehicle Code § 15250 and § 15300, certain convictions can lead to disqualification from driving a commercial vehicle — even if the violation happened in your personal car.

• Disqualifying offenses include DUI, leaving the scene, using a vehicle in a felony, and some others.
• Repeated serious traffic violations within a rolling period can also disqualify you.
• Unlike a non-commercial driver, you generally can not mask the point with traffic school for a violation in a commercial vehicle.

What gets reported

Convictions for traffic violations in a commercial vehicle are reported to the DMV and often to the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), appearing on your record that employers and insurers pull. A point in a commercial vehicle is usually weighted more heavily.

How to respond to a citation

1. Think before pleading guilty. A guilty plea can carry CDL consequences beyond the fine. Review the details of the stop and the citation.
2. Check whether the officer cited the correct code section and whether the evidence (radar/laser calibration, logged speed) holds up.
3. Consider a written trial or appearing to contest the specific facts, rather than paying.
4. Be aware of the court date — see before your court date.

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