When a truck driver receives a ticket in California—whether for speeding, driving in a non-truck lane, overweight violations, running a stop sign, operating with expired registration, or driving without insurance—the legal consequences are far more serious than for a regular motorist.

State law and federal regulations impose stricter standards on anyone operating a commercial vehicle, and any violation can directly affect a driver’s CDL, driving record, and ability to keep working.

A speeding ticket—especially under CVC 22406, which limits most trucks to 55 mph—can add critical points to a driver’s record, increase insurance costs, and even be classified as a serious violation under FMCSA rules if the excess speed is significant.

Overweight violations, regulated under CVC 35551 and 35784, not only carry high fines but can trigger additional inspections and negatively impact compliance audits.

Running a stop sign, ignoring traffic signals, or committing any traffic offense while driving a commercial vehicle can also be categorized as a “serious traffic violation.” Accumulating multiple tickets within a year may lead the DMV to suspend your privilege to drive—so protect your license, because it is your livelihood.

On top of that, operating with expired registration can result in the vehicle being held and may require a mandatory court appearance, especially for those operating under IRP plates.

Driving without commercial insurance can place you out of service by the DOT, preventing you from picking up loads. It also leads to substantial fines, lost time, and the added cost of hiring an attorney to represent you.

However, the most severe consequences begin when a driver fails to appear in court on the assigned date. Under CVC 40508, a failure to appear automatically triggers serious penalties: a judge may issue a warrant, the DMV can suspend the commercial license, and additional fees may be added—significantly increasing the original cost of the ticket.

An FTA damages a driver’s record, complicates DOT inspections, raises insurance premiums, and can block job opportunities. For a truck driver, ignoring a ticket can quickly escalate into a legal, financial, and professional crisis.

That’s why it’s essential to address any ticket immediately and, if necessary, seek legal assistance to avoid long-term consequences.