What CDL Drivers Should Know About DMV Points In California

By Law Offices | Felicia Yates & Associates

 

CDL Points or Negligent Operator Points can result from violations of the California Vehicle Code (such as when you are issued a speeding ticket), as well as violations of city or county ordinances, OR any other code which relates to the safe operation of a motor vehicle. The California DMV does have the authority to either suspend or revoke a California driver’s license, if an individual incurs too many points within a specified period of time. As a result of the Interstate Driver's License Compact, the California DMV will also report convictions of violations incurred by out of state licensees. That particular state motor vehicle division may convert or assign “points” based upon that state’s criteria, and take any necessary action. California Vehicle Code (CVC) section 12810.5(a) defines a Class C Negligent Operator as follows: 

• 4 or more points in a 12 month period,
• 6 points in a 24 month period, or
• 8 points in a 36 month period;

Once points accumulate as outlined above, California would move to at least suspend a person’s driving privilege. Commercial Class A or B drivers, without a special certificate, may be allowed 2 additional points, if they request and appear for a hearing in front of the California DMV. However, per CVC section 12810.5(b), a violation which occurs while operating a commercial vehicle in California, carries 1.5 times the normal point count! So, when commercial drivers are issued a typical commercial traffic citation, such as CVC section 22406(a) – Speeding in a Commercial Vehicle, would carry 1.5 points; any subsequent violation, such as CVC section 21655(b) – Failure to Use Designated Lane, would result in a total of 3 points assigned by the California DMV. Minor convictions (such as the foregoing) that occur while you are driving a commercial vehicle or as a holder of a CDL, are retained on your California driving record for three (3) years. This is of course, in addition to any negative implications from an employer, insurance company, or the Department of Transportation, acting under the CSA 2010 regulations.

 

The exception to this negligent operator criteria might be made for Commercial Class A or B drivers, without a special certificate or endorsement such as Hazardous Materials, allowing for an additional 2 points, if they request and appear for a hearing in front of the California DMV, and their accumulated points did not occur in a vehicle requiring only a Class C license.  

California Vehicle Code section 12810.5(b)(1) defines a Class A or B driver meeting all the above criteria as a Negligent Operator when the following points are accumulated on a driving record:  

• 6 or more points incurred in a 12 month period;          
• 8 points incurred in a 24 month period;          
• 10 points incurred in a 36 month period;
  

Convictions reported by other states are also added to the driving record of a California CDL holder, and may result in sanctions. Some additional things to consider for California CDL holders, are that the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 requires that they do the following:

• Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of any conviction which occurred in other states within 30 days of the conviction.
• Notify their employer of any conviction within 30 days of the conviction using form Report of Traffic Conviction (DL 535).

Also, if applying for a job as a commercial driver, the California DMV requires that you must give your prospective employer a 10-year employment history of commercial driving. As a result of the foregoing, CDL holders should always consider contacting an attorney anytime a traffic citation is issued to them in the State of California.

Since everyone's case is unique to that individual and the specific circumstances, you should consult with a competent CDL attorney to determine your best course of action.  Our office has expertise in this area of the law, and we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation.  Attorney Felicia Yates has been practicing law for over 35 years in California and may be contacted at (702) 817-4661, via e-mail at attorneyfeliciayates@gmail.com, or via website at https://www.attyfeliciayates.com.