CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles overweight vehicles

The Importance of Commercial Driver’s License
Driving a large truck around or across Los Angeles, California, entails having a commercial license. The significant duties and responsibilities of a commercial driver surpass those of an ordinary operator of a passenger vehicle. The regulations that ensure a truck’s safety in California and the statutes that govern large commercial transport list most of the authorized roles, including:

* Periodically checking load for stability, damage, and shifting.
* Keeping an accurate record of hours in service.
* Confirming that the truck and cargo meet legal weight limits.

The Significance of Truck Weight Limits
The length of tractor-trailers can measure more than 60 feet and weigh up to 80,000 pounds. These vehicles are less manoeuvrable than passenger automobiles, correspondingly increasing their stopping distances than average cars. Overweight trucks increase the stopping distance even more, leading to dire consequences on the road. Furthermore, because commercial trucks are ginormous, they cause more wear and tear on roads and bridges while driving. When involved in accidents, the effects are significantly severe compared to passenger vehicles. The primary reason behind the enforcement of overweight truck laws is to reduce the resulting damage and injuries.

Misdemeanors and Traffic Infractions
Traffic infractions and misdemeanours are two classifications under which overweight vehicle law violations get cited. If a driver gets cited for a misdemeanor offense, the penalty could lead to up to six months’ imprisonment.

Overweight Citations and Fines
Fines for overweight trucks can be complicated, and when combined with court costs, they often become severe financial burdens. Most trucking companies are aware that their trucks are overweight, and they offer to cover their drivers’ fines and court costs once cited. For independent truckers or owner-operators, it is more likely that they would bear the burden of the overweight fines and court costs themselves.

Consequences on Commercial Driver’s License
Overweight citations affect the commercial driver and his license beyond any fines or court costs he may face. A conviction for an overweight citation remains in the driver’s records and could result in license suspension or even lead to the loss of employment. Drivers whose records have a conviction due to overweight infractions may find it difficult to secure employment as potential employers usually frown upon drivers with such records.

The Importance of Hiring an Experienced and Respected Attorney
Overloaded trucks are potential hazards on the road, and a conviction due to overweight fines can result in numerous consequences, from fines to jail terms and loss of employment. In such circumstances, seeking the services of a reputable attorney for representation is essential. Our legal team boasts of knowledge and experience in handling overweight and other violation cases concerning truckers in and around Los Angeles. Overweight infractions can impact livelihood and impede one’s ability to provide for oneself and dependents. Contact us today, and let us provide you with a free consultation and case evaluation. Our team of legal experts is well-equipped to answer any question and offer the legal opinion based on your situation.

## Possible Tables
### Weights

| Type of Weight | Weight |
| — | — |
| Legal Limit for GVWR | 80,000 lbs |
| STEER Axle | 12,000 lbs |
| DRIVE Axle | 34,000 lbs |
| TRAILER Axle(s) | 34,000 lbs |
| TANDEM Assemble | 68,000 lbs |
| Maximum Permitted Weight on Any Single or Tandem Axle (4 or more tires) | ~34,000 lbs |

### Consequences and Fines

| Consequences | Amount |
| — | — |
| Jail Term | 6 months |
| Traffic Infraction | Fines +
| Misdemeanor | Fines + Jail Term |
| Commercial Driver’s License Suspension | Inability to find work |
| Fines & Court Costs | Can Cost more than $1,500 |

### Safety Regulations
Los Angeles and California state safety regulations governing commercial driving require that their trucks observe safety protocols that are not mandatory for passenger vehicles. The following checks should be performed by truckers as stated by the legal duties and responsibilities imposed by the state and federal laws.

| Duties and Responsibilities |
| — |
|Confirming that the truck and its cargo are within legal weight limits
| Periodic inspection of the load for damage, stability and potential shifting |
| Maintaining an accurate log of hours in service |
| Make sure the truck’s brakes are functional
| Ensuring the truck has the right set of lights which are working properly |
| Have spares, especially lights, and replace as soon as they become defective |
| Never ever use a phone or any mobile device while driving |
| Always stay within the speed limit, truckers can cause accidents when they overspeed |