i got a ticket today...

[Kerplow]

i got a ticket today for driving with the wrong class of license. The CHP says i need a class A for what i was driving. i've found what seems like reasonable proof on the DMV website that confirms that the rig i was driving is GTG with a class C.

anyway my question is: if i decide not to fight it, or if i lose, what are the reprocussions?

[Desert Dude]

i got a ticket today for driving with the wrong class of license. The CHP says i need a class A for what i was driving. i've found what seems like reasonable proof on the DMV website that confirms that the rig i was driving is GTG with a class C.

anyway my question is: if i decide not to fight it, or if i lose, what are the reprocussions?

What were you driving?

[Kerplow]

freightliner sport chassis w/ 32' gooseneck trailer GVW 14000. DMV website says class C is gtg with a 5th wheel over 10k and under 15k.

[Mike's Custom]

Fight it. You have nothing to lose but your time and if you do lose it will all be hte same fine. If you win you get the ticket tossed.

[scootergmc]

freightliner sport chassis w/ 32' gooseneck trailer GVW 14000. DMV website says class C is gtg with a 5th wheel over 10k and under 15k.

Two questions out of ignorance:

1. Were you driving for hire?
2. If you were does that require class A?

[Kerplow]

really im just curious as to the possible and likely penalties if i go down for this. sorry, but i didnt really post this to discuss the intricacies of the situation.

[scootergmc]

really im just curious as to the possible and likely penalties if i go down for this. sorry, but i didnt really post this to discuss the intricacies of the situation.

What code section is written on the ticket?

[BigDogatPlay]

Fines and assessments will vary from county to county. You should be able to call the county's clerk of the Superior Court and get some idea of the monetary damage of a conviction. Out of class is, IIRC, one point on your driving record. If you are coming up against a negligent operator suspension on points, then I completely understand your question.

You might want to review 12804.2 VC for the Class C exemptions to higher class of licenses at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html.

Question I'd have... was it a commercial enforcement officer (CHP in a pickup truck) that got you? If so, I'd say it would be pretty tough to argue. It would be hard to argue with just about any CHP guy related to the VC, but a commercial officer in that situation would trump. It might be worthwhile to stop by the area office and see if there is a commercial officer working that you can talk to.

[GP3]

freightliner sport chassis w/ 32' gooseneck trailer GVW 14000. DMV website says class C is gtg with a 5th wheel over 10k and under 15k.

Air brakes?

[Kerplow]

What code section is written on the ticket?

12500(d)

[scootergmc]

12500(d)

A 12500 violation is usually very minimal depending on local Court fees, usually $200-300, including the fee increases in/after 2009. Call the Court listed on the ticket and ask. That's the easiest way.

[Kerplow]

thanks guys. i'll fill you in on all the dirt when its done with!

[imtheomegaman]

Ok, this is many years back, but a particularly...well, how bout I got a ticket on the same/similar offense. The officer said I was driving a commercial vehicle (super sized passenger van with no seats, and all my tools and wheelbarrow in the back.

Went to the DMV, they inspected the vehicle and confirmed that it was not commercial and wrote the ticket off right there and then.

YRMV

[63 tango]

whats the gvwr of the truck? if its over 26000 lbs you need a commercial license. if it has air brakes you might need a commercial license.

[CSDGuy]

Check 12804.9 (b) (3)... which says:

(3) Class C includes the following:
(F)(ii) A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when
towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not
exceeding 15,000 pounds, gross vehicle weight rating, when the
towing of the trailer is not for compensation, and if the person has
passed a specialized written examination provided by the department
relating to the knowledge of this code and other safety aspects
governing the towing of recreational vehicles upon the highway.
The authority to operate combinations of vehicles under this
subparagraph may be granted by endorsement on a class C license upon
completion of that written examination.

That combination of vehicles (tow rig + 14k lb 5th wheel) requires an endorsement...

GVWR > 26k lbs requires a Class B or higher... airbrakes has it's own endorsement. Since the trailer weight is <15k lbs, a non-commercial Class A license isn't required though... just an endorsement for the Class C.