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Truckers issued increasing numbers of speeding violations

On Behalf of | Sep 8, 2020 | Uncategorized |

According to a review of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data, U.S. law enforcement issued 7.8% more traffic tickets to truckers in 2018 compared to 2017. This rise was preceded by an increase in 2017 of 1.1%, and an increase of 9.7% in 2016, according to FMCSA data.

Although there is a general trend toward an increase in speeding violations among truck drivers, the number of tickets for speeding between 1 to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit fell in 2017 but rose again in 2018. The FCMSA’s data does not make it clear whether the increase in violations is the result of a crackdown in law enforcement or due to increased speeding among truck drivers. While the number of traffic tickets issued to truckers has increased, it still represents a small fraction, less than 5%, of the total number of truck drivers, 3.5 million, on U.S. roads, according to American Trucking Associations estimates.

As speeds increase, so do the number of violations. The FMCSA data shows that the overall number of speeding tickets issued to truck drivers climbed 19.5% from 2015 through 2018. However, the number of speeding violations received by truck drivers increased by 30.3% during the same time period.

For a professional truck driver, a speeding ticket can be a serious matter. It can affect a driver’s record and career. However, there may be options to reduce the penalties or fines associated with a traffic ticket. A lawyer with a background in traffic violations can review a truck driver’s case and explain various options for contesting a speeding ticket.