California Stiffens Fines for Truckers

A California law that goes into effect Jan. 1 beefs up penalties for commercial truck drivers who attempt to evade a law enforcement officer.

The Omnibus Transportation Bill was signed into law by Gov. Gray Davis on Oct. 7. It includes a provision to punish violators with a one-year suspension of their commercial driver license. A second offense will bring a permanent revocation.

Also, truckers driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit will be guilty of a misdemeanor considered a “serious violation” and could face a 60- to 120-day suspension of their license.

“The bill was enacted in response to several high-profile pursuits involving large commercial vehicles last year,” said Steve Kohler, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.