Chapter 6 - Fines and Penalties

California Vehicle Code — §§ 34660-34672

Sections (5)

Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 652, Sec. 22. Effective January 1, 1998.

(a)A motor carrier of property, after its motor carrier permit has been suspended by the department, who continues to operate as a motor carrier, either independently or for another motor carrier, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than three months, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

(b)Each violation of this section is a separate and distinct offense, and, in the case of a continuing violation, each day’s continuance of operation as a carrier in violation of this section is a separate and distinct offense.

(c)Upon finding that a motor carrier of property is willfully violating this section after being advised that it is not operating in compliance with the laws of this state, the court may issue an injunction to stop the carrier’s continued operation.

(d)A member of the Department of the California Highway Patrol may impound a vehicle or combination of vehicles operated by a motor carrier of property, when the vehicle or combination of vehicles is found upon a highway, any public lands, or an offstreet parking facility and the motor carrier is found to be in violation of this section or of subdivision (a) of Section 34620. For purposes of this subdivision, the vehicle shall be released to the registered owner or authorized agent only after the registered owner or authorized agent furnishes the Department of the California Highway Patrol with proof of current registration, a currently valid driver’s license of the appropriate class to operate the vehicle or combination of vehicles, and proof of compliance with this division. The registered owner or authorized agent is responsible for all towing and storage charges related to the impoundment.

§ 34661

Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1042, Sec. 53. Effective September 29, 1996.

Any person or corporation who violates any provision of this division is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than three months, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

§ 34670

Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 652, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 1998.

Any violation of Division 14.8 (commencing with Section 34500) or any violation that results in a suspension or revocation of the motor carrier permit pursuant to Section 34505.6 or 34623, or subdivision (d) of Section 34624, in addition to any other penalties, shall be sanctioned as follows:

(a)If there have been no prior sanctions imposed on the permitholder, the permit shall be suspended for 30 days.

(b)If the permit had been suspended once prior in the previous 36 months, the permit shall be suspended for 60 days.

(c)If the permit had been previously suspended two or more times in the previous 36 months, the permit shall be suspended for 90 days, and a fine of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) shall be imposed.

§ 34671

Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 58, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2008.

Except as provided under subdivision (c) of Section 34630 and subdivision (d) of Section 34640, a motor carrier permit suspended or revoked under the provisions of this code shall not be reinstated until a fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) has been paid, and the motor carrier permitholder has met all requirements for the issuance of a permit.

§ 34672

Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 825, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2002.

If a motor carrier permit is paid for by a check that is dishonored by the bank, the permit shall be canceled. The department shall notify the carrier that the check was dishonored and that the permit will be canceled 30 days from the date of notification if the applicant does not make restitution. If the applicant does not make restitution for the dishonored check, and pay the dishonored check fee within 30 days of the notice, the application for a motor carrier permit shall be canceled.