So I got my first ticket. How bad is this?

I know the inspection station you are talking about, it is easy to miss them if you are not paying attention. So long as the ticket wasn't written as a failure to obey a traffic control device or something like that, then it should not have any bearing on your ability to get another trucking job. You will have to disclose it on future applications as a non-moving violation, it will show on your cdl abstract, and if a DOT inspection report was also issued along with the citation it will show on your PSP/CSA score, but again, it is easily explainable to future employers and not really worth fighting. It is better than if he coaught you doing 45 in the 25 or something like that, these things happen, don't beat yourself up over it too bad.

 

Thank you @Kry0n for not turning this into a rant on how you got screwed.

You made an honest mistake and owned up to it. Very refreshing.

Good luck to you.