California is a very car-dependent state, with wide freeways and long distances between home, work, and places for entertainment or recreation. In a state like this, speed limit laws are strictly enforced and designed to keep everyone safe while being reasonable to car-loving Californians. Speed limits in California are straightforward, like anywhere else in the world. Go over them, get caught, then get in trouble. Worse, you endanger those around you and can cause an accident. But the question of when it is legal to exceed the posted speed limit might have different answers depending on the place, time, weather conditions, and traffic. Read more and find out.
How Much Can I Drive Over the Speed Limit in California?
It’s worth emphasizing that you can get a ticket simply by going a mile over the speed limit. California Vehicle Code 22354 VC gives the state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) the power to lower the maximum speed limit on state freeways to 65 miles per hour or less. Violating Vehicle Code 22354 VC can cost anywhere from $35.00 to more than $500.00, including court fees and other assessments. Nowhere in the Vehicle Code does it state a driver can exceed the speed limit before they’re faced with a speeding ticket. Getting caught speeding and found guilty of it will lead to a driver receiving a point on their DMV record. Get four points in 12 months, six points in 24 months, or eight points in 36 months, and you’ll get your license suspended. And it’s not an option to ignore a California speeding ticket either since this will lead to a misdemeanor charge of failure to appear according to California Vehicle Code 40508.There are Ways to Avoid Speeding Charges
Nonetheless, a police officer and a traffic judge will not bother with vehicles that barely go a mile or two per hour over the speed limit or even those hovering right around five above it. It’s when you’re clearly five over that the probability of you getting a ticket rise on most California highways, although that can change depending on several circumstances. Also, know that the Vehicle Code allows motorists or their legal representatives to argue in court that they were being reasonable even if going more than five miles over the speed limit, for example, on wide, empty tracks of highway in good weather or where the speed limit isn’t clearly posted. Stating in front of a judge or court that you had an emergency helps or that you weren’t putting any passenger in danger and had a good driving record. It’s best to learn a bit about the four major California speeding laws if you want to know about the ins and outs of speed limits.The Four Main Speed Laws in California
Don’t get caught off guard when speeding. Excuses like “everyone was speeding too” or “it’s just 10 miles over the limit” aren’t enough. Here’s a quick rundown of the four main speed laws in California for you to avoid getting a ticket for exceeding the posted speed limit.1. The Basic Speed Law
The California Basic Speed Law makes it clear drivers can’t go above a safe speed during certain weather and road conditions. The point is you shouldn’t drive too fast if the environmental factors don’t allow it. Here are some of the main factors drivers must consider when determining their speed on the road:- Weather: Rain, snow, hail, high-wind, are all legitimate reasons to slow down on California roads and streets. Unless it’s sunny and clear, stay below the posted speed limit for the good of you and others.
- The general flow of traffic: See if everyone is driving slower than usual or faster. You don’t want to get a ticket for driving too slow, either.
- Pedestrians: Be on the lookout for cyclists or pedestrians on the side of the road. Switch lanes to avoid going too much over the speed limit near them.
- Accidents or cars on the sides: This is important, especially on smaller two-lane roads and streets. Slow down or stay away from any accidents or vehicles that pull over.
- Road vehicle numbers: if traffic is extra heavy and the number of cars around you is more than normal, even the 65 mph speed limit might be too fast, and highway officials can ticket you for not slowing down.
- Road surface: Take in mind whether you’re driving on a flat road, ramp, or a street heavy with speed bumps.
- Animal signs: Keep your speed in check when passing through an area with a lot of warning signs for animals.
- Construction areas: In zones where there’s construction on a freeway or a business area, speed limits are different, even if they are not posted.
2. Maximum Speed Law
California’s simplest and most well-known speed law says you cannot exceed the speed limit posted on signage. This even applies to when you’re passing slow drivers. Although speed traps are illegal in California, police officers are still equipped with radar and laser guns to catch you speeding.3. Minimum Speed Law
This law is lesser known. You can get a speeding ticket for driving too slowly, and you might see some minimum speed limit signs around the state. This doesn’t mean you’ll get pulled over by a patrol car if you’re doing five miles under the limit or even 10. Remember that California law actually says you should slow down in harsh weather or during heavy traffic. The California Minimum Speed Law is meant to prevent vehicles from suddenly slowing down and disrupting traffic flow, thus putting other drivers at risk.4. The Prima Facie Speed Limit
When there’s no signage, the speed limit is said to be “prima facie,” which is the maximum speed limit observed in areas where there’s none posted. This is an important law to remember in neighborhoods, school zones, business districts, railroad crossings, and others. Just because you don’t see a speed limit posted, don’t assume there’s none. On the contrary, California’s prima facie speed limits are:- For school zones, business districts, and residential areas, the speed limit is 25 miles per hour.
- For highway intersections with less than 100 ft of visibility, railroad crossings, and alleys, don’t exceed 15 miles per hour.