Other Speed Laws CVC 22400
Who wins the Tortoise or the Hare? CVC 22400
As children, we have all heard or been told the story of “The Tortoise and the Hare”. If you recall the details of the story then you immediately remember the two main characters in the book. A very arrogant and confident hare that decides to take a nap during the race.
Then there is the tortoise who is humble yet tenacious in reaching the finish line. One thing that we can take from this story is that we can accomplish more when we do things slow and steadily rather than acting fast and haphazardly.
Keeping this same lesson in mind we as drivers have to understand the elements of speed. A driver has to consider all factors when traveling on the highway.
Speed is a variable that is the difference between a ticket and no ticket; the roadways are not a race track. However, it is important for traffic to move along efficiently in order to avoid congestion.
Driving slower than the posted speed limit is not equivalent to driving safely, nor is it a fool-proof way to avoid a citation. The California Department of Motor Vehicles determines that certain conditions are beneficial for a driver to reduce their rate of speed due to the following reasons:
- A motorist traveling at a faster rate of speed has limited control over a vehicle.
- Where there are known changes in roads such as in a construction zone or traveling in residential areas, adjustments to speed should happen to ensure the safe operation of vehicles.
- Understand that every car on the road has blind spots. Traveling at a safe rate of speed can create a better reaction time if someone appears in your eye of traffic.
- During high traffic, times of the day, such as daily commute, reduce your speed.
- Curves can be tricky and unpredictable. It is good practice to slow down before approaching a curve.
- Weather conditions such as ice, gravel, rain, mud, and snow require a driver to adjust their speed and slow down.
- Speeding increases the chances of a collision as it limits your ability to slow down.
- Overall, it is suggested that motorists operate their vehicles with extreme caution slowly during the following times: in toll areas, schools, residential areas, when you notice the brake lights of vehicles ahead of you, in large cities or parking lots, heavy traffic areas, and over bridges or tunnels.
What does the California Code say about CVC 22400?
As stated in CVC Section 22400, no driver is encouraged to operate a motor vehicle on a highway at a slow rate of speed that would interfere with or obstruct the typical and practical flow of traffic.
Unless there is a necessary reason to operate the motor vehicle at a significantly reduced rate of speed for reasonable safety measures in compliance with the law or because of the grade, a motorist should not drive at a significantly reduced speed.
Furthermore, it is a hazard to bring a motor vehicle to a complete stop on a highway that would inhibit or block the usual and rational flow of traffic unless the stop is essential for safety in compliance of the law.
The second section of the law states that if the Department of Transportation finds on the foundation of a traffic survey or engineering that an area of the state highway operating at a slow rate of speed constantly restricts the normal and realistic movement of traffic, it can determine a minimum speed.
When there are approved signs erected in the designated area of the highway, the department may conclude and implement a minimum speed limit below, which prohibits a motorist from driving a vehicle at slower speeds unless there is a necessary reason to do so for safe operation or compliance with the law.
Just like speed surveys determine the maximum speed that is permissible on a roadway to ensure safety, minimum speeds can be determined in the same manner.
What does your speed say about you as a driver?
A radar speed sign or regularly displayed, as “your speed” is an interactive sign that provides drivers with the rate of speed that they are traveling.
Radar speed signs are also influential in traffic calming tactics reducing typical speeds up to 10%-20%. Radar speed signs are commonly used in residential areas, school zones, or construction zones.
A sign’s purpose is to bring awareness to a driver’s speed in hopes of reducing his or her speeding. The rationale is if a driver sees how fast they are going they will be more susceptible to traveling at a safe rate of speed.
How does a citation for CVC 22400 affect you?
The repercussions for a citation for CVC 22400 include a minimum fine of $237 and a point on your driving record.
If you received a citation for violating the minimum speed, reach out to our office to learn more about your options. We also offer a free ticket review.