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If you have ever driven a car in California, you have seen speed limit signs along the roads. These signs might say 25 miles per hour in a neighborhood or 65 miles per hour on a freeway.
But what do these signs really mean? Do you have to drive exactly at the speed limit? And what happens if you drive faster—or even slower—than what the sign says? Below, an experienced California car accident attorney will discuss this and more.
What Are Speed Limits in California?
Speed limits in California are usually posted on signs along roads and highways. These numbers are called “prima facie speed limits.” That means the posted speed is generally considered a safe speed—unless you are driving in a way that is not safe for the road conditions. For example, if the sign says 65 miles per hour, but it is very foggy, and you cannot see ahead, then going 65 miles per hour might still be too fast.
The law behind this idea is found in California Vehicle Code Section 22350, also called the Basic Speed Law. In very simple terms, it says you cannot drive faster than what is safe for you, other people, and the property around you.
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Why Does California Have a Basic Speed Law?
California uses the Basic Speed Law because roads, weather, and traffic change from day to day—or even hour to hour. A speed that feels safe in perfect weather might be dangerous in heavy rain. A speed that works on an empty road may be too fast when there is bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Is Driving at or Below the Speed Limit Always Legal?
You might think that if you stay at or below the speed limit, you cannot break the law. But that is not always true. If you are driving in a way that endangers others—maybe it is pouring rain, your tires are worn out, and you keep sliding—then even the posted speed limit could be considered too fast.
As the Basic Speed Law says in California Vehicle Code Section 22350, you must drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for things like weather, visibility, and traffic. So, do not rely on the number on the sign alone. Always watch the road conditions around you.
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Can I Go Faster If I Feel It Is Safe?
In California, the posted speed limit is prima facie evidence of what is safe. If you are going above that number, it is considered prima facie unlawful—meaning the law starts off assuming you are breaking the rules. If the speed limit is 35 miles per hour and you drive at 40 miles per hour, a police officer might give you a ticket.
However, if you believe your speed was still safe, you could try to show in court that you were not violating the Basic Speed Law. This can be hard to do, but the law allows the possibility.
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What Happens If I Drive Over the Speed Limit in California?
Driving over the speed limit can lead to a traffic ticket. You might have to pay a fine or go to court. If you drive a lot faster than the limit or keep getting speeding tickets, you could face bigger fines or even lose your driver’s license.
According to California Vehicle Code Section 22348, if you are caught driving over 100 miles per hour, the consequences are more severe. The fine can be up to $500 for a first offense, and the court can suspend your license for 30 days. If you do it again within three years, the fines go higher, and the suspension can last longer.
Is There a Special Rule for Driving Over 100 Miles per Hour?
Yes. As mentioned above, Section 22348 of the California Vehicle Code deals with driving over 100 miles per hour. This is considered very dangerous because high-speed driving gives you less time to react and can cause bigger accidents. If you break this law, you may have to pay a hefty fine and could lose your license for a while.
What Are the Penalties for Speeding in California?
Here is a simple list of what might happen if you get caught speeding in California:
- Fines: These can start around $35 for minor speeding but can climb to $500 or more for extreme speeds.
- Points on Your Record: If you receive a traffic citation, you could get points on your driver’s license, and too many points can lead to a license suspension.
- License Suspension: If you are caught driving over 100 miles per hour or committing many speeding offenses, the court could suspend or revoke your license.
- Insurance Rate Increases: Insurance companies often raise rates when drivers have speeding tickets on their records.
Do Commercial Drivers Follow Different Rules in California?
Yes, commercial drivers (like truck drivers or bus drivers) must be extra careful with speed. According to California Vehicle Code Section 22406.1, if a commercial driver goes 15 miles per hour or more over the limit, it can be a misdemeanor and a serious traffic violation. They might face higher fines, more points on their driving record, and extra penalties from the company they work for.
The law is stricter for commercial drivers because they often drive bigger vehicles that can cause more harm in an accident.
How Can Speeding Affect an Accident Case in California?
Speeding is not just about getting a ticket. It can also affect car accident cases. If you are speeding and cause a crash, that can be used as evidence that you were negligent. “Negligent” is a legal word meaning you did not act with enough care.
In civil cases, if the other person can prove you were driving too fast under Section 22350 (the Basic Speed Law) and that caused an accident, you might have to pay damages for their injuries and vehicle repairs. Speeding makes accidents more likely to happen and can make them much worse when they do.
When Should I Call a California Personal Injury Lawyer?
Sometimes, speeding can lead to serious accidents. If you are hurt in a crash or if someone is blaming you for a crash, you may need legal help. A California personal injury lawyer can guide you through what to do next. They can help you understand your rights, talk to insurance companies, and fight for the best outcome for you.
Even if you just have questions about speed limits or want to know your options after a traffic ticket, a lawyer can offer advice. Do not face this alone, especially if you are dealing with injuries or complicated insurance issues.
Drive Safely and Contact Us Today!
Speed limits in California are there to help keep everyone safe. But remember, they are not the only rule. The Basic Speed Law says you must always drive at a speed that is safe for the current conditions. Driving too fast—or even too slow in certain cases—can lead to tickets, fines, and accidents. If you or someone you love is hurt in a crash involving speed, our team at BANA LAW is here to help.
We proudly serve all of California and are available 24/7. We offer FREE CONSULTATIONS, and we speak Spanish (Hablamos Español). Call 855-997-6599 or contact us online today to talk with a California personal injury lawyer and learn more about protecting your rights. Injuries unravel your life—we piece it back together.
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