The Four Major Speed Laws in California
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Many people believe it’s okay to drive a vehicle 10 miles over the speed limit but forget in California, there are four major Speed Laws. They are, Basic, Prima Facie, Maximum, and Minimum. Furthermore as a state with approximately 40 million residents, each speed law mandates different requirements for drivers. Finally, the overarching goal is to protect the safety of everyone on or near the road. However, this doesn’t mean a person should drive 55 mph on the highway all the time. Finally, these are just some of the speed limit laws.
Let’s take a look at the California basic speed law.
California Basic Speed Law
What is California’s Basic Speed Law? It states that drivers must not exceed a safe speed based off road and weather conditions. This means that under the California basic speed law driving the speed limit may be considered a violation of basic speed law. However, this is just one of the four major speed laws in California and one of the many you need to follow on California highways.
Factors When Driving
The following are just some factors needed to be taken into account when driving and following California basic speed law. Let’s discover what some are but not limited to:
General Traffic Flow. Is everyone going the speed limit or are other drivers slowing down because of rush hour? How about an accident?
Weather Visibility. Perhaps it is raining or snowing, and you need to slow down for your safety?
Number of Vehicles on the Road. Are there a lot of drivers around you? Is the 65 mph speed limit too fast in comparison to the traffic?
Pedestrians. Pedestrians or bicyclists near your lane? Can you switch lanes to give them more space and prioritize safety?
Road Surface. Driving on hills or flat surfaces? Are there speed bumps nearby?
Animal Signage. Are there warning signs for animals in the area?
Construction Zones. Is there construction occurring on the freeway or a business district? Are there speed limit signs or detours to your destination?
If you are a commercial driver operating a towing vehicle, bus, or large truck, the Basic Speed Law applies to you as well. There are, however, a few extra conditions to ensure you are driving safely. With a larger vehicle, you should be driving in the right-most or second rightmost lane, depending on the number of lanes on the road or highway you are on.
In addition, there is signage about reduced speed limits for commercial vehicles around the state serving as a precaution due to the extra weight your vehicle holds. Furthermore, when you are driving, remember that your vehicle may create large gusts of wind that may impact cars or pedestrians around you. Finally, following the California basic speed law is important for the safety of you and others.
Four Major Speed Laws in California
As stated previously, the four major speed laws in California are Basic, Prima Facie Speed Law, Maximum Speed Law, and Minimum Speed Law. Let’s take a look at the other three major speed laws in California.
Prima Facie Speed Law
The Prima Facie Speed Law mandates maximum speed limits in areas where speed limit signages may not be posted but should be known and followed. If you do not abide by this speed law, you are at risk for a citation. For instance, if you are on a street in a neighborhood with no posted speed limits and you are driving 30 mph, you are breaking Prima Facie.
In school zones, residential areas, and business districts, the Prima Facie speed limit is 25 mph. So, if there are marked signs that say otherwise, follow those. For instance, some school zones may regulate their speed to 15 mph. The basis of the Prima Facie Speed Law is to ensure everyone is driving at a safe speed based on the environment they are around even if there are no marked signs.
The Prima Facie speed for alleys and railroad crossings is 15 mph. This is of utmost importance if you are unable to see oncoming traffic or trains in both directions for 400 ft each side to prevent any harm and keep you safe.
Maximum Speed Law
The Maximum Speed Law may be the most known California basic speed law. This law simply states that you cannot exceed the posted speed limit, which applies when you are trying to pass slow drivers. You may not exceed the speed limit or ‘go with the traffic flow’ because it puts others at risk for potential harm.
A common myth with this law is that officers use speed traps to patrol driver’s speeds. However, a speed trap is a practice where you calculate the time in between each checkpoint and determine the speed the driver was going between the two. With this process, if you were speeding in between the two, you would get a ticket. Speed traps are not legal in the state of California. This does not give individuals a right to speed, however; radar devices are still legal and if caught speeding, you receive a citation.
Minimum Speed Law
Contrary to what some may believe, it is possible to get a citation for driving too slowly. California’s Minimum Speed Law prohibits that drivers be too slow, as this interrupts traffic flow and poses a threat to other drivers. Though it is not common, there are some minimum speed limits posted throughout the state.
Regarding the Basic Speed Law, it is okay to reduce your speed while driving; it is significant reductions that create potential danger. Consider the environmental factors that may impact your speed and remember to always utilize safe driving practices.
Consequences of Breaking California Major Speed Laws
If you violate one of the four major speed laws in California, you could end up paying a fine of a few hundred dollars. Furthermore, if you were going a criminal speed (20+ mph over the speed limit), you may have your license suspended or get jail time if this is a recurring event.
In conclusion, there is a way to get a traffic ticket dismissed in California! It is called trial by written declaration. Trial by written declaration is fighting your ticket through written defense instead of going to court. With GetDismissed, we help build you a written defense. If your ticket is dismissed, no points, no fine and no court. Contact GetDismissed today to get your questions answered about our efficient, trustworthy process.
Steve has been leading the fight against traffic tickets for over 22 years and is the CEO/President of GetDismissed, a service that empowers California drivers with traffic tickets to fight back without going to court. As a thought leader and business entrepreneur, Steve has also been featured on TV, Radio, Print, and Online as a traffic ticket expert talking about such subjects as distracted driving, contesting traffic tickets, traffic ticket myths, traffic ticket tips, traffic law, and more. Steve is a published author, releasing his first book in 2011, and now has four books regarding fighting traffic tickets which can be found on Amazon. Read More…
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