What is Prima Facie Speed Limit in California?
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It isn’t uncommon to have a lot of questions about speed limits. Is there a minimum speed limit? What is the prima facie speed limit?
And, if you are going with the traffic and 10 miles over the limit – surely, that is fine?
The Californian speed laws can be confusing to new drivers and those from other states – so you’re not alone when it comes to questioning Californian speed laws.
When you learn to drive, you will be told many times that you shouldn’t go faster than the speed limit in order to avoid getting a speeding ticket. You should be mindful of the road conditions, the traffic, the visibility, and the weather.
In most circumstances, you will be required to use your judgment in combination with the lawful speed limit. For example, driving at high speed on a low visibility road isn’t a good idea. However, going below the minimum speed limit can also get you issued a ticket.
In most cases, if you are issued a ticket, the issuing officer will be the one making the assessment of your driving and the current conditions.
A Prima Facie Speed Limit refers to the default limits. You must adhere to the Prima Facie speed limits unless other factors indicate you must go faster or slower.
The term Prima Facie is in the California Vehicle Code and is the speed limit that applies where there are no signs to indicate the speed you should be traveling at.
Unless you have other indications, then Prima Facie is the following:
If traveling on a multi-lane road, that road might be subject to a 65mph speed limit, whereas a single highway with opposite-facing traffic may be lowered to 55mph.
At the start of the speed zone, there will often be an indicator of the speed you are expected to travel.
Speed limits are set to help motorists drive safely – no matter which road type they are traveling along.
In California there here are the maximum speed limits you will see:
It is important to note that these are overruled by the fundamental speed law and prima facie.
A minimum speed law is one of the four speed laws of California. The minimum speed law stops drivers from driving too slowly or impeding the normal flow of traffic. A few key factors need to be considered when talking about the minimum speed law in California.
There are consequences to a prima facie violation. The amount of the fines or potential penalties increases with the miles per hour you were driving over the prima facie limit.
A violation of the prima facie – no matter how many miles per hour over, will add a point to your driving record.
*If you don’t have your ticket handy, it’s okay — you can still start the process and just add it later!
*Be sure to quickly add as many notes about the stop as you can so you don’t leave out any important details!
*We will send you a completed packet for the court that just needs your signature and a stamp!
GetDismissed produces results in fighting all kinds of tickets. Unfortunately, this list does not include exhibition of speed citations. Your best bet in fighting one of these infractions, is to contact an attorney. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to try and reduce fines, or even to reduce the charges to a lesser infraction which could possibly qualify for traffic school.
We do however, contest infractions revolving around speeding, red lights, red light cameras, cell phones, signs (primarily stop signs), carpool violations, U-turns, out of lane violations, and commercial violations. If you receive a citation and have questions, contact us today.