What is the speed limit in California?

If you drive regularly in California or plan to travel to this state soon, it is best to pay close attention to your car's speedometer if you don't want to get a fine that significantly affects your monthly budget. Next, we will explain what is the speed limit in california so you have it in mind every time you get behind the wheel.

In this regard, one of the first things to consider is the "Basic Law of Speed", where it is stated that you should never drive faster or slower than is safe for the conditions at the time. As stated in the State of California: "No person may drive a vehicle faster than reasonable or prudent, and under no circumstances at a speed that would endanger the safety of any person or property." CVC (California Vehicle Code) 22350 del California Department of Motor Vehicles.

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📰 Contents
  1. What is the speed limit in California?
  2. Speed ​​limits in California
  3. Other important speed limits in California
    1. Speed ​​limit at blind intersections
    2. Speed ​​limit in the alleys
    3. speed limit near the train tracks
    4. Near light rail vehicle intersections
    5. close to the animals
  4. How much is the California speeding ticket?
  5. What is the speed limit in California: frequently asked questions
    1. What is the speed limit in the United States?
    2. What is the speed on the highway?
    3. What is the speed limit on the motorway?
    4. How much does a California speeding ticket cost?

What is the speed limit in California?

On most California freeways the maximum speed limit is 65 mph. For undivided two-lane highways and for vehicles towing trailers, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph. Only in some places will you be able to drive at a maximum speed of 70mph. However, you should keep this in mind There may be other speed limit signs depending on the type of road and traffic in each area. Also remember that there are often slow speed zones in construction areas.

Important: Driving faster than indicated, or going at a speed that is not safe for the conditions you are in, is very risky and violates California driving rules, so it is illegal.

The higher the speed, the greater the stopping distance. The faster you go, the less room you have to maneuver and the less time you have to avoid a hazard or an accident. The force of an accident at 100 km / h is not only double that of an accident at 50 km / h, it is four times greater!

Speed ​​limits in California are as follows:

  • On some rural highways and interstate highways (except I-80) you can drive up to 70 mph (112.7 kilometers per hour) if specifically marked.
  • On urban highways, interstates, divided highways (those with a buffer zone), undivided roads, and all I-80s, you can drive at a maximum speed of 105 kilometers per hour.
  • The default limit on two-lane highways for trucks with three or more axles and any vehicle towing a trailer is 55 mph (90 kilometers per hour).
  • Within residential districts the limit is 30 mph (48.30 kilometers per hour).
  • In school zones of 25 mph (40.2 kilometers per hour) or even less, you should always pay attention to speed signs in school zones.

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Speed ​​limits in California

It is important to know what Section 22350 of the California Vehicle Code means “No person should drive a vehicle faster than reasonable or prudent, taking due account of the weather, visibility, traffic, surface and width of the road. In no case must a speed be such as to endanger the safety of people or things ".

Therefore, regardless of the posted speed limit, your speed should depend on:

  • The number and speed of other vehicles on the road.
  • Regardless of whether the road surface is smooth, rough, gravel, wet, dry, wide or narrow.
  • If there are cyclists or pedestrians on the road or crossing it.
  • If it rains, there is fog, snow, wind or dust.

For the lower speed limit, the California vehicle code states in section 22400 as follows: "It is not permitted to drive a vehicle at such a slow speed that it becomes a block or an impediment to the normal and reasonable flow of traffic, unless the speed limit has been reduced by sharpened signs according to law." In case you feel you need to drive slower for some reason, you should change to the right lane of the road you are on.

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Other important speed limits in California

Speed ​​limit at blind intersections

The speed limit for a blind intersection is 24.1 kilometers per hour. An intersection is considered "blind" if there are no stop signs at each corner and you cannot see 30 meters in either direction in the last 30 meters before the intersection. Trees, bushes, buildings or cars parked at intersections can block the view to the sides. If your vision is blocked, go slowly forward until your vision area widens.

Speed ​​limit in the alleys

The speed limit in each alley is 15 mph (24.10 kilometers per hour).

speed limit near the train tracks

If you are less than 100 feet from a railroad crossing where you can't see the tracks, the speed limit is 15 mph (24.10 kilometers per hour). You can drive above 15 mph if the crossing is controlled by gates,

Near light rail vehicle intersections

The same rules apply to light rail vehicle crossings as to level crossings. Do not cross the platforms until you can see clearly in both directions and you are sure that the light rail or train is not arriving. Be careful, never walk around or go under closed barriers.

NOTE: Light rail vehicles are very quiet and move faster than freight trains.

close to the animals

If you see animals or livestock, slow down and follow the directions of the animal manager. If you see a stray animal in your path, slow down or stop if it is safe to do so.

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How much is the California speeding ticket?

In case you do commit a traffic violation due to speeding in California, keep that in mind the base price of the fine for this type of infringement is $ 35. But, depending on how fast you are going, the fine can exceed $ 200.. There may also be additional payments for court costs.

The basic fine combined with surcharges and other penalties for a fine can range from $ 238 to $ 490, depending on various factors such as how fast you're going. Additional fees and penalties may also apply, depending on your location.

Base Fares for California Speeding Tickets:

  • 1 to 15 mph over the limit: $ 35.
  • 16 to 25 mph over the limit: $ 70.
  • 26 mph to 99 mph: $ 100.
  • 100 mph or more over the limit: $ 200, with higher penalties if you have a previous conviction.

If you have committed a speed violation in highway construction zones and maintenance areas, your fare will be increased by $ 35.

Remember that the best decision you can make is to respect the speed limits, because even if you don't see a speed control or a police check, in this state they also use airplanes to detect offenders.

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What is the speed limit in California: frequently asked questions

What is the speed limit in the United States?

When driving on US roads, you should always pay attention to the information on maximum speeds on road signs. In any case, keep in mind that the speed limits in cities and on urban roads they are between 40 and 55 kilometers per hour and on interstate highways between 105 and 120 kilometers per hour.

What is the speed on the highway?

On motorways with more than one lane, the speed limit is between 65 mph (105 kilometers per hour) and on some of these expressly marked roads it is 75 mph (120 kilometers per hour). For two-lane highways, the limit is usually 55 mph (90 kilometers per hour).

What is the speed limit on the motorway?

On some interstate highways you can drive up to a maximum of 70 mph (112.7 kilometers per hour) if specifically posted on signs, while on two-lane highways you can drive up to a maximum of 55 mph or 90 kilometers per hour.

How much does a California speeding ticket cost?

In the event that you commit a speeding violation in the state of California, you will have to pay a fine the amount of which will be determined by the excessive speed of your violation, the location where you committed the violation and the court costs, among others . costs. The amount of the fine can range from $ 35 to more than $ 400.

If you want to discover other articles similar to What is the speed limit in California?, you can visit the Last News category.

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan is a car enthusiast and industry professional with decades of combined experience in the automotive sector. Along with his team of writers and researchers, all passionate about automobiles, he is committed to delivering reliable and relevant content that ranges from detailed insurance guides to maintenance tips and much more.

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