Generally - Speed Laws - Vehicle - CA

Section § 22348

This law states that it's illegal to drive faster than the posted speed limit on highways. If you drive over 100 mph, it's an infraction. For the first offense, there's a fine up to $500 and possible 30-day license suspension. If caught again within three years, the fine increases to $750 with a mandatory license suspension. A third offense within five years brings a fine up to $1,000 and another license suspension. Additionally, vehicles that need to follow specific speed limits should stay in the right lane or a designated lane when available, except when passing, or if other lane usage is necessary for turns or highway access.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 22351, a person shall not drive a vehicle upon a highway with a speed limit established pursuant to Section 22349 or 22356 at a speed greater than that speed limit.

(b) A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than 100 miles per hour is guilty of an infraction punishable, as follows:

(1) Upon a first conviction of a violation of this subdivision, by a fine of not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500). The court may also suspend the privilege of the person to operate a motor vehicle for a period not to exceed 30 days pursuant to Section 13200.5.

(2) Upon a conviction under this subdivision of an offense that occurred within three years of a prior offense resulting in a conviction of an offense under this subdivision, by a fine of not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars ($750). The person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 13355.

(3) Upon a conviction under this subdivision of an offense that occurred within five years of two or more prior offenses resulting in convictions of offenses under this subdivision, by a fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). The person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 13355.

(c) A vehicle subject to Section 22406 shall be driven in a lane designated pursuant to Section 21655, or if a lane has not been so designated, in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, the driver shall use either the designated lane, the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, or the right-hand lane for traffic as permitted under this code. If, however, specific lane or lanes have not been designated on a divided highway having four or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, a vehicle may also be driven in the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, unless otherwise prohibited under this code. This subdivision does not apply to a driver who is preparing for a left- or right-hand turn or who is in the process of entering into or exiting from a highway or to a driver who is required necessarily to drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on his or her intended route.

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Section § 22349

This law sets speed limits on highways in California. Generally, you cannot drive faster than 65 miles per hour on any highway. For two-lane, undivided highways, the maximum speed limit is 55 miles per hour unless special signs indicate a higher limit, which are based on an engineering and traffic survey. A two-lane, undivided highway means there is only one lane of traffic in each direction. Passing lanes don't count toward these lanes. The law also aims to have clear signs indicating these speed limits, especially at county borders and other necessary places.

(a) Except as provided in Section 22356, no person may drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than 65 miles per hour.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person may drive a vehicle upon a two-lane, undivided highway at a speed greater than 55 miles per hour unless that highway, or portion thereof, has been posted for a higher speed by the Department of Transportation or appropriate local agency upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey. For purposes of this subdivision, the following apply:

(1) A two-lane, undivided highway is a highway with not more than one through lane of travel in each direction.

(2) Passing lanes may not be considered when determining the number of through lanes.

(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that there be reasonable signing on affected two-lane, undivided highways described in subdivision (b) in continuing the 55 miles-per-hour speed limit, including placing signs at county boundaries to the extent possible, and at other appropriate locations.

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Section § 22350

In California, drivers must not exceed speeds that are safe considering factors like weather, visibility, traffic, and road conditions. Driving faster than what is safe can put people and property at risk.

No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

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Section § 22351

This law explains how vehicle speed is regulated on highways. Driving within speed limits is legal unless it clearly breaks the basic speed law, which generally means driving safely given the current conditions. If you drive over these limits, it's assumed to be illegal unless you can prove your speed was safe given the actual conditions at the time.

(a) The speed of any vehicle upon a highway not in excess of the limits specified in Section 22352 or established as authorized in this code is lawful unless clearly proved to be in violation of the basic speed law.

(b) The speed of any vehicle upon a highway in excess of the prima facie speed limits in Section 22352 or established as authorized in this code is prima facie unlawful unless the defendant establishes by competent evidence that the speed in excess of said limits did not constitute a violation of the basic speed law at the time, place and under the conditions then existing.

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Section § 22352

This law sets default speed limits, called 'prima facie limits', for certain situations unless otherwise indicated by signs. These speed limits help ensure safety on the roads in specific areas.

At 15 miles per hour, drivers should go this speed when approaching railway crossings or intersections if their view is not clear in the last 100 feet. This speed is also for driving through alleys.

At 25 miles per hour, this speed limit applies in business or residential districts unless a different speed is set. It also applies near schools when kids are present or on school property during school hours. Lastly, it applies near senior centers or facilities for seniors, provided there are signs indicating so. Local authorities can put up these signs and apply for funding to do so.

The prima facie limits are as follows and shall be applicable unless changed as authorized in this code and, if so changed, only when signs have been erected giving notice thereof:

(a) Fifteen miles per hour:

(1) When traversing a railway grade crossing, if during the last 100 feet of the approach to the crossing the driver does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the crossing and of any traffic on the railway for a distance of 400 feet in both directions along the railway. This subdivision does not apply in the case of any railway grade crossing where a human flagperson is on duty or a clearly visible electrical or mechanical railway crossing signal device is installed but does not then indicate the immediate approach of a railway train or car.

(2) When traversing any intersection of highways if during the last 100 feet of the driver’s approach to the intersection the driver does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the intersection and of any traffic upon all of the highways entering the intersection for a distance of 100 feet along all those highways, except at an intersection protected by stop signs or yield right-of-way signs or controlled by official traffic control signals.

(3) On any alley.

(b) Twenty-five miles per hour:

(1) On any highway, in any business or residence district unless a different speed is determined by local authority or the Department of Transportation under procedures set forth in this code.

(2) When approaching or passing a school building or the grounds thereof, contiguous to a highway and posted with a standard “SCHOOL” warning sign, while children are going to or leaving the school either during school hours or during the noon recess period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching or passing any school grounds which are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a standard “SCHOOL” warning sign. For purposes of this subparagraph, standard “SCHOOL” warning signs may be placed at any distance up to 500 feet away from school grounds.

(3) When passing a senior center or other facility primarily used by senior citizens, contiguous to a street other than a state highway and posted with a standard “SENIOR” warning sign. A local authority may erect a sign pursuant to this paragraph when the local agency makes a determination that the proposed signing should be implemented. A local authority may request grant funding from the Active Transportation Program pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 2380) of Division 3 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other grant funding available to it, and use that grant funding to pay for the erection of those signs, or may utilize any other funds available to it to pay for the erection of those signs, including, but not limited to, donations from private sources.

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Section § 22353

This law allows the City of Norco to consider not only the usual factors in traffic surveys but also the safety of horses and riders when assessing road conditions.

When conducting an engineering and traffic survey, the City of Norco, in addition to the factors set forth in Section 627, may also consider equestrian safety.

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Section § 22353.2

This law allows the City of Burbank to include the safety of horseback riders when they assess the public streets within a specific area, called the Rancho Master Plan Area, as part of their traffic and engineering surveys. This is in addition to other factors they usually consider for traffic studies.

The City of Burbank may also consider equestrian safety when conducting an engineering and traffic survey of the public streets within the boundaries of the Rancho Master Plan Area in the City of Burbank, as described in the City of Burbank’s General Plan adopted on February 19, 2013, in addition to the factors set forth in Section 627.

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Section § 22353.3

This law allows the City of Glendale to include equestrian safety as a consideration when conducting traffic and engineering surveys on streets in the Horse Overlay Zone, known as Riverside Rancho Area. This is in addition to the usual factors they consider for such surveys.

The City of Glendale may also consider equestrian safety when conducting an engineering and traffic survey of the public streets within the boundaries of the Horse Overlay Zone, commonly known as the Riverside Rancho Area, in the City of Glendale, as described in Chapter 30.21 of the Glendale Municipal Code, in addition to the factors set forth in Section 627.

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Section § 22353.4

This law allows the City of Los Angeles to consider the safety of horses and their riders when analyzing traffic and road conditions in the Sylmar area and the Sunland-Tujunga-Lake View Terrace-Shadow Hills-East La Tuna Canyon area. This consideration is in addition to other factors typically evaluated during such surveys.

The City of Los Angeles may also consider equestrian safety when conducting an engineering and traffic survey of the public streets within the boundaries of the Sylmar Community Plan Area and the Sunland-Tujunga-Lake View Terrace-Shadow Hills-East La Tuna Canyon Community Plan Area in the City of Los Angeles, as described in the Sylmar Community Plan adopted on June 10, 2015, and the Sunland-Tujunga-Lake View Terrace-Shadow Hills-East La Tuna Canyon Community Plan Update adopted on November 18, 1997, respectively, in addition to the factors set forth in Section 627.

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Section § 22353.5

This law allows the County of Orange to consider the safety of people riding horses when they conduct traffic and engineering surveys in Orange Park Acres. This is in addition to the normal factors they have to consider.

When conducting an engineering and traffic survey of the public streets within the boundaries of the common interest development known as Orange Park Acres, in addition to the factors set forth in Section 627, the County of Orange may also consider equestrian safety.

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Section § 22354

The Department of Transportation can lower the speed limit on any state highway from 65 miles per hour to as low as 15 miles per hour if an engineering and traffic survey shows that a lower limit is safer. This new speed limit becomes the default (or prima facie) speed limit when signs are posted on that part of the highway.

This change is dependent on another law becoming operative, as specified in Section 22366(c).

(a) Whenever the Department of Transportation determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the limit of 65 miles per hour is more than is reasonable or safe upon any portion of a state highway where the limit of 65 miles is applicable, the department may determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, or 15 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate to facilitate the orderly movement of traffic and is reasonable and safe, which declared prima facie speed limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the highway.

(b) This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of Section 22366.

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Section § 22354.5

This law states that when the Department of Transportation wants to change the speed limit on a part of a state highway, they must first consult with the California Highway Patrol for recommendations based on safety and traffic surveys.

Additionally, local authorities, like a city council or county board, can hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed change in speed limit. The Department of Transportation has to consider the feedback from these public hearings before making a final decision.

(a) Whenever the Department of Transportation determines, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey, to increase or decrease the existing speed limit on a particular portion of a state highway pursuant to Section 22354, it shall, prior to increasing or decreasing that speed limit, consult with, and take into consideration the recommendations of, the Department of the California Highway Patrol.

(b) The city council or board of supervisors of a city or county through which any portion of a state highway subject to subdivision (a) extends may conduct a public hearing on the proposed increase or decrease at a convenient location as near as possible to that portion of state highway. The Department of Transportation shall take into consideration the results of the public hearing in determining whether to increase or decrease the speed limit.

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Section § 22355

This law allows the Department of Transportation to set variable speed limits on freeways using special signs if an engineering and traffic survey shows it's beneficial for traffic flow. These signs can display different speed limits at different times, and don't have to follow standard sign design rules, but must be clear and easily readable. The speed limit shown on the sign at any moment is the enforceable speed limit for that time and place.

Whenever the Department of Transportation determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the safe and orderly movement of traffic upon any state highway which is a freeway will be facilitated by the establishment of variable speed limits, the department may erect, regulate, and control signs upon the state highway which is a freeway, or any portion thereof, which signs shall be so designed as to permit display of different speed limits at various times of the day or night. Such signs need not conform to the standards and specifications established by regulations of the Department of Transportation pursuant to Section 21400, but shall be of sufficient size and clarity to give adequate notice of the applicable speed limit. The speed limit upon the freeway at a particular time and place shall be that which is then and there displayed upon such sign.

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Section § 22356

This law says that the Department of Transportation, after discussing with the California Highway Patrol and conducting surveys, can decide if a speed limit higher than 65 mph is safe and efficient for driving on certain highways. If it is determined that a higher limit like 70 mph is safe, they can put up signs indicating this new speed limit, provided it aligns with federal law. However, no one is allowed to drive faster than 70 mph on these roads. The law takes effect on a date specified in another section.

(a) Whenever the Department of Transportation, after consultation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol, determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey on existing highway segments, or upon the basis of appropriate design standards and projected traffic volumes in the case of newly constructed highway segments, that a speed greater than 65 miles per hour would facilitate the orderly movement of vehicular traffic and would be reasonable and safe upon any state highway, or portion thereof, that is otherwise subject to a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour, the Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, may declare a higher maximum speed of 70 miles per hour for vehicles not subject to Section 22406, and shall cause appropriate signs to be erected giving notice thereof. The Department of Transportation shall only make a determination under this section that is fully consistent with, and in full compliance with, federal law.

(b) No person shall drive a vehicle upon that highway at a speed greater than 70 miles per hour, as posted.

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Section § 22357

This law allows local authorities to change speed limits on streets (except state highways) where the usual 25 mph limit applies. They can set higher limits, like 30 to 65 mph, if a study shows it's safe and helps traffic flow. The new limit becomes official when signs are posted. It doesn't affect 25 mph limits near schools or places for seniors. The law kicks in at a specific time detailed in another section.

(a) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that a speed greater than 25 miles per hour would facilitate the orderly movement of vehicular traffic and would be reasonable and safe upon any street other than a state highway otherwise subject to a prima facie limit of 25 miles per hour, the local authority may by ordinance determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 miles per hour or a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate to facilitate the orderly movement of traffic and is reasonable and safe. The declared prima facie or maximum speed limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street and shall not thereafter be revised except upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey. This section does not apply to any 25-mile-per-hour prima facie limit which is applicable when passing a school building or the grounds thereof or when passing a senior center or other facility primarily used by senior citizens.

(b) This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of Section 22366.

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Section § 22357.1

This law allows local authorities to set a speed limit of 25 miles per hour on roads next to children's playgrounds in public parks, but not on state highways. This speed limit only applies during specific times when children are likely to be present. The new speed limit takes effect once signs are posted to inform drivers.

Notwithstanding Section 22357, a local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, set a prima facie speed limit of 25 miles per hour on any street, other than a state highway, adjacent to any children’s playground in a public park but only during particular hours or days when children are expected to use the facilities. The 25 mile per hour speed limit shall be effective when signs giving notice of the speed limit are posted.

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Section § 22358

This law allows local authorities to lower the speed limit on streets that aren't state highways if a study shows that 65 mph is too fast or unsafe. They can set a new speed limit ranging from 15 to 60 mph to ensure everyone's safety and smooth traffic flow. This new speed limit only takes effect once proper signs are posted. The law will start applying on a specific date mentioned under a different section, 22366(c).

(a) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the limit of 65 miles per hour is more than is reasonable or safe upon any portion of any street other than a state highway where the limit of 65 miles per hour is applicable, the local authority may by ordinance determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, or 15 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate to facilitate the orderly movement of traffic and is reasonable and safe, which declared prima facie limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street.

(b) This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of Section 22366.

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Section § 22358.3

This law allows local authorities to lower speed limits in certain areas such as business or residential districts, or public parks, where the standard 25 mph might not be safe. If a traffic study shows that even slower speeds would be better, they can set limits at 20 or 15 mph. However, these new speed limits must be posted with signs to be effective.

Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the prima facie speed limit of 25 miles per hour in a business or residence district or in a public park on any street having a roadway not exceeding 25 feet in width, other than a state highway, is more than is reasonable or safe, the local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 20 or 15 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate and is reasonable and safe. The declared prima facie limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street.

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Section § 22358.4

This law allows local authorities to set speed limits lower than the standard 25 miles per hour if doing so is deemed safer based on an engineering and traffic survey. They can establish speed limits of 20 or 15 miles per hour. For these new speed limits to be effective, appropriate signs must be posted, and if it's a state highway, the Department of Transportation must approve.

Additionally, local authorities can set specific speed limits of 15 or 25 miles per hour in residential areas near schools. A 15 mph limit is applicable when within 500 feet of a school, especially while children are arriving or leaving. A 25 mph limit can be used between 500 to 1,000 feet from a school. These speed limits only apply to highways with two traffic lanes and a prior speed limit of 30 mph. Local authorities must put up appropriate signs to notify drivers, and they must also reimburse the Department of Transportation for any related costs.

(a)

(1) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the prima facie speed limit of 25 miles per hour established by subdivision (b) of Section 22352 is more than is reasonable or safe, the local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 20 or 15 miles per hour, whichever is justified as the appropriate speed limit by that survey.

(2) An ordinance or resolution adopted under paragraph (1) shall not be effective until appropriate signs giving notice of the speed limit are erected upon the highway and, in the case of a state highway, until the ordinance is approved by the Department of Transportation and the appropriate signs are erected upon the highway.

(b)

(1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) or any other provision of law, a local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, determine and declare prima facie speed limits as follows:

(A) A 15 miles per hour prima facie limit in a residence district, on a highway with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or slower, when approaching, at a distance of less than 500 feet from, or passing, a school building or the grounds of a school building, contiguous to a highway and posted with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of 15 miles per hour, while children are going to or leaving the school, either during school hours or during the noon recess period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching, at a distance of less than 500 feet from, or passing, school grounds that are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of 15 miles per hour.

(B) A 25 miles per hour prima facie limit in a residence district, on a highway with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or slower, when approaching, at a distance of 500 to 1,000 feet from, a school building or the grounds thereof, contiguous to a highway and posted with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of 25 miles per hour, while children are going to or leaving the school, either during school hours or during the noon recess period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching, at a distance of 500 to 1,000 feet from, school grounds that are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of 25 miles per hour.

(2) The prima facie limits established under paragraph (1) apply only to highways that meet all of the following conditions:

(A) A maximum of two traffic lanes.

(B) A maximum posted 30 miles per hour prima facie speed limit immediately prior to and after the school zone.

(3) The prima facie limits established under paragraph (1) apply to all lanes of an affected highway, in both directions of travel.

(4) When determining the need to lower the prima facie speed limit, the local authority shall take the provisions of Section 627 into consideration.

(5)

(A) An ordinance or resolution adopted under paragraph (1) shall not be effective until appropriate signs giving notice of the speed limit are erected upon the highway and, in the case of a state highway, until the ordinance is approved by the Department of Transportation and the appropriate signs are erected upon the highway.

(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), school warning signs indicating a speed limit of 15 miles per hour may be placed at a distance up to 500 feet away from school grounds.

(C) For purposes of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), school warning signs indicating a speed limit of 25 miles per hour may be placed at any distance between 500 and 1,000 feet away from the school grounds.

(D) A local authority shall reimburse the Department of Transportation for all costs incurred by the department under this subdivision.

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Section § 22358.5

This law says that when driving, factors like road width, curves, hills, or obvious road conditions don't need special speed limit reductions if they are clearly visible and safe to drive on. The existing rule about safe driving under section 22350 already covers these situations.

It is the intent of the Legislature that physical conditions such as width, curvature, grade and surface conditions, or any other condition readily apparent to a driver, in the absence of other factors, would not require special downward speed zoning, as the basic rule of section 22350 is sufficient regulation as to such conditions.

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Section § 22358.6

This law directs the California Department of Transportation to update traffic manuals to make speed limits align with the 85th percentile speed of freely moving traffic. Generally, speed limits should be rounded to the nearest five miles per hour based on this speed.

If rounding determines a higher speed limit but it's safer to lower it, the limit can be decreased by 5 mph as long as it complies with certain traffic rules and is backed by a traffic study.

Authorities can also opt to round down in other scenarios, like if increased limits aren't consistent with safety goals. However, any total reduction in speed limits due to these changes can't exceed 12.4 mph.

Furthermore, local authorities have the option to keep or revert to previous speed limits under certain conditions, staying consistent with specified rules.

(a) The Department of Transportation shall, in the next scheduled revision, revise and thereafter maintain the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to require the Department of Transportation or a local authority to round speed limits to the nearest five miles per hour of the 85th percentile of the free-flowing traffic.

(b) In cases in which the speed limit needs to be rounded down to the nearest five miles per hour increment of the 85th-percentile speed, the Department of Transportation or a local authority may lower the speed limit by five miles per hour from the nearest five mile per hour increment of the 85th-percentile speed, in compliance with Sections 627 and 22358.5 and the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, as it read on March 30, 2021, if the reasons for the lower speed limit are documented in an engineering and traffic survey. The Department of Transportation or a local authority may also take into consideration Sections 22353, 22353.2, 22353.3, 22353.4, and 22353.5, if applicable.

(c) In cases in which the speed limit needs to be rounded up to the nearest five miles per hour increment of the 85th-percentile speed, the Department of Transportation or a local authority may decide to instead round down the speed limit to the lower five miles per hour increment. If the speed limit is rounded down pursuant to this subdivision, the speed limit shall not be reduced any further pursuant to subdivision (b).

(d) In addition to subdivisions (b) and (c), a local authority may additionally lower the speed limit as provided in Section 22358.7.

(e) The total reduction in the speed limit pursuant to subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, shall not exceed 12.4 miles per hour from the 85th percentile speed.

(f) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, a local authority may retain the currently adopted speed limit as provided in Section 22358.8 without further reduction, or restore the immediately prior adopted speed limit as provided in Section 22358.8 without further reduction.

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Section § 22358.7

This law allows local authorities to reduce speed limits by an additional five miles per hour on certain roads. This can only be done if the road is designated as a safety corridor or is near places where there are many cyclists or pedestrians. However, no more than 20% of streets can be declared safety corridors.

The California Department of Transportation is responsible for defining 'safety corridors' and roads with high pedestrian or cyclist traffic for these purposes.

Before lowering a speed limit, local authorities must wait until June 30, 2024, or until a new online tool for handling traffic tickets is available. When a speed limit is first reduced, only warning citations can be issued for drivers exceeding it by 10 mph or less for the initial 30 days.

(a) If a local authority, after completing an engineering and traffic survey, finds that the speed limit is still more than is reasonable or safe, the local authority may, by ordinance, determine and declare a prima facie speed limit that has been reduced an additional five miles per hour for either of the following reasons:

(1) The portion of highway has been designated as a safety corridor. A local authority shall not deem more than one-fifth of their streets as safety corridors.

(2) The portion of highway is adjacent to any land or facility that generates high concentrations of bicyclists or pedestrians, especially those from vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and the unhoused.

(b)

(1) As used in this section, “safety corridor” shall be defined by the Department of Transportation in the next revision of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. In making this determination, the department shall consider highways that have the highest number of serious injuries and fatalities based on collision data that may be derived from, but not limited to, the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.

(2) The Department of Transportation shall, in the next revision of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, determine what constitutes land or facilities that generate high concentrations of bicyclists and pedestrians, as used in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a). In making this determination, the department shall consider density, road use type, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure present on a section of highway.

(c) A local authority may not lower a speed limit as authorized by this section until June 30, 2024, or until the Judicial Council has developed an online tool for adjudicating infraction violations statewide as specified in Article 7 (commencing with Section 68645) of Chapter 2 of Title 8 of the Government Code, whichever is sooner.

(d) A local authority shall issue only warning citations for violations of exceeding the speed limit by 10 miles per hour or less for the first 30 days that a lower speed limit is in effect as authorized by this section.

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Section § 22358.8

This law allows a local authority to keep or revert to a previous speed limit if a registered engineer and traffic survey determine that new general purpose lanes haven't been added. However, the speed limit can’t be reduced by more than 5 mph from what’s currently authorized or below the prior limit.

If the speed limit is lowered, only warning citations can be given for driving up to 10 mph over the new limit for the first 30 days.

(a) If a local authority, after completing an engineering and traffic survey, finds that the speed limit is still more than is reasonable or safe, the local authority may, by ordinance, retain the currently adopted speed limit or restore the immediately prior adopted speed limit if that speed limit was established with an engineering and traffic survey and if a registered engineer has evaluated the section of highway and determined that no additional general purpose lanes have been added to the roadway since completion of the traffic survey that established that speed limit.

(b) This section does not authorize a speed limit to be reduced by any more than five miles per hour from the currently adopted speed limit nor below the immediately prior speed limit.

(c) A local authority shall issue only warning citations for violations of exceeding the speed limit by 10 miles per hour or less for the first 30 days that a lower speed limit is in effect as authorized by this section.

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Section § 22358.9

This law allows local authorities to set a 25 or 20 mph speed limit on highways next to business activity districts. This can only be done if the highway has no more than four lanes and specific speed limits are posted nearby. A business activity district is defined as an area with downtown-like features, where at least 50% of nearby properties are commercial businesses, and includes certain features like parking and traffic controls.

However, the authority can't lower the speed limit if certain other speed adjustments have already been made. Additionally, only warning tickets can be issued for minor speed violations (10 mph or less over the limit) for the first 30 days after the speed limit is changed.

(a)

(1) Notwithstanding any other law, a local authority may, by ordinance, determine and declare a 25 or 20 miles per hour prima facie speed limit on a highway contiguous to a business activity district when posted with a sign that indicates a speed limit of 25 or 20 miles per hour.

(2) The prima facie limits established under paragraph (1) apply only to highways that meet all of the following conditions:

(A) A maximum of four traffic lanes.

(B) A maximum posted 30 miles per hour prima facie speed limit immediately prior to and after the business activity district, if establishing a 25 miles per hour speed limit.

(C) A maximum posted 25 miles per hour prima facie speed limit immediately prior to and after the business activity district, if establishing a 20 miles per hour speed limit.

(b) As used in this section, a “business activity district” is that portion of a highway and the property contiguous thereto that includes central or neighborhood downtowns, urban villages, or zoning designations that prioritize commercial land uses at the downtown or neighborhood scale and meets at least three of the following requirements in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive:

(1) No less than 50 percent of the contiguous property fronting the highway consists of retail or dining commercial uses, including outdoor dining, that open directly onto sidewalks adjacent to the highway.

(2) Parking, including parallel, diagonal, or perpendicular spaces located alongside the highway.

(3) Traffic control signals or stop signs regulating traffic flow on the highway, located at intervals of no more than 600 feet.

(4) Marked crosswalks not controlled by a traffic control device.

(c) A local authority shall not declare a prima facie speed limit under this section on a portion of a highway where the local authority has already lowered the speed limit as permitted under Section 22358.7, has retained the currently adopted speed limit under Section 22358.8, or has restored the immediately prior adopted speed limit under Section 22358.8.

local authority speed limits business activity district 25 mph speed limit ...

Section § 22359

This law states that if a street or highway runs along the boundary of different jurisdictions, any changes to speed limits (as per Sections 22357 and 22358) need approval from all authorities involved. However, this rule doesn't apply if the boundary street has separate roads in the different jurisdictions.

With respect to boundary line streets and highways where portions thereof are within different jurisdictions, no ordinance adopted under Sections 22357 and 22358 shall be effective as to any such portion until all authorities having jurisdiction of the portions of the street concerned have approved the same. This section shall not apply in the case of boundary line streets consisting of separate roadways within different jurisdictions.

boundary line streets highway jurisdictions speed limit changes ...

Section § 22360

This law allows local authorities to lower the speed limit on certain highways if they conduct a study and find that the standard 65 mph limit is not safe. They can set a new speed limit as low as 25 mph, but only for a stretch of road up to 2,000 feet, between business or residential areas. However, they must put up signs to inform drivers of this change. The law takes effect at a specific time mentioned in another section.

(a) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the limit of 65 miles per hour is more than is reasonable or safe upon any portion of a highway other than a state highway for a distance of not exceeding 2,000 feet in length between districts, either business or residence, the local authority may determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie limit thereon lower than 65 miles per hour, but not less than 25 miles per hour, which declared prima facie speed limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street or highway.

(b) This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of Section 22366.

local authority speed limit engineering and traffic survey highway speed reduction ...

Section § 22361

This law allows for setting different speed limits on separate roadways of multi-lane highways. The process for determining these speed limits follows specific guidelines outlined in other sections of the vehicle code.

On multiple-lane highways with two or more separate roadways different prima facie speed limits may be established for different roadways under any of the procedures specified in Sections 22354 to 22359, inclusive.

multiple-lane highways separate roadways prima facie speed limits ...

Section § 22362

This law says it's automatically assumed you're violating the basic speed law if you drive faster than the speed limit in work zones on a highway. This applies when workers or contractors are nearby and could be in danger from passing cars. The speed limit signs must be clearly posted within 400 feet at both ends of the work zone, showing a speed not lower than 25 miles per hour and explaining why the limit is set. However, this doesn't mean drivers can ignore the general rule to drive safely based on road conditions.

It is prima facie a violation of the basic speed law for any person to operate a vehicle in excess of the posted speed limit upon any portion of a highway where officers or employees of the agency having jurisdiction of the same, or any contractor of the agency or his employees, are at work on the roadway or within the right-of-way so close thereto as to be endangered by passing traffic. This section applies only when appropriate signs, indicating the limits of the restricted zone, and the speed limit applicable therein, are placed by such agency within 400 feet of each end of such zone. The signs shall display the figures indicating the applicable limit, which shall not be less than 25 miles per hour, and shall indicate the purpose of the speed restriction. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to relieve any operator of a vehicle from complying with the basic speed law.

work zone speed limits highway speeding roadway safety ...

Section § 22363

This law allows the Department of Transportation or local authorities to set temporary speed limits of 40, 35, 30, or 25 miles per hour on highways when snow or ice makes such limits necessary for safety. They can adjust the speed limits as weather conditions change by putting up or taking down signs.

Notwithstanding any speed limit that may be in effect upon the highway, the Department of Transportation in respect to state highways, or a local authority with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, may determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 40, 35, 30, or 25 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate and is reasonable and safe based on the prevailing snow or ice conditions upon such highway or any portion thereof. Signs may be placed and removed as snow or ice conditions vary.

temporary speed limits snow conditions ice conditions ...

Section § 22364

This law allows the Department of Transportation to set different speed limits for various lanes on state highways if an engineering and traffic survey shows it's beneficial for safe and smooth traffic flow. They can put up signs on the highway to show the speed limits for each lane.

Whenever the Department of Transportation determines, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey, that the safe and orderly movement of traffic upon any state highway will be facilitated by the establishment of different speed limits for the various lanes of traffic, the department may place signs upon the state highway, or any portion thereof. The signs shall designate the speed limits for each of the lanes of traffic.

traffic survey lane-specific speed limits state highway ...

Section § 22365

This law allows counties or cities within the South Coast Air Quality Management District in California to set lower speed limits on unpaved roads if it helps meet air quality standards for particulate matter. They need to pass an ordinance and put up signs to make these lower speed limits effective.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any county or city, which is contained, in whole or in part, within the South Coast Air Quality Management District, may, if the county or city determines that it is necessary to achieve or maintain state or federal ambient air quality standards for particulate matter, determine and declare by ordinance a prima facie speed limit that is lower than that which the county or city is otherwise permitted by this code to establish, for any unpaved road under the jurisdiction of the county or city and within the district. That declared prima facie speed limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected along the road.

South Coast Air Quality Management District ambient air quality standards particulate matter ...

Section § 22366

This section outlines the procedure for establishing a 65 miles per hour speed limit on highways in California. If the Director of Transportation finds that California can set this speed without losing federal highway funding, they must inform the Secretary of State. This notice must include the specific date when the new speed limit can be set.

(a) Whenever the Director of Transportation determines the date upon which the state may establish a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour on highways without subjecting the state to a reduction in the amount of federal aid for highways, the director shall notify the Secretary of State of that determination.

(b) The notice required under subdivision (a) shall state that it is being made pursuant to this section.

(c) The notice shall specify a date which is either the date determined pursuant to subdivision (a), or a later date designated by the director.

Director of Transportation maximum speed limit 65 miles per hour ...

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Speed Laws

Speed LawsGenerally

Section § 22348

Section § 22349

Section § 22350

Section § 22351

Section § 22352

Section § 22353

Section § 22353.2

Section § 22353.3

Section § 22353.4

Section § 22353.5

Section § 22354

Section § 22354.5

Section § 22355

Section § 22356

Section § 22357

Section § 22357.1

Section § 22358

Section § 22358.3

Section § 22358.4

Section § 22358.5

Section § 22358.6

Section § 22358.7

Section § 22358.8

Section § 22358.9

Section § 22359

Section § 22360

Section § 22361

Section § 22362

Section § 22363

Section § 22364

Section § 22365

Section § 22366

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