California drivers may wonder how fast they are allowed to go when they are on a stretch with no speed limit sign. But according to the type of road they are traveling, they can have a clear idea of the maximum speed limit.
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) sets a top-end speed limit on most freeways and major highways at 65mph. Speed limits on two-lane highways would usually limit drivers to 55 mph. On some rural freeways, the speed limit can surge to 70mph.
Drivers should also know there are special punishments for those who travel way over these limits.
(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.
The True Top Speeds for California Drivers
California code sets the top speeds for its different types of roads.
65 mph: CVC 22349 explains how freeways and highways with more than two lanes will usually have a top speed limit of 65 mph.
70 mph: There are some freeways passing through rural stretches that allow drivers to travel up to 70 mph. This is allowed under CVC 22356. These will be clearly marked.
A few things to know about 70 mph freeways:
- This is the fastest speed limit allowed on public roads in California.
- Truck drivers are still under their own top speed limit in California, 55 mph.
55 mph: Highways with just two lanes would usually have a top speed of 55 mph.
These factors from CVC 22349 help determine what should be considered a true two-lane highway:
(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.
See: How the speed limit changes during bad weather and California rush hour.
What Happens If I Go Faster than 100 mph on a California Freeway?
California code also allows for decisive action on drivers who go over 100 mph. Offenders receive extra punishment and fines when they take this reckless action. The levels of punishment grow with each offense.
First Conviction: $500 fine…driving privileges can be suspended for 30 days.
Second Conviction: Within 3 years of the last offense…$750 fine and license can be suspended for 6 months.
Further Convictions: Within 5 Years of two more qualifying offenses…$1,000 fine and a possible one-year suspension of your license.
Contact a California Car Accident Attorney
If you are seriously injured by a speeding driver, you will often benefit from having an experienced lawyer’s help. A California car accident lawyer helps you prove who was in the wrong, and then fights to earn you the maximum in injury compensation. That’s often much more than you could win by filing a claim yourself.
Maison Law of California offers a free, no-obligation case consultation for all injured California accident victims.
If you do need our help to earn more, there are no upfront charges. In fact, we aren’t paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the check the insurance company must write for you.
