Drivers behind the wheel of large trucks in California must observe a speed limit of 55 mph on freeways and highways. But that maximum speed can be less in mountainous areas where big rigs must travel down steep grades.
The truck speed limit on a downhill stretch can differ depending on the steepness of the terrain. The altered speed limits are meant to protect truck drivers and the smaller vehicles around them. A semi-truck on an incline that rolls out of control can do massive damage and leave motorists with traumatic injuries.
California Truck Speed Limits In Downhill Lanes
On fast-moving interstates and highways across California, speed limits can run up to 65 and 70 mph. However, truck drivers aren’t supposed to use the same speed limits that car and SUV drivers observe.
California truck drivers must keep their speeds at 55 mph or under on California roads, even if the posted speed limit is higher. That’s according to California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22406. But in hilly regions, where runaway truck risks are high, the California DOT can set speed limits even lower.
CVC 22407.
“…in descending a grade upon any portion of a highway, the department or local authority, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdiction, may determine and declare a speed limit of 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, or 20 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate to facilitate the orderly movement of traffic and is reasonable and safe, which declared speed limit shall be effective for such vehicles when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the highway.”
In these steeper regions, such as parts of Highway 101, trucks may have to slow down to 20 mph, 35 mph, or 45 mph. Going faster on an incline can lead to a ticket. Going 15 mph over the posted truck speed limit could earn a criminal charge in the form of a misdemeanor. Violators would face points on their license, a suspension of their commercial driving certification, enormous fines, and even jail time.
Support for California Truck Accident Victims
Of course, some truck drivers don’t follow the speed limit, and on a steep section of highway, that can lead to devastating collisions. If an accident involving a truck leaves you with a serious injury, you should talk over your case and your options with an experienced California Truck Accident Lawyer. If your crash was caused by a reckless truck driver, the driver and the driver’s employer should fully support your recovery.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled attorneys. It’s a chance to determine how much a reckless driver should provide to you. There’s no obligation, and if you do need our help, we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
