It has been said, "California has speed suggestions, not speed limits." Although that's not exactly true, it sure seems like it when the traffic jam clears up, and drivers get to step down on the gas.
Have you ever been out there on the 5 doing 80 or so, and had a CHP officer blow by like you were doing 50? CA Vehicle Code (CVC) 22350, Speed Laws, the fundamental "speed" law in CA, states, "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility…" etc. Thus, giving the statement about suggestions versus speed limits more credence. But on most roads, including interstates, the speed limit is a mandatory maximum rather than a matter of reasonable judgement.
Whenever you get a speeding ticket you should have an experienced traffic attorney provide guidance about challenging your ticket. What is “reasonable or prudent” could be different depending on the perspective of the judge. An experienced and knowledgeable traffic attorney will have a much greater chance of convincing a traffic court judge than you would.
This is not to say you can go as fast as you want with no repercussions. You must still keep in mind, weather, traffic, visibility, and other conditions that might put the public safety and yours at risk. Typically, going with the flow of traffic is a safe and prudent speed.
However, if you get singled out and ticketed, it is not wise to go into court and say, "Yes, your honor, I was speeding, but I was just keeping up with traffic, and the officer pulled me over." Our best recourse is to get an attorney to tell the judge how your speed was safe and prudent.
Speed Exceeding 100 MPH
One of the things that surprise California drivers with the "need to speed" is the mandatory court appearance when they get pulled over for 100+ mph. The most common route to get a speeding ticket for 100 or more mph is on I-5 between LAX and San Francisco.
What's even more inconvenient is the mandatory court appearance. It's a fact; you cannot just go online and pay your fine. You or an attorney must appear in court to resolve your speeding ticket for 100+ mph. Once again, if you want to convince a judge your speed was reasonable, who better to do that than an experienced traffic attorney?
Traffic tickets are costly in CA, and speeding 100+ mph is one of the worst. As far as a ticket for speed is concerned, it is the worst. If convicted, your fine could be $900 to $2,500. You could have your driving privileges suspended for thirty days. Plus, the DMV, upon notification of your conviction, will assess two negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points.
When your auto insurance provider discovers your conviction (and they will, likely at renewal), they will raise your insurance premium 100 or 200 percent if they retain you as a client. Imagine having to ask a new insurance company about the price of a new policy with a 100+ mph speeding ticket on your motor vehicle driving record (MVR).
Oh, by the way, that conviction will stay on your MVR for seven years. Therefore, you could have to pay double or triple premiums for seven years.
When you get a speeding ticket, consult a traffic ticket attorney, and challenge the ticket if they advise you to do so.
Consult a Traffic Attorney about Your Speeding Ticket in Mojave, CA
Call Bigger & Harman, APC, (661) 349-9300, and have us convince the traffic court judge your speed was “reasonable or prudent.” We have been able to get dismissals and reduced no-point violations for many Kern County and Central Valley drivers. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Mathew M. from Fresno, CA, writes, “I got a ticket for going over 100 in the middle of Mojave on my way to Vegas. Being hours from home my personal lawyer recommended I find a Lawyer in the area to represent me. A quick yelp search later led me to Bigger & Harman, and I am eternally grateful for that. They took care of everything and made the entire process painless for myself [me]. They had my case pushed out a few months to build my defense and kept me posted every step of the way. The day finally arrived today, and Mark called me himself to deliver the news. While I was hoping for a reduction in charges Mark informed me that the case had been dismissed entirely. While I would never recommend speeding if you ever are in a jam, I couldn't recommend Bigger & Harman enough. Thanks again to the entire office for all of your help.”
References:
The 2020 CA Driver Handbook.pdf
CVC 22350, Speed Laws