A high-speed chase and speeding 100+ mph on the five are common. 

If you’ve lived in California for a while, you’re used to reading this headline or hearing it on the news, scattered among the other headlines screaming about wildfires and earthquakes.

Unfortunately, they’ve become almost commonplace. 

It’s not uncommon for a California driver to cruise along on the five at 80 or 85 mph just to keep up with other traffic, except during peak hours when you’re barely crawling. Then, when you speed up to pass another driver, you might hit 100 mph or more and hear the siren or see the flashing lights in your rearview mirror.

If you think you can outrun CHPs or another law enforcement officer (LEO), think again. You can’t outrun a radio or a traffic-enforcement helicopter often and even then you can oftentimes be charged later after other evidence is collected.

Speeding 100+ MPH Is Not a Misdemeanor Crime in California

However, “evading a peace officer” or reckless driving are misdemeanor traffic violations, and CHPs or LEOs will likely charge you with one or both. 

Further, these are misdemeanors because they typically require jail time or probation, a massive fine, and a permanent mark on your record.

“A misdemeanor is a type of offense punishable under criminal law. A misdemeanor is typically a crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail.”—Cornell Law School LII WEX Definition—Misdemeanor.

Evading a peace officer or a reckless driving conviction can result in 90 days up to six months in the county jail, two years of probation, and a base fine up to $1,000, “or by both that fine and imprisonment.”

However, the base fine comes with ten additional penalties, assessments, and surcharges, which could make the fine more than triple that amount.

Further, if the LEO orders the vehicle impounded, it could cost $1,500 or more for the towing and storage fees. 

“It is unlawful to willfully fail or refuse to comply with a lawful order, signal, or direction of a peace officer, when that peace officer is in uniform and is performing duties pursuant to any of the provisions of this code...”—CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 2800, Lawful Orders and Inspections.

“(a) A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.“—CA VC Section 23103, Reckless Driving.

Typically, a conviction for speeding 100+mph leads to a fine of between $859 to $2,137, two Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points, which could mean a double or triple increase in your auto insurance premium for up to seven years, and the judge has discretion to suspend your driving privileges up to 30 days—on the spot.

A wise decision would be to pull over immediately, sign the ticket, and call Bigger & Harman, APC. They are long time members of the California Traffic Defense Bar Association and have invaluable traffic court experience and knowledge of the traffic code. 

Mark Bigger, one of the founders, was an Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge winner for 2019, 2022, and 2023. His AVVO rating is 4.9/5-star with 114 reviews.

Ask Bigger & Harman About Speeding 100+ MPH on the Five 

If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, evading a peace officer, or speeding 100+ mph on the five, contact us today at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español (661) 349-9755. 

Use our handy online contact form to schedule a consultation, or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.

References:

CA VC Section 2800, Lawful Orders and Inspections & Section 23103, Reckless Driving.

The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.

Cornell Law School LII WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor.