California Vehicle Code 22348(a) makes it unlawful to drive faster than a speed limit established under VC 22349 (65 mph) or VC 22356 (70 mph). It functions as the enforcement hook that ties the posted maximum speed limits to the actual prohibition against exceeding them. Officers may cite VC 22348(a) alongside or instead of 22349(a) depending on the circumstances. The violation carries 1 DMV point and the same fine schedule as other speeding infractions.
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: upon a first conviction, 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.
Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 739, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1996.
Fine & Penalty Amounts
Estimated totals include all mandatory state and county penalty assessments. Actual amounts vary by county court.
Violation Range
Est. Total with Assessments
Notes
1–15 mph over limit
~$490
16–24 mph over limit
~$750
25–99 mph over limit
~$1,000
100+ mph
~$2,000+
Mandatory court appearance; possible 30-day license suspension.
Base fines follow the same schedule as other highway speeding citations. Estimated totals include California penalty assessments. The 100+ mph tier is governed by VC 22348(b) and triggers mandatory court appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.
VC 22348(a) is the enforcement provision that prohibits exceeding the speed limits established under VC 22349 (65 mph) and VC 22356 (70 mph). In practice, a citation for exceeding 65 mph on a standard highway may reference either 22349(a) or 22348(a) depending on how the officer writes it. Both carry the same penalties: 1 DMV point and the same fine schedule.
Yes. A conviction adds 1 point to your California DMV record for 36 months from the violation date. Exceptions: driving 100+ mph under VC 22348(b) is still 1 point but carries additional penalties including possible license suspension.
Driving above 100 mph falls under VC 22348(b), which requires a mandatory court appearance. The fine can reach up to $500 base plus assessments, and the court may suspend your license for up to 30 days on a first offense. A second offense within three years can result in a license suspension of up to six months.
Yes. Defenses include challenging speed measurement device calibration records, disputing the officer's tracking technique, identifying errors in the citation itself, or filing a Trial by Written Declaration. Outcomes depend on the specific facts and documentation available.
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