VC 22349(a)
Speeding & Lane Violations
Speeding on Highway
California Vehicle Code 22349(a) sets the statewide maximum speed limit of 65 mph on all highways. A citation under this section means an officer observed you driving faster than 65 mph regardless of conditions. It carries 1 DMV point and a base fine that increases with how far over the limit you were traveling. The point stays on your record for 36 months and can raise your insurance premium at renewal.
DMV Points
1 point
Fine
~$234 and up
California Vehicle Code § 22349 — Maximum speed limit
Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
(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. For purposes of this subdivision, the following apply:
(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.
(c)
It is the intent of the Legislature that there be reasonable signing on affected two-lane, undivided highways described in subdivision (b) in continuing the 55 miles-per-hour speed limit, including placing signs at county boundaries to the extent possible, and at other appropriate locations.
Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 724, Sec. 41. Effective January 1, 2000.
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 65 | ~$490 | |
| 16–24 mph over 65 | ~$750 | |
| 25–99 mph over 65 | ~$1,000 | |
| 100+ mph | ~$2,000+ | Mandatory court appearance; license may be suspended. |
Base fines are set by the California Vehicle Code. Estimated totals include state and county penalty assessments, which typically multiply the base fine by two to three times. Actual totals vary by county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.
California Vehicle Code 22349(a) sets the statewide maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour on highways. A citation under this section means an officer determined you were driving faster than 65 mph. It differs from VC 22350 (the Basic Speed Law), which can apply even below the posted limit if conditions make that speed unsafe.
The base fine depends on how far over 65 mph you were traveling: $238 for 1–15 mph over, $367 for 16–24 mph over, and $490 for 25 mph or more over. After California's mandatory penalty assessments and surcharges are added, the total typically reaches two to three times the base fine. A ticket for 100 mph or more carries a base fine of $859 and requires a mandatory court appearance.
Yes. A conviction under VC 22349(a) adds 1 point to your California DMV driving record. Points remain on your record for 36 months from the violation date. Accumulating too many points within a rolling period can lead to a Negligent Operator designation, which may trigger a license suspension or probation.
VC 22349(a) is an absolute speed limit — driving above 65 mph on a highway is a violation regardless of road conditions. VC 22350, the Basic Speed Law, prohibits driving faster than is reasonable given weather, visibility, and traffic conditions, meaning you can be cited even below the posted limit if conditions require a lower speed. An officer may use either section depending on how the citation is documented.
Yes, dismissal is possible under certain circumstances. Common defense approaches include challenging the calibration records of the radar or LIDAR device used, questioning the officer's line-of-sight or visual estimate, citing procedural errors on the citation itself, or filing a Trial by Written Declaration to contest the ticket without appearing in court. Outcomes depend on the specific facts, the court, and the documentation available.
Most California auto insurers review your driving record at each policy renewal. A single 1-point moving violation can affect your premium for three to five years depending on your carrier, prior driving history, and policy terms. The exact impact varies by insurer.
A second point violation within 12 months may put you on a path toward a Negligent Operator warning. California DMV issues a warning letter at 2 points in 12 months, probation at 3 points in 12 months or 4 in 24 months, and may suspend your license at 4 points in 12 months or 6 in 36 months. Keeping your record clear is important for both licensing and insurance costs.
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