VC 22406 Speeding & Lane Violations

Commercial Vehicle Speed Limit

California Vehicle Code 22406 sets a 55 mph maximum speed for commercial vehicles including motor trucks, truck tractors, buses with three or more axles, and vehicles towing another vehicle. This limit applies even on highways posted at 65 or 70 mph for regular traffic. For CDL holders, a conviction adds 1.5 points to their DMV record — more than a standard 1-point infraction — and can count toward CDL disqualification thresholds. Two serious traffic violations within three years can trigger a 60-day CDL disqualification.

DMV Points
1.5 points (CDL)
Fine
~$486 and up
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California Vehicle Code § 22406 — Speed of certain vehicles

Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

(a)
No person shall drive any of the following vehicles on a highway at a speed in excess of 55 miles per hour:
(1)
A motor truck or truck tractor having three or more axles or any motor truck or truck tractor drawing any other vehicle.
(2)
A passenger vehicle or bus drawing any other vehicle.
(3)
A schoolbus transporting any school pupil.
(4)
A farm labor vehicle when transporting passengers.
(5)
A vehicle transporting explosives.
(6)
A trailer bus.

Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 739, Sec. 52. 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
1–10 mph over 55 limit ~$585 CDL holders: 1.5 DMV points.
11–24 mph over 55 limit ~$750 May qualify as a "serious traffic violation" for CDL purposes.
25+ mph over 55 limit ~$1,000+ Serious traffic violation; two within 3 years = 60-day CDL disqualification.
For CDL holders, VC 22406 violations carry 1.5 DMV points rather than the standard 1 point. Exceeding the limit by 15 mph or more may be classified as a "serious traffic violation" under federal CDL regulations. Two serious violations within three years result in a 60-day CDL disqualification; three result in a 120-day disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.

VC 22406 applies to motor trucks and truck tractors with three or more axles or towing another vehicle, passenger vehicles or buses towing another vehicle, schoolbuses transporting pupils, farm labor vehicles with passengers, vehicles transporting explosives, and trailer buses. If you were driving any of these vehicle types, the 55 mph limit applies regardless of the posted highway speed.
A VC 22406 conviction adds 1.5 DMV points to the record of a CDL holder, compared to 1 point for a standard license holder. Under California VC 12810.5, CDL holders are subject to the 1.5-point weight for moving violations committed in a commercial vehicle. These points remain on your record for 36 months.
Yes. Speeding 15 mph or more over the applicable speed limit in a commercial vehicle is classified as a "serious traffic violation" under federal CDL regulations (49 CFR 383.51). Two serious traffic violations within three years result in a 60-day CDL disqualification; three result in a 120-day disqualification. Fighting the ticket or getting a reduction below the threshold can protect your CDL.
Yes. Defenses include challenging whether your vehicle falls within the categories covered by VC 22406, questioning speed measurement accuracy, identifying errors in the citation, or arguing that the violation occurred under conditions that affected safe operating speed. A Trial by Written Declaration allows you to contest the ticket without appearing in court.

Also frequently cited with

California drivers who receive this citation often have questions about these related violations.

VC 22349(a) Speeding on Highway VC 22356(b) Speeding on 70 MPH Highway VC 22350 Basic Speed Law Violation VC 22107 Unsafe Lane Change VC 21655.5(b) HOV / Carpool Lane Violation

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