CVC 22349(a)Eligible for written declaration

Maximum Speed Law — 65 mph

Driving a vehicle on a highway faster than 65 miles per hour, except as Vehicle Code 22356 provides.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $234–$486DMV Points: 1🏫 Traffic school may be available

Insurance: insurers must weigh your driving safety record first (Insurance Code 1861.02(a)), and more than one violation point counted under Vehicle Code 12810(a) to (d), (f), (i)(1) or (j) in the previous three years ends Good Driver Discount eligibility (Insurance Code 1861.025(b)(1)).

This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.

What is a Maximum Speed Law — 65 mph ticket?

CVC 22349(a) says that, except as provided in Section 22356, no person may drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than 65 miles per hour. Under 22349(b), no person may drive upon a two-lane, undivided highway at a speed greater than 55 miles per hour unless that highway has been posted for a higher speed on the basis of an engineering and traffic survey.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(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.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You drove a vehicle upon a highway
2Your speed was greater than 65 miles per hour
3No higher limit under Section 22356 applied

Arguments Commonly Raised for Maximum Speed Law — 65 mph

General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.

Your speed

CVC 22349(a) applies to a speed greater than 65 miles per hour. Describe how fast you were going and how the speed was measured, if you know.

A 70 mph highway

The limit in CVC 22349(a) applies except as provided in Section 22356, which allows a posted 70 miles per hour limit on some state highways for vehicles not subject to Section 22406. Vehicles 22406 covers, such as trucks with three or more axles and vehicles towing another vehicle, are limited to 55 miles per hour. Describe the speed limit signs on your route.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out how the speed was measured, if you know
✗Not photographing the speed limit signs on your route

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22349(a) — Maximum Speed Law — 65 mph. Driving a vehicle on a highway faster than 65 miles per hour, except as Vehicle Code 22356 provides.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 22349(a). It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maximum Speed Law — 65 mph

What is California's maximum speed limit?▼

CVC 22349(a) says that, except as provided in Section 22356 (which allows a posted 70 miles per hour limit on some state highways for vehicles not subject to Section 22406), no person may drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than 65 miles per hour.

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Traffic School Option

A conviction adds 1 DMV point. The court may let you complete traffic school. If it is the only ticket you have done traffic school for in 18 months, the record is kept confidential and no point is counted (Vehicle Code 1808.7(a)). Traffic school is not available for a violation in a commercial motor vehicle (Vehicle Code 42005(c)(1)). If you hold a commercial driver license, the record is not kept confidential (Vehicle Code 1808.7(b)). Check your notice or your court's website for your options.

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Related Violations

CVC 22350