CVC 22350Eligible for written declaration

Basic Speed Law

Driving on a highway faster than is reasonable or prudent given the weather, visibility, traffic, and the surface and width of the highway, or at a speed that endangers the safety of persons or property.

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 Basic Speed Law ticket?

CVC 22350 says no person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You drove a vehicle upon a highway
2Your speed was greater than was reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, or was a speed which endangered the safety of persons or property

Arguments Commonly Raised for Basic Speed Law

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

Conditions at the time

CVC 22350 measures speed against weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway. Describe each of those as they were, in your own words.

No danger to persons or property

The section also prohibits a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property. Describe the traffic and people around you.

Your speed

Describe how fast you were going and how the speed was measured, if you know.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out the weather, visibility, traffic, and road surface and width
✗Not photographing the road

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22350 — Basic Speed Law. Driving on a highway faster than is reasonable or prudent given the weather, visibility, traffic, and the surface and width of the highway, or at a speed that endangers the safety of persons or property.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 22350. 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 Basic Speed Law

Can I get a CVC 22350 ticket below the posted limit?▼

CVC 22350 is about a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property. It does not mention the posted limit.

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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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