CVC 22400(a)Eligible for written declaration

Minimum Speed Law

Driving so slowly, or stopping, that it impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, unless needed for safe operation or to comply with the law (or, for a slow speed, because of a grade).

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $234DMV 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 Minimum Speed Law ticket?

CVC 22400(a) says no person shall drive upon a highway at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic unless the reduced speed is necessary for safe operation, because of a grade, or in compliance with law. No person shall bring a vehicle to a complete stop upon a highway so as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic unless the stop is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) No person shall drive upon a highway at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic unless the reduced speed is necessary for safe operation, because of a grade, or in compliance with law. No person shall bring a vehicle to a complete stop upon a highway so as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic unless the stop is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving upon a highway
2Your speed was so slow that it impeded or blocked the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, or you stopped in a way that did
3The slow speed was not necessary for safe operation, because of a grade, or in compliance with law; or the stop was not necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law

Arguments Commonly Raised for Minimum Speed Law

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

Necessary for safe operation, a grade, or the law

CVC 22400(a) does not apply when the reduced speed is necessary for safe operation, because of a grade, or in compliance with law, or when a complete stop is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law. A grade excuses a slow speed, not a stop. Describe why you were going slowly or stopped.

Traffic not impeded

The section applies when the slow speed impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. Describe the traffic behind and around you.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out why you were going slowly or stopped
✗Not describing the traffic around you

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22400(a) — Minimum Speed Law. Driving so slowly, or stopping, that it impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, unless needed for safe operation or to comply with the law (or, for a slow speed, because of a grade).

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 22400(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.

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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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