Driving Below Minimum Speed in Left Lane
Operating a vehicle in the far left lane at a speed slower than the minimum posted speed limit, impeding the flow of traffic.
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 Driving Below Minimum Speed in Left Lane ticket?
CVC 22400(b) makes it illegal to drive so slowly on a freeway that you impede or block the normal flow of traffic. This typically applies to drivers traveling 20+ mph below the normal traffic speed in the left lane of a multi-lane highway. It is not about being slow per se — it's about creating a hazard.
While fines are lower than typical speeding tickets (~$238–$350), this violation still carries 1 DMV point and can affect your insurance. Slow drivers who cause accidents may also face civil liability.
A 1-point moving violation adds roughly 15–20% to your annual premium at renewal. The surcharge typically lasts 3 years.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1A minimum speed was posted on the roadway
- 2You were driving below that minimum
- 3OR you refused to use a slow-vehicle turnout
How Drivers Get This Ticket
Driver goes 40 mph in the fast lane of I-5 with traffic flowing at 65 mph.
Officer cites 22400(b) for impeding traffic; other vehicles were forced to swerve around.
Elderly driver on I-580 doing 35 mph due to unfamiliarity with freeway.
Cited; defense could focus on whether impedance actually occurred given light traffic at the time.
Driver slows to 20 mph on freeway on-ramp merge zone during heavy traffic.
Context matters — merge zones have different dynamics. Officer must prove the impedance occurred on the main freeway, not the ramp.
Common Defenses for Driving Below Minimum Speed in Left Lane
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Minimum speed is not posted / turnout not available
CVC 22400(b) (minimum speed on a freeway) applies only where a minimum speed is posted. If no minimum speed was posted, challenge the applicability. Also, the slow-vehicle turnout requirement applies only where turnouts are provided.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Dashcam footage showing surrounding traffic conditions
- ✓Weather or road condition reports (fog, rain, debris)
- ✓Photos or reports of a prior accident or hazard ahead of you
- ✓Traffic flow data for that segment of highway at that time
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Assuming a slow-speed ticket is minor — it still adds a DMV point
- ✗Not requesting calibration records for pacing or speed measurement used by the officer
- ✗Failing to document any road hazard or condition that caused you to slow down
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Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Below Minimum Speed in Left Lane
Is there a minimum speed on California freeways?▼
There is no universal posted minimum speed, but CVC 22400 makes it illegal to drive so slowly that you impede traffic. On most freeways the practical minimum is roughly 40–45 mph in normal conditions.
I had my hazard lights on — does that matter?▼
Using hazard lights signals distress but does not automatically excuse slow driving. If you were experiencing a vehicle problem, pull over rather than continuing at a hazardous speed.
Can I use a medical condition as a defense?▼
A sudden, unexpected medical emergency can be an affirmative defense in California. However, planned slow driving due to chronic conditions does not excuse impeding traffic — you should avoid freeways if you cannot maintain safe speeds.
Traffic School Option
Traffic school is available to mask the 1-point violation if this is your only point in the past 18 months and you have a non-commercial license.
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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.