CVC 22405Eligible for written declaration

Unsafe Speed on Bridge or Tunnel

Driving on a bridge, elevated structure, tube or tunnel that is part of a highway faster than the maximum speed that can be maintained with safety to the structure.

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 Unsafe Speed on Bridge or Tunnel ticket?

CVC 22405(a) says no person shall drive a vehicle on any bridge, elevated structure, tube, or tunnel constituting a part of a highway at a speed greater than the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to the structure. Under 22405(b), at the trial of a person charged with a violation involving a sign erected under Section 22404, proof of the determination of the maximum speed by the Department of Transportation or local authority, and of the erection and maintenance of the speed signs, is prima facie evidence of the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to the structure.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) No person shall drive a vehicle on any bridge, elevated structure, tube, or tunnel constituting a part of a highway, at a speed which is greater than the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to such structure. (b) Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of this section with respect to a sign erected under Section 22404, proof of the determination of the maximum speed by the Department of Transportation or local authority and the erection and maintenance of the speed signs shall constitute prima facie evidence of the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to the bridge, elevated structure, tube, or tunnel.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You drove a vehicle on a bridge, elevated structure, tube, or tunnel constituting a part of a highway
2Your speed was greater than the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to the structure

Arguments Commonly Raised for Unsafe Speed on Bridge or Tunnel

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

Your speed compared with the posted maximum

Under CVC 22405(b), where a sign was erected under Section 22404, the determination of the maximum speed and the erection and maintenance of the speed signs are prima facie evidence of the maximum safe speed for the structure. Describe the posted speed and your speed.

Signs on the structure

Describe the speed signs on your approach to the structure and include photos.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the speed signs for the structure
✗Leaving out how the speed was measured, if you know

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22405 — Unsafe Speed on Bridge or Tunnel. Driving on a bridge, elevated structure, tube or tunnel that is part of a highway faster than the maximum speed that can be maintained with safety to the structure.

This is a fixed-rule section: it describes a specific act or limit. The question is whether the facts show that act: what happened, where, and how it was observed or measured.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 22405. 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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