Operating a commercial vehicle, truck tractor, or vehicle towing a trailer in excess of 55 mph on a California highway.
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.
This law prohibits commercial vehicles like big rigs, trucks towing trailers, and certain passenger vehicles from exceeding 55 mph on California highways. Even when the posted speed limit is 65 or 70 mph for regular vehicles, commercial vehicles must stay at or below 55 mph.
Fines typically range from $238 to $490 depending on how fast you were going. You'll receive 1 point on your driving record, which can affect your commercial driver's license (CDL) and may trigger CSA points that impact your carrier's safety rating. Insurance premiums often increase significantly for commercial drivers with speeding violations.
A CVC 22406 violation typically raises commercial auto insurance premiums by 15-30% and remains on your record for 3 years. For CDL holders, this violation is reported to the FMCSA and adds CSA points, which can affect your employability and your carrier's safety rating.
A truck driver hauling freight on I-5 is clocked at 62 mph in a zone posted at 70 mph for cars
Cited under CVC 22406 because commercial vehicles are limited to 55 mph regardless of the posted limit for other vehicles
A driver pulling a large travel trailer with their pickup truck is traveling 58 mph on Highway 99
May be cited if the combined weight or configuration qualifies under the commercial vehicle definition
An empty box truck travels 57 mph on a highway with light traffic
Still subject to citation since the 55 mph limit applies whether the truck is loaded or empty
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Vehicle was not a regulated commercial type
CVC 22406 sets a 55 mph maximum for specified commercial vehicles. If your vehicle was not a commercial truck, bus, or other regulated type, challenge the application of the statute.
Speed trap challenge
Radar enforcement requires a valid engineering survey supporting the speed limit, even for commercial vehicles.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
Optionally describe your situation — road conditions, time of day, officer position — and get a tailored document preparation overview.
Yes. CVC 22406 sets an absolute 55 mph maximum for covered commercial vehicles regardless of the posted speed limit. Even on highways where cars can legally drive 70 mph, your commercial vehicle cannot exceed 55 mph.
The law covers truck tractors, any truck or bus towing another vehicle, school buses with passengers, farm labor vehicles with passengers, and any vehicle with three or more axles. Your pickup truck pulling a large trailer may qualify.
Yes. This violation adds 1 point to your California driving record and is reported to the FMCSA. It contributes to your CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score, which carriers and the DOT monitor closely.
Yes. You can submit your defense in writing without appearing in court. This allows you to present evidence like GPS data, dashcam footage, or calibration challenges. If you lose, you can request a new trial in person.
Going with traffic flow is not a legal defense to speeding. If other trucks were also exceeding 55 mph, they were also violating the law. You're responsible for maintaining legal speed regardless of surrounding traffic.
Upload your citation and TicketClear generates a personalized Trial by Written Declaration based on your specific situation. Starting at $49.99.
Check if my ticket qualifiesTakes 2 minutes. No payment required to check.
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.
Most California citations expire in 60 days. Check yours in 2 minutes. No payment required to see if you qualify.
Check my deadline, it's freeTakes 2 minutes. No payment required to check.