Towing Vehicle Speed Violation
Operating a vehicle towing another vehicle or trailer in excess of the applicable speed limit for towing vehicles under California law.
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 Towing Vehicle Speed Violation ticket?
CVC 22407 prohibits vehicles towing trailers, campers, or other vehicles from exceeding 55 mph on California highways. This law exists because towing combinations require longer stopping distances and can become unstable at higher speeds, making them more dangerous than standard vehicles.
A conviction results in fines between $238 and $490 depending on how much you exceeded 55 mph. You'll also receive 1 point on your DMV record, which stays for 3 years and can increase your auto insurance rates by 20-30% annually.
A CVC 22407 conviction adds 1 point to your record, which insurers typically view as a minor moving violation. Expect rate increases of 20-30% for the next 3-5 years, potentially costing hundreds of dollars more than the fine itself.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1Your vehicle was towing a trailer or vehicle meeting the weight threshold
- 2Your speed exceeded the limit applicable to the towing combination
How Drivers Get This Ticket
A driver towing a boat trailer on I-5 was clocked at 68 mph in a 65 mph zone where regular traffic was allowed that speed.
Cited for CVC 22407 because the 55 mph limit applies regardless of the posted limit for other vehicles.
A pickup truck owner towing a small utility trailer drove 60 mph on a rural highway posted at 55 mph.
Received a citation because even though non-towing vehicles could legally go 55, the towing vehicle was exceeding the 55 mph towing maximum.
A driver with an RV towing a car behind it was stopped doing 62 mph on Highway 101.
Cited under CVC 22407 for exceeding the towing speed limit by 7 mph.
Common Defenses for Towing Vehicle Speed Violation
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Towing combination not subject to reduced limit
CVC 22407 sets reduced speed limits for towing vehicles and trailers over certain weights. Challenge whether your specific towing combination was subject to the reduced speed limit under the statute.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Speedometer calibration certificate showing your speedometer reads high
- ✓GPS data or dashcam footage showing actual speed
- ✓Photos proving you were not towing anything at the time
- ✓Documentation of emergency circumstances requiring higher speed
- ✓Records showing the radar/lidar unit had calibration issues
- ✓Weight tickets or receipts proving empty/light load affecting speed perception
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Assuming the posted speed limit applies to your towing vehicle — it doesn't
- ✗Admitting you were speeding when talking to the officer
- ✗Ignoring the ticket because you think the fine is unfair
- ✗Failing to request the officer's speed detection calibration records
- ✗Missing the deadline to respond to your citation
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Frequently Asked Questions About Towing Vehicle Speed Violation
Does the 55 mph towing limit apply even if the freeway speed limit is 70 mph?▼
Yes. Under CVC 22407, vehicles towing trailers or other vehicles are limited to 55 mph regardless of the posted speed limit. Even if other traffic can legally go 70 mph, you cannot exceed 55 while towing.
What types of trailers does CVC 22407 apply to?▼
This law applies to any vehicle towing another vehicle, trailer, camper, boat trailer, utility trailer, or fifth-wheel. The size of the trailer doesn't matter — if you're towing anything, the 55 mph limit applies.
Can I fight this ticket if I was only going a few mph over 55?▼
Yes, you can contest the ticket. Small speed differences are more susceptible to measurement errors, and challenging the calibration of speed detection equipment or your own speedometer accuracy may be effective defenses.
Does this violation affect my commercial driving record?▼
If you have a commercial driver's license, this violation will appear on your record and may affect your CDL status. Commercial drivers should be especially careful as points can impact their livelihood.
Will this ticket count toward a negligent operator suspension?▼
Yes. The 1 point from this violation counts toward the DMV's negligent operator point system. Accumulating 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months can lead to license suspension.
Traffic School Option
Most CVC 22407 violations qualify for traffic school if you haven't attended in the past 18 months and hold a valid non-commercial license. Completing traffic school keeps the point off your public driving record and prevents insurance increases.
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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.