CVC 22413Eligible for written declaration

Exceeding the Speed Limit on a Steep Street

Driving faster than a 20 or 15 mph maximum limit that a local authority declared by ordinance, after an engineering and traffic survey, for a street with a grade over 10 percent, once signs are posted.

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 Exceeding the Speed Limit on a Steep Street ticket?

CVC 22413 says that whenever a local authority determines, on the basis of an engineering and traffic survey, that the prima facie limit of 25 miles per hour is more than is reasonable and safe on any portion of a street having a grade in excess of 10 percent, it may by ordinance determine and declare a maximum limit of 20 or 15 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate and is reasonable and safe. The declared maximum speed is effective when appropriate signs giving notice of it are erected upon the street.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the prima facie limit of 25 miles per hour is more than is reasonable and safe on any portion of a street having a grade in excess of 10 percent, the local authority may by ordinance determine and declare a maximum limit of 20 or 15 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate and is reasonable and safe. The declared maximum speed shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street.

What the Officer Must Prove

1A local authority declared a maximum limit of 20 or 15 miles per hour for that portion of the street under CVC 22413
2Signs giving notice of the declared maximum had been erected upon the street
3You drove faster than the declared maximum

Arguments Commonly Raised for Exceeding the Speed Limit on a Steep Street

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

Signs giving notice

CVC 22413 says the declared maximum is effective when appropriate signs giving notice of it are erected upon the street. Describe the signs on your route and include photos.

Your speed

Describe how fast you were going and how the speed was measured, if you know.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the speed signs on the street
✗Leaving out how the speed was measured, if you know

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22413 — Exceeding the Speed Limit on a Steep Street. Driving faster than a 20 or 15 mph maximum limit that a local authority declared by ordinance, after an engineering and traffic survey, for a street with a grade over 10 percent, once signs are posted.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 22413. 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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CVC 22350 CVC 22405