Speed Limits
Veh. Code 22350 — the basic speed law, 65, 55 and 70
California's basic speed law forbids driving on a highway faster than is reasonable or prudent given the weather, visibility, traffic, and the surface and width of the road, and in no event at a speed that endangers people or property. A driver can break it while under the posted number.
| The road | The maximum |
|---|---|
| The roadAny highway, unless posted higher | The maximum65 miles per hour |
| The roadA two lane, undivided highway, unless posted higher after an engineering and traffic survey | The maximum55 miles per hour |
| The roadA state highway the Department of Transportation has posted higher, with the Highway Patrol's approval | The maximum70 miles per hour |
A two lane, undivided highway has no more than one through lane in each direction, and passing lanes are not counted. Other limits the Vehicle Code sets for particular places are not set out here.
Sources for this section (3)
- Veh. Code 22350 — The basic speed law
- Veh. Code 22349 — Maximum speed limits on highways
- Veh. Code 22356 — Speed limits of 70 miles per hour where posted
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.