Drivers are well aware that every road in California has top speed limits. Less well-known are laws that require drivers to maintain minimum speeds. When drivers fail to follow these laws, they can cause serious collisions that leave other drivers or passengers with potentially life-altering injuries. Understanding California’s minimum speed law can help you avoid a preventable accident.

Understanding the Role of Speed in Vehicle Collisions

There were 58,758 injuries and fatalities on Los Angeles County’s roads and highways in 2023, and many collisions were due to speeding. Speeding was tied to 32% of deadly roadway collisions across the state in 2023.

California addresses minimum speeds under Vehicle Code §22400, which prohibits drivers from blocking or impeding highway traffic by driving at low speeds. The law also authorizes the Department of Transportation to post minimum speed signs as needed along the state’s highways.

Driving significantly below the speed of surrounding traffic can create dangerous conditions on the road. When one vehicle moves much more slowly than the others, drivers behind it may be forced to brake suddenly or make unexpected lane changes to avoid a collision.

Slow drivers can cause rear-end collisions or multi-vehicle accidents, and large speed differences can reduce the time drivers have to react to changing traffic conditions. Anyone found to have caused a collision due to an unsafe low speed could be held liable for the harm they cause.

Can Drivers Be Held Liable for Violating Minimum Speed Laws in California?

Whether a collision occurs along Interstate 5, Interstate 10, U.S. Route 101, or elsewhere in California, violating the state’s minimum speed laws can lead to a traffic citation and potential liability for any harm or damage that resulted from a collision. California is an at-fault state for car collisions, meaning anyone who causes a collision can be held financially liable when the injured parties file claims.

For someone to pursue compensation, they would first have to:

  • Seek medical attention and see that all injuries are properly evaluated and treated.
  • Report the incident to the appropriate authorities and obtain an official report.
  • Document the scene by taking photographs and gathering witness information.
  • Preserve records related to medical care, property damage, and other expenses.
  • Notify the appropriate insurance company about the incident.
  • Review the available evidence to determine how the incident occurred and who may be responsible.
  • Calculate damages, including medical costs, lost income, and other losses tied to the incident.
  • File a claim or legal action seeking compensation for the harm suffered.

Key evidence that may be used to establish fault includes eyewitness testimony, photos from the scene of the collision, dashcam footage, the police report related to the collision, and testimony from the injured party or parties. A strong claim can lead to compensation for tangible losses, such as medical bills, as well as possible payments for pain and suffering.

Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

California’s car accident laws require drivers to maintain a safe speed on highways and roads. This may include a safe minimum speed, especially along state highways. If you were injured due to another driver’s failure to maintain a safe speed, you can hire a car accident lawyer to represent you in your car accident case.

Attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators who are focused on your rights and recovery. A California car accident attorney can gather the right types of evidence before filing a claim that fully compensates you for the harm and setbacks you suffered following a collision.

Client Testimonials

Our team is proud to have earned an average rating of 4.9 stars from our former clients. These are actual testimonials from our former clients.

After my own car accident, I experienced firsthand the care, dedication, and professionalism my husband, Aaron Sinfield, brings to every case at Easton & Easton. From the very beginning, he was attentive and knowledgeable, guiding me through each step with clarity and confidence.

Linda S. 

I appreciate the services of Easton & Easton because they were timely in returning my calls and emails, they were truthful, and they followed through with each and every task. I was able to trust my case in their expert hands.

Lisa L.

As a past client of this firm, I can attest that they are AMAZING!! Travis Easton was able to settle with the other driver and then get me additional money through my own Underinsured Motorist Coverage. I am so grateful for the work they did for me!

*Client testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

What Does California’s Minimum Speed Law Require?

California’s minimum speed law requires drivers to avoid traveling so slowly that they impede the normal flow of traffic. While a minimum speed limit is not always posted, motorists must maintain a reasonable pace to keep traffic moving. Driving significantly below the speed of surrounding vehicles without a valid reason can lead to a citation and possible civil liabilities if anyone is injured in a resulting collision.

What Is the Basic Speed Law in California?

California’s basic speed law requires drivers to travel at a speed that is safe for the given weather, traffic, and visibility conditions. Even if a driver is traveling at or below the posted speed limit, they can still be cited if their speed is considered unsafe. The aim of the law is to make sure that drivers do not endanger others by driving at unsafe speeds.

Can Drivers Cause a Collision by Driving Too Slowly?

Yes, when drivers fail to maintain a safe speed on the road or highway, they can create hazardous conditions for other drivers. Slow speeds may cause a driver to suddenly brake or veer into another lane to avoid a collision. Slow drivers can also back up traffic and lead other drivers to change lanes to pass them. Inappropriate behavior that impedes the natural flow of traffic can potentially cause a collision that leads to personal injuries.

Can You Legally Drive Five Miles Over the Speed Limit in California?

No law allows drivers to pass the posted speed limit, even by a few miles per hour. Anyone caught driving over the speed limit could be given a traffic violation citation. The state enforces both the highest and minimum speed limit rules. If unsafe driving causes a collision and injuries, any driver found to be speeding or driving at an unsafe speed could be liable or partly liable for any harm or damage they cause.

Injured By a Negligent Driver? Contact Easton & Easton Today

If you were injured in a collision because another driver failed to maintain a safe minimum speed, you may be eligible for compensation. When you work with the injury lawyers at Easton & Easton, you gain the support of an award-winning legal team that has reclaimed more than $2 billion through focused negotiations and strategic litigation.

One in three settlements secured through our firm tops six figures, reflecting our commitment to pursuing meaningful compensation for our clients. Our attorney can gather the evidence that is needed to prove that the at-fault driver caused your injury by failing to maintain a safe minimum speed on the road. Don’t delay. You can be fairly compensated when you contact our law firm to schedule your consultation.