How Many MPH Can I Go Above the Speed Limit in San Diego?
David Muñoz | July 12, 2023 | Car Accidents
The Zebra recently reported that as many as nine out of every ten drivers in America admit to speeding. This statistic is even more staggering in light of the fact that about eight out of ten individuals surveyed reported that speeding is dangerous. In our hurried culture, it seems as if most drivers will break the speed limit at one point or another despite the existence of speed limit laws.
Whether you only speed occasionally or you have a constant lead foot, you might never have gotten a speeding ticket from a police officer. This may lead you to wonder if there is a certain amount over the posted speed limit you can travel in San Diego.
California Speed Limit Laws
The speed limit on any given road in San Diego or throughout California depends heavily on where the road is and the roadway’s purpose. In general:
- California highways have a 65 mph speed limit
- Two-lane highways have a maximum speed limit of 55 mph unless a sign indicates otherwise
- 25 mph is the speed limit in residential zones as well as in areas where senior citizens or children may be present
- The speed limit in alleyways and blind crossings is 15 mph
In addition to these limits, traffic in California is governed by a basic speed rule that requires all drivers to operate their vehicles at a reasonable and prudent speed. The limits set forth above are presumed to be reasonable and prudent. However, weather conditions, traffic congestion, and the state of the road may make a lesser speed more reasonable in a given situation.
No Exception for Exceeding the Speed Limit
You and other drivers may routinely drive faster than the speed limit. However, there are no exceptions in California law that make it legal to go faster than the permitted speed limit. Even going 66 mph in a 65 mph zone is technically a violation of the law and could result in a $35 fine. In other words, you may not legally speed in San Diego.
Reasons Why Many Drivers Get Away with Speeding
Knowing this, you could be frustrated by all the drivers you see on the roads in and around San Diego going faster than the posted speed limit and not getting pulled over. The primary reason is that there are too many speeding drivers and not enough law enforcement officers to catch them all. Officers may have more pressing emergencies to respond to and, as a result, may let speeders proceed without stopping them.
Alternatively, radar equipment in police cruisers can have a margin of error of plus or minus several miles per hour. For example, suppose that a police officer’s radar equipment shows your car is traveling at 65 miles per hour. Your actual speed could be faster or slower by a few miles per hour than what the officer sees. As a result, some officers may not stop speeding vehicles that are only traveling a few miles an hour over the limit.
Exceeding the Speed Limit Can be Dangerous
It is your responsibility to know the speed limit on the particular road on which you are traveling. These limits not only control the efficient flow of traffic but also keep you and others safe on the road. Just because a police officer does not stop and ticket you does not mean you are free to speed without consequence. It is always advisable to obey the speed limit and get to your destination safely to prevent a car accident from occurring.
Contact the San Diego Car Accident Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information
If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032
We also serve the state of Texas. Contact our personal injury law office in El Paso for legal assistance today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000
