📅 2026 Update: Changes to Speeding Laws in California

Since the original article was written, California has seen important changes in speeding laws and enforcement. New legislation aims to improve traffic safety and hold drivers accountable for dangerous behaviors. The earlier article continues further down the page.

🚦 Automated Speed Enforcement in Malibu

In September 2024, new legislation allowed Malibu to install up to five automated speed enforcement cameras on a dangerous section of the Pacific Coast Highway. This program's goal is to reduce speeding and enhance safety in the area. Drivers will see clear signage about the system, along with an education campaign before enforcement starts.

  • 🚨 Automatic Detection: The cameras will automatically detect vehicles exceeding speed limits and issue fines.
  • 🛑 System Rollout: The system will be implemented with a focus on geographic and socioeconomic diversity.

⏳ FAST Pilot Program for Speeding Over 100 mph

On December 22, 2025, the California State Transportation Agency introduced the FAST pilot program. This program targets drivers caught speeding over 100 mph. Citations from the California Highway Patrol will be sent directly to the DMV for review.

  • 🚙 License Consequences: This may lead to license suspensions or revocations for drivers exceeding this speed.
  • ⚠️ Safety Initiative: The program aims to deter extreme speeding and reduce traffic fatalities.

🚔 Strengthened DUI Penalties: Braun's Law

On September 25, 2026, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 907, known as "Braun's Law." This law increases penalties for repeat DUI offenders.

  • 🔒 Longer License Revocations: Repeat offenders will face longer periods without their driving privileges.
  • 🔑 Ignition Interlock Devices: Mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices will be required for these offenders.

🖥️ Online Contesting of Speeding Tickets

Drivers can contest eligible traffic citations online using the MyCitations website. This service is expanding statewide, with two superior courts set to launch in December 2024.

  • 💻 Easy Submission: Users can submit a written statement and evidence to contest tickets.
  • 📦 Additional Options: The platform allows for fine reductions, payment plans, and community service applications.

📌 Key Points

  • 🚦 Malibu has automated speed enforcement cameras to improve safety.
  • ⏳ The FAST pilot program targets drivers speeding over 100 mph.
  • 🚔 Braun's Law increases penalties for repeat DUI offenders.
  • 🖥️ Online contesting of speeding tickets is expanding statewide.
  • 📅 Stay informed about changes to speeding laws in California.

💡 Tips for Handling Speeding Tickets in California

Review the details of your own situation with your attorney.

📝 Understand Your Rights

Know that you have the right to contest a speeding ticket. Using the MyCitations website, you can submit evidence and a written statement online.

⏱️ Timely Responses

Pay close attention to deadlines for contesting tickets. Although specific deadlines are not detailed, responding promptly is essential.

📊 Gather Evidence

When contesting a ticket, collect any relevant evidence. This could include photographs, witness statements, or GPS data from your vehicle.

🚔 Know the Penalties

Be aware of the potential consequences of speeding, especially if caught going over 100 mph. License suspensions or revocations may apply.

📚 Stay Updated on Laws

Speeding laws can change frequently. Keep an eye on state legislation to stay informed about any new rules that may affect you.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What should I do if I receive a speeding ticket?

You can contest the ticket by using the MyCitations website or by appearing in court. Be sure to gather evidence to support your case.

📅 How can I contest a speeding ticket online?

Visit the MyCitations website to submit your written statement and upload any evidence. The service is expanding to more areas in California.

🚔 What happens if I exceed 100 mph?

If caught speeding over 100 mph, your citation will be sent to the DMV for review. This may lead to potential license suspension or revocation.

🚦 Are the penalties for DUI offenses stricter now?

Yes, with the passage of Braun's Law, penalties for repeat DUI offenders have increased, including longer license revocations and mandatory ignition interlock devices.

📝 Can I request a fine reduction for my ticket?

Yes, through the MyCitations tool, you can request a fine reduction, set up payment plans, or apply for community service.

📊 Where can I find more information about traffic laws?

You can check the California Highway Patrol and DMV websites for up-to-date information on traffic laws, penalties, and contesting tickets.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Speeding Tickets

Several recent court rulings have clarified aspects of speeding laws and penalties in California. These rulings are significant for drivers facing speeding tickets or related charges.

For more recent rulings, feel free to browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update







 



A Quick Guide to Speeding Tickets in California 



Speeding Tickets: California

Speeding Ticket California


If you have received a speeding ticket in California, you are required to pay the fine or appeal the action and appear in court.  If you do neither of the following, you may have a warrant put out for your arrest, and you will have your license suspended.  Penalties and speeding tickets in California can be somewhat strict compared to other states, and you can find information on penalties and laws within this article.  



Speeding Ticket in California



Speeding tickets in California can be issued according to multiple laws and limits.  These limits were put forth by Senate Bill 848 in 1996, and the bill has been amended several times to address conditions within statues.  The code referring to speed limits in CA lists the following guidelines: 



(a) “Except at provided in Section 22356, no person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than 65 miles per hour.  



(b) “…no person shall drive a vehicle upon a two-lane, undivided highway at a speed greater than 55 miles per hour unless that highway, or portion thereof, has been posted for a higher speed by the Department of Transportation or appropriate local agency…” 



There are exceptions to these rules, though.  The state of California has some highways that have posted speed limits at 70 miles per hour, and for listings segments of interstate with 70 mph postings, visit the following website under the California Department of Transportation.



Fines and Speeding Tickets in California



There are several kinds of speeding tickets in California.  The prices of a speeding ticket in California may range depending on what jurisdiction you receive the citation in, but several violation codes address speeding in Ca.  These codes for a speeding ticket in California are listed below: 



1. VC 22349 Unsafe Speed- this fine is $214 for 1 to 15 miles per hour over the speed limit



2. VC 22350 Unsafe Speed- this fine is $328 for 16 to 25 miles per hour over the speed limit



You may receive larger speeding tickets in California or even harsher penalties if you are going over 25 miles per hour or have received warnings from the Negligent Operator Treatment System for recurrent violations.  For example, if you receive a traffic ticket in California and the violation was severe or significantly repeated within the periods listed below, you may lose your license in California until enough points clear: 



• 4 points in 12 months 



• 6 points in 24 months



• 8 points in 36 months



You can also lose your license for any other number of offenses.  Some of these offenses may include driving under the influence, trying to evade a police officer, failing to report to a court hearing, and more.  



You can view more information on a speeding ticket in California and certain types of offenses that may result in suspension of a license by visiting the following website under the CA Department of Motor Vehicles.