Speeding Laws in California: How Often Do They Change?
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Sep 3 2019, 10:09 AM
Understanding the traffic laws of your state can help you to avoid tickets and the substantial costs that can come with them. Of course, if you’ve ever needed a speeding ticket lawyer, you aren’t alone. Sometimes you can find yourself in trouble even without realizing you were doing something wrong because laws change regularly. So, how often do the speeding laws in California change?
California Speeding Laws and Changes
The fastest speed you can drive in California is either the posted speed limit or an assumed limit. You are expected to drive at a rate that is reasonable or prudent with regard to weather, the traffic and visibility. In some cases, you are also expected to slow down below the posted speed limit such as when crossing railroads, in tight spaces and in high-pedestrian-traffic areas.
Most of the time, you primarily need to concern yourself with the posted speed limit. If you exceed this, you are technically breaking the law. The basic and presumed speed limits, which are both judgment-based, are a little more complex. Fortunately, if you are sticking to a reasonable speed, you should be fine in the eyes of the law.
These basic concepts don’t really change. However, what can change is how speed limits are set, how they are enforced, what the punishments for speeding are and other such issues related to speeding. Basically, don’t expect California to suddenly implement an autobahn-style system. However, you can expect some minor, or not so minor, changes to the ways the laws are implemented every few years or so.
Recent Changes
In 2018, the California legislature considered and passed a bill that changes the way speed limits are set. The original system was based on how fast people naturally tend to drive on a given road. However, the government recognized that this was resulting in ever-increasing speed limits as people drive faster. Unsurprisingly, higher speeds are correlated with more severe accidents.
The new law established a task force to analyze the speed limits and issues. Specifically, they will examine what the results of the current system are and what alternatives may exist.
In 2015, the state changed the rules for fines from traffic tickets. Specifically, speed ticket recipients can appeal their tickets without paying a fine first, as was the previous requirement. This was intended to help lower-wealth Californians handle the potentially expensive issue of receiving a speeding ticket.
Around the same time, the State Senate considered and ultimately passed a bill that would base penalties on the individual’s ability to pay. Similar to the 2015 change, this was aimed at making fines fairer for people with less money. This bill was not able to pass the assembly as of July 2019.
Clearly, changes happen with some regularity. So, you may need a lawyer to help you with navigating the speeding ticket laws If you receive one.
Get Help
If you receive a ticket, you’ll probably be looking for the best traffic ticket lawyer Los Angeles, San Francisco or whichever area you live has to offer. Getting the right help can enable you to navigate the ever-changing laws and avoid excessive costs. Find your lawyer today.
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Understanding the traffic laws of your state can help you to avoid tickets and the substantial costs that can come with them. Of course, if you’ve ever needed a speeding ticket lawyer, you aren’t alone. Sometimes you can find yourself in trouble even without realizing you were doing something wrong because laws change regularly. So, how often do the speeding laws in California change?
California Speeding Laws and Changes
The fastest speed you can drive in California is either the posted speed limit or an assumed limit. You are expected to drive at a rate that is reasonable or prudent with regard to weather, the traffic and visibility. In some cases, you are also expected to slow down below the posted speed limit such as when crossing railroads, in tight spaces and in high-pedestrian-traffic areas.
Most of the time, you primarily need to concern yourself with the posted speed limit. If you exceed this, you are technically breaking the law. The basic and presumed speed limits, which are both judgment-based, are a little more complex. Fortunately, if you are sticking to a reasonable speed, you should be fine in the eyes of the law.
These basic concepts don’t really change. However, what can change is how speed limits are set, how they are enforced, what the punishments for speeding are and other such issues related to speeding. Basically, don’t expect California to suddenly implement an autobahn-style system. However, you can expect some minor, or not so minor, changes to the ways the laws are implemented every few years or so.
Recent Changes
In 2018, the California legislature considered and passed a bill that changes the way speed limits are set. The original system was based on how fast people naturally tend to drive on a given road. However, the government recognized that this was resulting in ever-increasing speed limits as people drive faster. Unsurprisingly, higher speeds are correlated with more severe accidents.
The new law established a task force to analyze the speed limits and issues. Specifically, they will examine what the results of the current system are and what alternatives may exist.
In 2015, the state changed the rules for fines from traffic tickets. Specifically, speed ticket recipients can appeal their tickets without paying a fine first, as was the previous requirement. This was intended to help lower-wealth Californians handle the potentially expensive issue of receiving a speeding ticket.
Around the same time, the State Senate considered and ultimately passed a bill that would base penalties on the individual’s ability to pay. Similar to the 2015 change, this was aimed at making fines fairer for people with less money. This bill was not able to pass the assembly as of July 2019.
Clearly, changes happen with some regularity. So, you may need a lawyer to help you with navigating the speeding ticket laws If you receive one.
Get Help
If you receive a ticket, you’ll probably be looking for the best traffic ticket lawyer Los Angeles, San Francisco or whichever area you live has to offer. Getting the right help can enable you to navigate the ever-changing laws and avoid excessive costs. Find your lawyer today.
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