CVC 22350 — Basic Speed Law

What a California Vehicle Code §22350 citation actually accuses you of, and the angles drivers use to contest one by mail.

What the court has to find

Driving at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent given weather, visibility, traffic, and road conditions, or at a speed that endangers persons or property. Speed above the posted limit is not automatically unlawful — the question is whether the speed was unsafe for the conditions.

Defense angles that fit this section

Speed was safe for the actual conditions (light traffic, clear weather, dry road, good visibility). If enforced by radar/lidar, the officer must comply with speed-trap rules: a current Engineering and Traffic Survey may be required (CVC 40802) and the device must be properly calibrated and operated by a trained operator.

The real cost of pleading guilty: penalty assessments multiply the base fine several times over, and a point can raise your insurance for three years. Run the numbers with the fine calculator.

Contest your CVC 22350 ticket by mail

A Trial by Written Declaration lets you fight it without a court date — and losing still leaves you the right to a brand-new in-person trial.

Start with your ticket

This page explains the statute in general terms; it isn't legal advice about your specific case. See the Trial by Written Declaration FAQ for how the mail-in process works.