CACI 708 Maximum Speed Limit (Veh. Code, §§ 22349, 22356)

California Civil Jury Instructions CACI

708 Maximum Speed Limit (Veh. Code, §§ 22349, 22356)


The maximum speed limit where the accident occurred was [insert number] miles per hour.


Directions for Use

An instruction on maximum speed limits could be useful to help frame the issue for the jury. On the other hand, a specific instruction on the maximum speed limits may be unnecessary. In the event that there is sufficient evidence to support an instruction that one of the parties violated the maximum speed limit, the judge could give the negligence per se instructions while reciting the specific code section. In that event, the judge would not give an instruction on the basic speed law. (See Hargrave v. Winquist (1982) 134 Cal.App.3d 916 [185 Cal.Rptr. 30].)


Sources and Authority

General Maximum Speed is 65 Miles Per Hour. Vehicle Code section 22349(a).

Basic Maximum Speed for Two-Lane Undivided Highways is 55 Miles Per Hour. Vehicle Code section 22349(b).

Maximum Speed at Selected Locations is 70 Miles Per Hour. Vehicle Code section 22356.

Driving Too Slowly. Vehicle Code section 22400(a).


Secondary Sources

6 Witkin, Summary of California Law (11th ed. 2017) Torts, § 1009
California Tort Guide (Cont.Ed.Bar 3d ed.) § 4.17
2 Levy et al., California Torts, Ch. 20, Motor Vehicles, § 20.63[2][b], [4][b][iii] (Matthew Bender)