Speeding Tickets: More Than Just Exceeding the Limit

No one enjoys receiving a speeding ticket, but it's a common occurrence, especially in areas with strict traffic laws. While most people associate getting a ticket with driving too fast, the reality is much more nuanced. In certain circumstances, traveling at a speed ldquo;underrdquo; the posted limit can still result in a citation, which poses an interesting challenge to the traditional view of safe and legal driving.

California's "Unsafe Speed" Law

California has a unique speed law that doesn't directly tie a specific speed to a citation. California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22350 states:

No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

This means that even if you're traveling at a speed below the posted limit, a law enforcement official can issue you a citation if they believe it's unsafe for the conditions. This applies particularly in situations like foggy conditions where visibility is significantly reduced.

A Real-Life Example: Under the Limit in Foggy Conditions

A personal anecdote from my friend illustrates just how specific these laws can get. One evening, my friend, who had been drinking, handed me her car and instructed me to drive it. While driving at a speed five miles per hour under the posted speed limit, we encountered law enforcement. The deputy explained that the speed was unsafe due to the Tule fog in Central California, which significantly reduced visibility.

Interestingly, my friend did not have a valid driver's license, but the officer chose to issue her a warning rather than charging her further. This incident highlights the subjective nature of enforcing speed laws and shows that even going slightly under the limit can still result in a ticket if conditions are deemed unsafe.

Local Speed Trap Controversies

The story of a speed trap just north of Houston, Texas, adds another layer of complexity to this issue. Despite state efforts to shut it down, this speed trap continues to operate, and has become a source of frustration for drivers. This particular speed trap is set up on a major interstate highway, not within the town itself, and operates under the assumption that all drivers know the posted speed limit.

A famous incident with this speed trap involved a driver receiving a ticket for just one mile per hour over the limit. This demonstrates the stringent enforcement of these speed laws, even for minor infractions.

Another example is a situation where a friend was driving through a town noted for its speed trap. Approaching a bendy road with no signs for reduced speed, they were traveling at the posted speed limit of 35 mph. Whatever the officer said to justify the stop, it was euphemistically concluded with, ldquo;Go.rdquo; However, the next day, the same friend was caught in a speed trap under similar circumstances, leading to a ticket.

A more distressing experience happened around 5 AM on a dark, busy, and partially constructed highway. Despite having noticed the construction sign, my friend received a speeding ticket due to the moving of the sign overnight. This incident shows how easily drivers can get caught in traps beyond their control, emphasizing the strict enforcement of these laws.

Conclusion

The concept of speeding tickets isn't just about exceeding the posted limit. Conditions such as weather, road conditions, and the presence of construction can all come into play. Drivers must be aware of their surroundings and prepared for the potential for halted traffic and enforcement.

Understanding the local speed laws and the specific conditions that can lead to a speeding ticket can help reduce the incidence of these infractions. Drivers should always be vigilant and, when in doubt, err on the side of caution to avoid potential fines or tickets.