Motorists who violate California Vehicle Code 22356: Driving Above 70 MPH on the Freeway can get a speeding ticket. This offense can result in fines, points on your driver’s license, and a potential license suspension.
Some motorists face additional charges if the police stop them for speeding. For example, the police may assume that a motorist is driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs while exceeding the speed limit.
You can learn more about this California vehicle code and ways to handle a speeding ticket with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer.
Who Can Get a Ticket Under VC 22356?
Anyone who exceeds 70 MPH on a freeway in California can get a ticket under VC 22356. Note that VC 22356 sets an absolute speed limit. Therefore, the police can stop drivers for exceeding the posted speed limit by even one mile per hour.
Is the Speed Limit Always 70 MPH on the Freeway?
VC 22356 does not mean you can always drive at 70 MPH on the freeway. In fact, the state sets the speed limit at 65 MPH or less in some areas. Drivers who exceed lower speed limits may get a ticket under Vehicle Code 22354.
Some drivers may face an additional ticket if they speed in a tunnel or on a bridge. Vehicle Code 22405 covers these actions. California’s basic speed law may also apply, depending on where and how someone exceeded the speed limit.
What Are the Fines for a VC 22356 Violation?
A California Vehicle Code 22356: Driving Above 70 MPH on the Freeway ticket may require you to pay fines to the court. The fine you have to pay will depend on your speed when the police stop you.
Drivers who exceed the speed limit by :
- Up to 15 MPH may face a base fine of $35
- More than 16 MPH and up to 25 MPH may face a base fine of $70
- More than 26 MPH may face a base fine of $100
However, the base fine only represents a portion of the money drivers must pay in this situation. The court system can also include penalty assessments and fees that can increase the overall cost of the ticket.
How Many Points Does a VC 22356 Ticket Add to Your License?
Drivers who get a ticket for California Vehicle Code 22356: Driving Above 70 MPH on the Freeway may have a point added to their driving record with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Drivers who have too many points on their license will face a license suspension. Additionally, insurance rates usually increase with each point added to a license.
Are There Other Penalties for Speeding in California?
Motorists in California can also get a ticket for CA Vehicle Code 22348(a) – Driving Over 100 MPH on a Highway or CA Vehicle Code 23109 (c) – Exhibition of Speed. While driving over 100 MPH on the highway also leads to fines, an exhibition of speed charge may lead to jail time.
The court treats both of these offenses more seriously than driving above 70 MPH on the freeway. The fines for a ticket can cost over $1,000 in some situations.
Can You Ignore a VC 22356 Ticket?
Ignoring a VC 22356 ticket, you’ll face penalties for failure to appear. Failure to appear represents a criminal offense in California and can result in fines or jail time, worsening your legal situation.
Therefore, it’s vitally important that you address a VC 22356 ticket quickly. A lawyer can help you review your legal options so you do not get charged for failure to appear.
Can You Beat a VC 22356 Ticket?
An attorney can help you face a ticket for driving above 70 MPH on the freeway. Depending on your situation, a lawyer may argue that:
- The police made a mistake when estimating your speed
- Someone falsely accused you of speeding
- You only exceeded the speed limit due to an emergency
You may also have a chance to beat a VC 22356 ticket if your attorney shows that the police stopped you after setting up an illegal speed trap. You can discuss all of these options with a legal professional.
Can You Face Speeding and DUI Charges?
Both speeding and driving under the influence (DUI) are against the law in California. The prosecution may add a speed enhancement to DUI charges for drivers accused of drunk driving and exceeding the speed limit.
Sentencing enhancements can increase the penalties you face after a conviction, so it’s essential that you take them seriously.
Talk to a Lawyer About Driving Above 70 MPH on the Freeway
You can get legal help after getting a ticket for California Vehicle Code 22356: Driving Above 70 MPH on the Freeway, especially if the police also accused you of driving under the influence.
You may want to work with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer to handle these accusations. Our team can help you find a law firm to address all your legal needs. You can call or complete our online contact form to learn more.