CVC 22406: Commercial Vehicle Speed Limit Ticket in California
CVC 22406 prohibits commercial vehicles from exceeding 55 mph on California highways. This violation carries fines, DMV points, and potential insurance increases.
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California Vehicle Code ticket overview
This page explains CVC 22406 for California traffic tickets, including what the violation means, why the ticket may matter, and what a driver should review before deciding whether to pay or contest it.
ClerkHero helps California drivers prepare Trial by Written Declaration (TR-205) paperwork online when a written-defense path appears to fit. ClerkHero is not a law firm.
CVC 22406, also written as VC 22406 on many California traffic citations, is the Vehicle Code section for Commercial Vehicle Speed.
Quick answer
CVC 22406 Quick Answer
Got a Commercial Vehicle Speed ticket? See the likely cost, points, fix-it status, and best next step before you pay.
Estimated total exposure
$197 to $229+ (varies by county)
DMV points
1 point
Fix-it eligible
No
Traffic school
Check details
Fight by mail
Usually yes
Includes estimated court assessments, possible fees, and longer-term insurance impact when applicable. Actual court bail/fine may be lower and varies by county.
Best next step: Check eligibility before paying so you can decide whether written declaration is available for your ticket.
ClerkHero is a self-help software provider, not a law firm. We help prepare documents for your review. Eligibility depends on your ticket and court.
Rated 4.9/5 by 1,200+ California drivers. Most users finish in under 5 minutes.
What to do right now
- 1Check the exact violation and court deadline.
- 2Compare the cost of paying against your available options.
- 3Save photos, receipts, and any proof.
- 4Compare the cost of paying versus fighting.
Also searched as
Drivers and courts may refer to this violation using any of these labels:
- VC 22406
- VC22406
- Vehicle Code 22406
- California Vehicle Code 22406
- CVC 22406
Violation category
Speeding
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
$197 to $229+ (varies by county)
DMV points
1 point
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 22406?
California Vehicle Code 22406 sets a maximum speed limit of 55 mph for commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses. This applies statewide on all highways unless otherwise posted. Violating this code results in a ticket with a base fine of $35, but total costs typically range from $197 to $229 or more after fees. The violation adds 1 point to your DMV record and may increase commercial insurance rates.
Common scenarios
Scenario 1
A truck driver operating a three-axle semi-truck is cited for traveling 68 mph on Interstate 5 where passenger vehicles may travel 70 mph. The driver argues the speed measurement was inaccurate due to radar interference from nearby vehicles.
What to do: Save evidence immediately and compare the cost of paying against fighting by written declaration.
Scenario 2
A delivery driver in a large box truck receives a CVC 22406 ticket for driving 62 mph. The driver presents GPS and electronic logging device data showing the vehicle never exceeded 54 mph during the time period cited.
What to do: Save evidence immediately and compare the cost of paying against fighting by written declaration.
Scenario 3
A bus company driver is ticketed for speeding at 58 mph while transporting passengers. The driver contests the citation by showing the vehicle was actually a passenger van not requiring a commercial license and not subject to CVC 22406.
What to do: Save evidence immediately and compare the cost of paying against fighting by written declaration.
Key facts
- CVC 22406 sets a maximum speed of 55 mph for commercial vehicles on all California highways, regardless of...
- The violation adds 1 DMV point to your record for 36 months and typically increases commercial vehicle insurance...
- Commercial vehicles under this code include trucks with three or more axles, vehicles transporting hazardous materials, and buses...
- CDL holders face enhanced consequences including potential federal serious violation designations, employer notification requirements, and possible disqualification after...
- You can contest the ticket through Trial by Written Declaration without appearing in court, and if you lose,...
Search & topic tags
People also search
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- California commercial truck speeding ticket
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- CVC 22406 CDL consequences
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- truck speeding ticket DMV points
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Fine breakdown for CVC 22406
Fine breakdown for CVC 22406
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $35 |
| Court add-ons (varies by county) | $162 to $194+ |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $197 to $229+ (varies by county) |
Official county court examples suggest a $35 base fine often turns into about $197 to $229+ once penalty assessments and court fees are added.
Includes estimated court assessments, possible fees, and longer-term insurance impact when applicable. Actual court bail/fine may be lower and varies by county.
A conviction can also raise insurance costs over time.
Cost check
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Estimate the full out-of-pocket cost before you decide whether to pay.
What happens if you ignore this ticket?
- - The court can add late fees.
- - The case may be sent to collections.
- - DMV or registration issues may follow.
- - A fixable ticket can become more expensive.
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Before You Pay This Ticket.
Check your eligibility and options before you decide what to do next.
- Written declaration may be available
- Understand your court deadline
- Review DMV point risk
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Detailed guide
What is CVC 22406?
California Vehicle Code Section 22406 establishes a maximum speed limit of 55 mph for commercial vehicles on California highways. This law applies to trucks, truck tractors, buses, and any vehicle transporting explosives or flammable liquids. The speed limit is lower than the standard passenger vehicle limit to account for the increased stopping distance, weight, and handling characteristics of commercial vehicles.
If you received a citation for CVC 22406, the officer determined you were operating a commercial vehicle at a speed exceeding 55 mph. This violation applies regardless of the posted speed limit for passenger vehicles on the same roadway.
Who Does This Law Apply To?
CVC 22406 specifically applies to:
- Trucks or truck tractors having three or more axles or any truck tractor drawing any other vehicle
- Vehicles transporting explosives
- Vehicles transporting flammable liquids in bulk
- Buses transporting passengers for hire, compensation, or profit
- School buses transporting students
- Farm labor vehicles transporting passengers
If you were driving a pickup truck for personal use, a standard passenger vehicle, or a light commercial van under certain weight thresholds, this code may not apply to you. The vehicle classification matters significantly.
Understanding Your Citation
When you receive a CVC 22406 ticket, check these details carefully:
Vehicle Classification: Verify the officer correctly identified your vehicle as commercial. Check the citation for how your vehicle is described. If you were driving a personal vehicle or a light-duty truck not used for commercial purposes, the citation may be incorrect.
Recorded Speed: The citation should show the speed the officer measured and the applicable speed limit. For CVC 22406, the limit is 55 mph regardless of what passenger vehicles may legally travel.
Location: Note the exact location where the violation occurred. Some areas have additional posted restrictions that may be relevant to your defense.
Officer Information: Record the officer's name, badge number, and agency. This information is important if you contest the ticket.
Appearance Date: Your citation includes a deadline to respond. Missing this deadline can result in additional penalties, license suspension, or a warrant.
Financial Consequences
The base fine for CVC 22406 is $35, but this represents only a fraction of what you will actually pay. California adds numerous fees and assessments to traffic violations:
- State and county penalty assessments
- Court operations fees
- Criminal conviction assessments
- Emergency medical services fees
- DNA identification fund fees
Total costs typically range from $197 to $229, though amounts vary by county. Some counties charge additional local fees. If you fail to pay or appear, the court may add civil assessment fees of up to $300 and suspend your driver's license.
DMV Points and Driving Record
A CVC 22406 conviction adds 1 point to your California DMV driving record. This point remains for 36 months from the violation date. Points create several problems:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Holders: If you hold a CDL, points can threaten your livelihood. Accumulating points may result in license suspension or revocation. Your employer may also take action based on your driving record.
Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS): California uses a point system to identify negligent drivers. Accumulating 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months triggers NOTS action, including license suspension.
Insurance Consequences: Insurance companies review driving records when setting rates. A speeding conviction typically increases commercial vehicle insurance premiums. The increase often lasts three years and can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.
Traffic School Eligibility
Traffic school eligibility for CVC 22406 violations depends on several factors. If you hold a commercial driver's license and were driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the violation, you are generally not eligible for traffic school to mask the point. However, if you were driving a commercial vehicle with a regular Class C license, you may be eligible if:
- You have not attended traffic school for another violation within the past 18 months
- The violation did not occur in a commercial vehicle requiring a CDL
- The court grants permission
Completing traffic school prevents the point from appearing on your public driving record, which can help avoid insurance increases. The conviction still appears on your record, but without the point assessment.
Trial by Written Declaration
California allows you to contest traffic tickets through Trial by Written Declaration under CVC 40902. This process lets you submit a written defense without appearing in court. You must:
- Submit your written statement explaining why you are not guilty
- Pay bail (the full fine amount, refunded if you win)
- Meet the court's deadline, typically before your appearance date
- Wait for the court's written decision
If you lose, you can request a new trial (trial de novo) and appear in court for an in-person hearing. This gives you two opportunities to contest the citation. Trial by Written Declaration works well when you have documentary evidence like GPS records, dashcam footage, or photographs.
Evidence to Gather
Building a strong defense requires collecting evidence immediately:
Vehicle Documentation: Gather your vehicle registration, weight certificates, and any documentation showing whether your vehicle qualifies as commercial under CVC 22406. If your vehicle does not meet the definition, this is critical evidence.
Speed Measurement Evidence: If you have a GPS device, dashcam, or electronic logging device (ELD) that records speed, preserve this data. Modern commercial vehicles often have multiple systems recording speed and location.
Photographic Evidence: Return to the location and photograph the area. Document any speed limit signs, road conditions, or visibility issues. Take photos from the position where the officer was reportedly stationed.
Calibration Records: Officers use radar, lidar, or pacing to measure speed. You can request calibration records for the device used. Improperly calibrated equipment may produce inaccurate readings.
Witness Statements: If passengers or other witnesses can support your account, obtain written statements with contact information.
Logbook and Trip Records: Commercial drivers should preserve logbooks, bills of lading, and trip records showing your route and timing.
Options Before Paying
Paying the fine is equivalent to pleading guilty. Before you pay, consider these options:
Contest the Ticket: You can fight the citation in court or through Trial by Written Declaration. Contesting gives you the opportunity to present evidence and cross-examine the officer.
Request a Court Trial: You can appear in court and present your defense to a judge. This allows you to testify, present evidence, and question the citing officer.
Negotiate with the Prosecutor: In some courts, you may be able to discuss your case with a prosecutor before trial. They may offer to reduce the charge or recommend a lower fine in exchange for a guilty plea.
Seek Legal Advice: If you hold a CDL or the violation threatens your employment, consult a traffic attorney. An attorney can evaluate your case and represent you in court.
Request a Payment Plan: If you cannot afford the full fine, most courts offer payment plans. You must still address the conviction and point, but this prevents additional penalties for non-payment.
Common Defenses Explained
Vehicle Misclassification: If your vehicle does not meet the legal definition of a commercial vehicle under CVC 22406, the citation is invalid. A pickup truck used for personal transportation, even if occasionally used for work, may not qualify.
Speed Measurement Error: Radar and lidar devices require proper calibration and operation. Officers must follow specific procedures. Errors in device calibration, operation, or environmental interference can produce false readings.
Mistaken Identity: In heavy traffic, officers sometimes cite the wrong vehicle. If multiple commercial vehicles were present, the officer may have confused your vehicle with another.
Emergency Circumstances: If you exceeded the speed limit to avoid immediate danger or respond to an emergency, this may provide a defense. You must show the circumstances were genuine and that speeding was necessary.
Unclear Signage: While CVC 22406 applies statewide, confusion about applicable speed limits in construction zones or areas with multiple posted limits may support your defense.
What Happens If You Ignore the Ticket
Ignoring a traffic citation creates serious consequences:
- The court may issue a warrant for your arrest
- Your driver's license will be suspended
- The court will add a civil assessment fee of up to $300
- The DMV may place a hold on your vehicle registration
- Your employer may be notified if you hold a CDL
If you missed your court date, contact the court immediately to request relief. Courts may vacate warrants and reinstate your license if you act quickly.
Special Considerations for CDL Holders
If you hold a commercial driver's license, a CVC 22406 conviction has enhanced consequences:
Employer Notification: Many employers require immediate reporting of traffic violations. Your company may take disciplinary action regardless of the outcome.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: Violations appear on your FMCSA record and affect your safety rating. Multiple violations can make you unemployable in the commercial driving industry.
No Traffic School: CDL holders generally cannot use traffic school to mask points when the violation occurred in a commercial vehicle.
Serious Violation: Depending on the speed, CVC 22406 violations may qualify as serious violations under federal regulations. Two serious violations in three years result in a 60-day CDL disqualification. Three violations result in 120-day disqualification.
Given these stakes, CDL holders should strongly consider consulting a traffic attorney who understands commercial driving regulations.
How ClerkHero Can Help
ClerkHero assists California drivers in preparing Trial by Written Declaration documents. The service helps you organize your defense, format your statement properly, and meet court requirements. ClerkHero provides guidance on what to include and how to present your case effectively in writing.
While ClerkHero handles many traffic violation types, some cases require licensed legal representation. If your case involves potential criminal charges, license suspension beyond standard point accumulation, or complex commercial driving regulations, consider consulting a licensed attorney.
Next Steps
- Review your citation carefully and note all deadlines
- Gather evidence including vehicle documentation, speed records, and photographs
- Decide whether to contest based on the strength of your defense and potential consequences
- Respond before the deadline by paying, requesting traffic school (if eligible), or contesting the ticket
- Consider professional help if you hold a CDL or face serious consequences
Do not simply pay the fine without understanding the full impact on your driving record, insurance, and employment. You have rights and options to contest citations you believe are unjust or incorrect.
Decision point
Is it worth challenging this ticket?
Compare paying now against checking your available options, including points and insurance risk.
Common defenses
Defense ideas you can use if written declaration is available
Every ticket is different. These issues can help you organize facts, evidence, and questions before deciding whether to pay, correct the issue, or check eligibility.
Defense 1
The vehicle does not meet the legal definition of a commercial vehicle under CVC 22406 (not three or more axles, not transporting hazardous materials, not a bus for hire).
Defense 2
The speed measurement was inaccurate due to improper radar or lidar calibration, operator error, or environmental interference from other vehicles or objects.
Defense 3
The officer cited the wrong vehicle in heavy traffic or confused your vehicle with another commercial vehicle traveling at a higher speed.
Defense 4
GPS data, electronic logging device records, or dashcam footage shows your actual speed was at or below 55 mph at the time and location cited.
Defense 5
You briefly exceeded the speed limit due to a genuine emergency or to avoid an immediate safety hazard, and the circumstances justified the temporary speed increase.
Defense 6
The officer's visual estimate or pacing method was unreliable due to distance, angle, traffic conditions, or other factors affecting accurate speed determination.
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More resources for CVC 22406
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Frequently asked questions about CVC 22406
What should a driver do first after getting a CVC 22406 ticket?
Read your citation carefully and note the appearance deadline, which is typically within 21 to 45 days. Verify how the officer classified your vehicle and the recorded speed. Gather evidence immediately, including vehicle registration, GPS or dashcam data, and photographs of the location. Preserve any electronic logging device records if your vehicle has one. Decide whether to pay, contest, or request traffic school before the deadline passes.
Does CVC 22406 apply to pickup trucks used for business?
It depends on the vehicle configuration. CVC 22406 applies to trucks or truck tractors with three or more axles. A standard pickup truck with two axles, even if used for business, generally does not fall under this code. However, if the pickup is towing a trailer and the combination has three or more axles, it may qualify. Check your vehicle registration and axle count to determine if the citation was properly issued.
Can this violation be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, CVC 22406 citations can be reduced or dismissed based on case-specific factors. Strong defenses include proving your vehicle does not meet the commercial vehicle definition, demonstrating speed measurement errors through calibration records or GPS data, or showing the officer cited the wrong vehicle. The strength of the prosecution's evidence, the accuracy of the speed measurement method, and the quality of your documentation all affect the outcome. Courts may also consider your driving record and whether you hold a CDL.
What facts matter most for fighting this charge?
The most important factors are vehicle classification (whether your vehicle legally qualifies as commercial under the code), accuracy of speed measurement (calibration records, GPS data, dashcam footage), and proper identification (whether the officer cited the correct vehicle). Documentation showing your vehicle's axle count, weight rating, and use at the time of the violation is critical. The officer's training, the speed detection method used, and environmental conditions affecting measurement accuracy also matter significantly.
More FAQs about CVC 22406
Will this ticket affect my CDL or commercial driving job?
Yes, a CVC 22406 conviction affects CDL holders significantly. The violation appears on your FMCSA record and counts toward serious violation thresholds under federal regulations. Many employers require immediate reporting of all traffic violations. Depending on the speed, this may qualify as a serious violation, and accumulating multiple serious violations results in CDL disqualification periods. Insurance costs for commercial drivers typically increase substantially. If your livelihood depends on your CDL, consult a traffic attorney before resolving the ticket.
Can I attend traffic school to avoid the point on my record?
Traffic school eligibility for CVC 22406 depends on your license type and the vehicle you were operating. If you hold a CDL and were driving a commercial vehicle requiring that license, you generally cannot attend traffic school to mask the point. If you were driving a commercial vehicle with a regular Class C license, you may be eligible if you meet standard traffic school requirements (no attendance in the past 18 months, court approval). Contact the court listed on your citation to confirm your specific eligibility.
How do I prove my speed was different from what the officer recorded?
Obtain any electronic records from your vehicle, including GPS devices, electronic logging devices (ELDs), dashcam footage with speed display, or fleet management system data. These records often include timestamps and location data that can be compared to the citation. You can also request calibration and maintenance records for the officer's speed measurement device through discovery. If the officer used pacing, you can challenge the accuracy based on traffic conditions, distance, and duration of observation. Present this evidence through Trial by Written Declaration or at a court hearing.
What happens if I just pay the fine?
Paying the fine is a guilty plea. The conviction goes on your driving record with 1 DMV point that remains for 36 months. Your insurance company will likely increase your rates, potentially costing hundreds or thousands of dollars over three years. If you hold a CDL, the conviction appears on your FMCSA record and may affect your employment. You lose the right to contest the ticket. Before paying, consider whether you have a valid defense and whether the long-term costs exceed the effort of contesting the citation.
What is VC 22406?
VC 22406 is another way California courts and citations may refer to CVC 22406 for Commercial Vehicle Speed. VC means Vehicle Code, while CVC means California Vehicle Code.
Is VC 22406 the same as CVC 22406?
Yes. On California traffic tickets, VC and CVC can refer to the same California Vehicle Code section. VC22406 is the compact version of VC 22406.
Can I fight a VC 22406 ticket?
You may be able to contest it depending on the facts, evidence, and court process. ClerkHero can help eligible California drivers prepare self-help documents for review.
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Official sources
ClerkHero uses official California court and DMV resources where available.
- California Courts Form TR-205
Official Trial by Written Declaration form used for eligible California traffic infractions.
- California DMV: Negligent Operator Treatment System
Official DMV resource explaining point-count thresholds and negligent operator rules.
- Alameda County Traffic Court fee example
- Tuolumne County Traffic Court fee example