California Vehicle Code § 22362
Road construction is one thing every driver can agree on – no one likes to deal with it.
Unfortunately, it’s the only way to keep the roads we drive on in decent shape, so deal with it we must.
One aspect to road construction that drivers often find frustrating is the reduced speed limits in construction areas. Reduced speed limits can also be put into effect when some type of work is being completed on the shoulder of the road or close to the road.
As inconvenient as this may be for drivers, those reduced speed limits are there for the protection of motorists as well as for the men and women who are on those work crews.
Speeding Laws are Here to Protect the Public
Picture this…..
It’s a nice sunny day, and you’re taking a leisurely drive along a California highway, just minding your own business and enjoying the day.
Or you’re rushing to a job interview, making your way to the grocery store, or out running errands. You’re moving right along when you see it – the dreaded “Road Construction Ahead” sign. You know that your imminent arrival is going to be delayed.
All you can do is take a deep breath, maybe mutter a few choice phrases under your breath – or just blurt them out – and slow down.
If you don’t slow down to the posted speed it’s very likely that you’ll likely end up as the recipient of a California traffic ticked issued under Vehicle Code 22362.
Even if you do slow down, you might still receive a ticket.
CVC 22362 is a code that’s taken quite seriously because of the danger drivers and work crews can be exposed to when violated.
CVC 22362 states:
It is prima facie a violation of the basic speed law for any person to operate a vehicle in excess of the posted speed limit upon any portion of a highway where officers or employees of the agency having jurisdiction of the same, or any contractor of the agency or his employees, are at work on the roadway or within the right-of-way so close thereto as to be endangered by passing traffic.
This section applies only when appropriate signs, indicating the limits of the restricted zone, and the speed limit applicable therein, are placed by such agency within 400 feet of each end of such zone.
Use of the term “prima facie” leads many people who receive these types of California traffic tickets to believe that the charge is indisputable and there’s no way they can win if they choose to fight the ticket.
However, with prima facie speeding violations, just like all violations, you are innocent until proven guilty. The officer’s allegations can be challenged and he or she would be required to demonstrate proof of your guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Due to the serious nature of these violations, traffic fines are doubled in construction zones and these violations would also add a point to the violator’s driving record.
If you’ve been issued a citation for violating CVC 22362, reach out to our team to learn more about your options. You can also take advantage of our free ticket review.