CVC 22400(a) Minimum Speed Ticket: What It Means & How to Fight It
Driving slower than normal traffic flow or impeding traffic
Written by
Violation category
Speeding
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
1 point
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 22400(a)?
Driving slower than normal traffic flow or impeding traffic
Common scenarios
- You were driving 10 mph below the speed limit on the freeway because it was raining heavily and visibility was poor.
- You slowed down behind a slow-moving truck on a two-lane road, causing cars behind you to get frustrated.
- You had a flat tire and had to drive slowly to reach a safe place, but a cop pulled you over for impeding traffic.
Key facts
- The law is about safety and flow: CVC 22400(a) helps keep traffic moving safely by preventing drivers from going too slow and blocking others.
- You can defend yourself if conditions forced you to slow down: If weather, traffic, or car trouble made you drive slower, that’s a valid reason to explain in court.
- The officer must prove you were driving slower than normal traffic: The police need to show that your speed was unreasonably slow compared to other cars on the road.
Fine breakdown for CVC 22400(a)
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $35 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $133 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $168 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
What is CVC 22400(a)?
This law says you can't drive too slowly on a road if it blocks or slows down other cars. The police want traffic to keep moving safely. If you drive much slower than the usual speed, you might get a ticket for "impeding traffic."
Why does this matter?
Driving too slow can cause traffic jams or even accidents. But sometimes, you might have a good reason for driving slower. The law is about keeping traffic flowing smoothly without putting anyone at risk.
What you need to know
- You can't drive so slow that you hold up other cars.
- It's okay to drive slower if the road or weather is dangerous.
- Police will look at whether you were driving slower than normal traffic flow.
If you got this ticket, don’t panic. There are ways to explain your side and possibly fight the ticket.
Defense ideas you can use in your TR-205 packet
Every ticket is different, but these arguments often surface in successful Trial-by-Declaration defenses. ClerkHero tailors the narrative to match your facts and any evidence you upload.
Defense 1
You were driving slower because of bad weather or road conditions (rain, fog, construction).
Defense 2
There was heavy traffic or an accident ahead causing you to slow down safely.
Defense 3
Your vehicle had mechanical problems that made it unsafe to drive faster.
Defense 4
You were following a posted minimum speed limit or instructions from a police officer.
Defense 5
You slowed down to avoid a hazard, like a pedestrian or animal crossing the road.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 22400(a) online
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Step 1
Upload your ticket
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Step 2
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You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
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Frequently asked questions about CVC 22400(a)
Can I get a ticket if I’m just driving under the speed limit?
Not always. You only get a ticket if you’re driving so slow that you block or slow down other cars.
What if I was driving slow because of bad weather?
That’s a good defense. Courts understand it’s safer to drive slower in rain, fog, or other bad conditions.
Can I fight this ticket in court?
Yes. You can explain why you were driving slower and show evidence like photos or witness statements.
Will this ticket add points to my license?
Yes, this violation usually adds points and can affect your insurance, so it’s worth fighting if you have a good reason.
What should I do if I get this ticket?
Read the ticket carefully, consider your reasons for driving slow, and think about contesting it with a defense.