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PLACERVILLE, Calif. — This week, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer in Placerville pulled over a three-axle dump truck traveling at 68 mph along Highway 49. Although the posted speed limit on that stretch is 55 mph, California Vehicle Code § 22406 enforces a 55-mph maximum for all vehicles with three or more axles, regardless of signage.
Under the Vehicle Code, this reduced limit applies equally to vehicles towing any trailer—including pickups hauling utility trailers, boat trailers, and RVs—motor trucks or tractor-trailers with three or more axles, and buses or passenger vehicles drawing trailers.
Moreover, the law specifies lane restrictions: such vehicles must stay in the right-hand lane, or the right two lanes on multi-lane highways, except when overtaking or preparing for a left turn.
CHP officials emphasized that these limitations aren’t arbitrary.
“Higher speeds make it significantly harder for heavy or towing vehicles to stop in time, increasing the risk of severe crashes,”
said CHP Placerville’s public-information officer.
“We’re urging everyone to slow down and stay in the correct lane—not just for your safety, but everyone else’s.”
Local motorists reacted with understanding.
“It makes sense—trucks take longer to stop. People behind them need to anticipate,”
said Juan Ramirez, an Elk Grove commuter.
Timeline
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Stop | This week on Highway 49 near Placerville—a three-axle dump truck clocked at 68 mph. |
| Applicable Law | California Vehicle Code § 22406 mandates 55 mph max for affected vehicles statewide, irrespective of posted limits. |
| Lane Requirements | These vehicles must remain in the rightmost lanes unless passing or turning. |
| Safety Rationale | Heavy or towing vehicles have longer stopping distances; speed restrictions reduce serious crash risks. |
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Safety for All Road Users: Heavy vehicles traveling faster than 55 mph pose significant danger to smaller passenger cars that may encounter slower braking or greater underride risk.
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Avoiding Fines & Penalties: Violating § 22406 can result in costly citations and DMV points; repeated infractions may even threaten commercial license status.
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Traffic Flow Efficiency: Proper lane positioning of slow-moving vehicles helps maintain smoother traffic movement and lowers collision rates.
Legal Overview
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Vehicle Code § 22406 prohibits driving specified heavy or towing vehicles above 55 mph on any highway.
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Vehicle Code § 21655 mandates lane use: when no lane is specifically designated, affected vehicles must occupy the far right lane, or the one immediately to its left on wide multi-lane highways Caltrans.
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Vehicle Code § 21654 further stipulates that slower-moving vehicles must remain in right lanes unless passing or turning Caltrans.
