Is It Illegal to Drive Under the Speed Limit

By Joshua Glotzer in Car Accident on August 15, 2025

Driving through Burbank, California, whether on quiet neighborhood streets or major city arteries, raises a common question: Is it illegal to drive under the speed limit? This concern often arises after someone is ticketed or following a car accident involving a driver going unusually slow. At Glotzer & Leib, we have seen how confusion over slow-driving laws can complicate personal injury cases, especially when someone’s intention to drive cautiously ends up causing disruption or harm.

Driving under the speed limit is not automatically a violation in California, but operating a vehicle so slowly that it disrupts the regular movement of traffic can be. California Vehicle Code 22400 outlines this issue, stating that it’s unlawful to travel at a speed that hinders traffic unless required for safety, terrain, or by law.

California Law on Driving Too Slowly

While most drivers worry about speeding, California law also addresses the other extreme: going too slow. California Vehicle Code Section 22400 makes it illegal to drive at a speed that impedes traffic, unless it’s necessary for safety or required by law.

This rule doesn’t mean you must match the posted speed limit precisely at all times, but it does mean that moving too slowly, especially when it disrupts the natural flow, could lead to enforcement actions.

Understanding California’s Basic Speed Law

California’s Basic Speed Law says you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, but it also implies that driving too slowly for those same conditions can be dangerous. For example, on a sunny day with clear roads, driving 20 miles per hour in a 40-mph zone could frustrate other drivers and create hazards.

Speed limits are often dictated by conditions, not just posted signs. According to the California Manual for Setting Speed Limits, statutory speed limits established by the state legislature, such as 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways and 65 mph on all other roadways, are legally enforceable even if no speed limit sign is posted.

It is illegal to drive under the speed limit, depending on whether driving that slowly creates a safety issue, especially in situations where your speed affects the normal flow of traffic.

How Much Below the Speed Limit Can You Legally Drive in California?

There’s no exact number that makes driving too slow illegal, but the law focuses on whether your speed impedes regular traffic. Driving 10 mph under the limit with several vehicles unable to pass could still be cited, though slower speeds may be fine in poor weather or heavy congestion.

Speed Limits in California Residential Zones

Under California law, residential and business district speed limits generally default to 25 mph. However, a local authority may raise the speed limit above 25 mph in such areas—excluding state highways—if justified by an Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS), in accordance with the California Manual on Setting Speed Limits

In neighborhoods where kids play and street parking is common, slower speeds may make sense. But even here, going 10 or 15 mph when conditions are normal could raise concerns about impeding traffic.

What Does “Impeding Traffic” Mean in California?

Impeding traffic means moving at a speed that disrupts the normal and reasonable flow of vehicles. This is especially important on one-lane roads, where driving too slowly can lead to traffic delays or force others to pass in unsafe conditions.

At Glotzer & Leib, LLP, we believe every injury victim deserves experienced, dedicated representation, without being treated like just another case. With decades of experience and a track record of seven-figure results, we take on powerful insurance companies and fight for those whose lives have been disrupted by serious motor vehicle accident, a workplace injury, or any type of personal injury claim. You’re not just a case to us, you’re our priority.

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Legal Consequences of Driving Too Far Below the Speed Limit

Tickets for impeding traffic carry fines and could impact your driving record. More importantly, driving too slowly could also be used as evidence in a personal injury claim if another driver is forced into a dangerous situation and crashes.

Imagine this: you’re going 20 mph in a 40-mph zone on a clear day, and a driver behind you tries to pass but ends up sideswiping another vehicle. In that scenario, your slow speed could be considered a contributing factor to the crash, even if you didn’t break a posted limit.

In legal conversations following a crash, one of the key questions that often emerges is: Is it illegal to drive under the speed limit, and how might that behavior have influenced the chain of events?

Can You Be Ticketed for Driving Too Slowly in California?

Driving too slowly could lead to a citation if it’s seen as disrupting the flow of traffic. Officers typically consider traffic conditions and safety factors when making that determination.

What Steps to Take If You Receive a Slow Driving Citation

Review the citation carefully and consider any details, like road conditions or nearby hazards, that might justify your speed. Since these tickets can affect insurance and be used in civil claims, it’s important to handle them with care.

When Driving Below the Speed Limit Is Acceptable

There are situations where slower speeds are not only legal but also encouraged. Examples include:

• Navigating steep or winding hills in urban or suburban areas
• Driving through heavy rain or fog
• Following closely behind a cyclist or pedestrian
• Approaching school zones during pickup hours

You are well within your rights as long as your reduced speed is appropriate for conditions and not arbitrary.

Tips for Driving Safely Without Slowing Down Traffic

• Check your mirrors frequently: If a line of cars builds up behind you, find a safe place to pull over.
• Avoid the left lane on highways unless passing.
• Use hazard lights only when necessary. Don’t use them as a reason to drive excessively slowly.
• Match your speed to traffic flow whenever it’s safe to do so.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights

Slow driving doesn’t just raise traffic concerns; it can affect your liability in a crash. Personal injury claims sometimes revolve around whether a driver’s speed played a role, and the question often arises: Is it illegal to drive under the speed limit in these situations? At Glotzer & Leib, we understand how California traffic laws apply when low speeds factor into accidents.

Contact us today at 747-241-8288 or visit us at 1023 N Hollywood Way Suite 202, Burbank, CA 91505, and let us help you take the next step.