California Towing Speed Limit

On I-5 in California where vehicle speed limit is 70 and truck-trailer speed limit is 55, I will notice the truck-trailers going up to about 65 and not getting pulled over. I normally feel comfortable going about 62 to 65. And many of the cars are going 80 and passing the trucks going 65. The dual speed limits seems to work just fine. :B

My experience towing in Cali is the truckers will haul buns if there are no cops around but do the limit if they're in the area. Let the truckers be your guide.

I feel the 55mph limit in Cali is ridiculous. To me, a 15+mph speed differential is dangerous with one lane doing 55 and the other lane doing 70+. Traffic should flow together, it should blend. Has the 55 limit proven itself to do anything safety related? Here in AZ, the limit is 75 for everyone with most doing 5 over. Does AZ have more safety related issues by allowing towed vehicle to go 20 mph faster than Cali? I haven't found any studies to say one way or the other.

I run around 58 to 60 mph and seldom pass a simi, usually they're passing me;)

It's likely that your TT tires are only rated to 65Mph. Why do you need to go faster than that?

Lauren wrote:
I have never known a speed limit sign being a "suggestion". I think 5 mph leeway is common and maybe 8-9; usually 10 or more means trouble. At 70 pulling a trailer you are passing the 18 wheelers and just asking for a ticket IMHO.

Consistently passing too many 18 wheelers in a row will increase the probability of getting pulled over by a Ca. Bear. In my experience, running 63-65 is ok except when passing 18 wheelers then I may temporarily hit 70 but then back off after passing. I would never drive without my Valentine Radar on, especially at night. My radar will pick up Bears/radar in all 4 directions front/back, left/right. 1 speeding ticket will buy you a Valentine radar unit:)

I don't know its history of being enforced, but I like it. I don't have to be cursed at for going too slow.

I do see weekend warriors blowing by me at 80, can't recall seeing one getting a ticket.

You got lucky...

I have never known a speed limit sign being a "suggestion". I think 5 mph leeway is common and maybe 8-9; usually 10 or more means trouble. At 70 pulling a trailer you are passing the 18 wheelers and just asking for a ticket IMHO.