I'd like some clarity on the California towing speed limit

DSDP Don wrote:
"holstein13".....Where are you headed to in California?

I'm at Golden Shore RV resort then I hope to head to Palm Springs on January 2nd.

Hostein13,

Yep, 55 mph is the speed limit when towing.

I'll arrive in Palm Springs tomorrow......let me know where you are staying and I'll stop by and say hi.

MM.

"holstein13".....Where are you headed to in California?

supercub wrote:
55 in CA when towing.
I was just in AZ and going across on the 8, only speed limit signs I saw said 75mph........does that apply to everyone? I cruised at 60mph.......that's fine for me, but was curious if you could tow at 75mph in AZ? Thanks
Brian

Arizona does not require vehicles towing to travel at a lower speed limit. You can tow at the posted limit.

Although people on here have told of getting tickets for going more than 55 with the toad, I can tell you I have also lived in California all my life and when I have the toad out on the freeway I'm usually doing between 60 and 65 and have never been stopped or even given a second look by CHP. Big rigs are also limited to 55 but try doing 55 in the right lane out on I-5 and you'll get run over. CHP is looking more for safety violations versus simply the speed.

This is pretty handy...http://towingworld.com/towinglaws.cfm

Most signs in the SF Bay area state All Vehicles when towing 55 MPH, or Trucks 3 axles or more 55 MPH.

The California DMV website says the maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph. It also says that you may drive 70 mph where posted. I have found 70 MPH mostly about 20 miles out of a large metro areas and only on the Interstate. JMO

Here is the wording from the CA DMV
"Towing Vehicles, Buses, or Large Trucks

When you tow a vehicle or trailer, or drive a bus or three or more axle truck, you must drive in the right hand lane or in a lane specially marked for slower vehicles. If no lanes are marked and there are four lanes or more in your direction, you may only drive in either of the two lanes closest to the right edge of the road."

A three axle motor home is not considered a truck or bus, so if it is not towing it is not required to follow the regulations for a bus or truck, just like it is not required to stop at weigh stations. As long as they are less than 45', they are considered 'house cars'. However anything over 40' does require an upgraded driver's license.

The towing signs in CA are being updated to specify any vehicle towing anything is restricted to 55 mph.

I am in NM now, but have just spent the last three days travelling through AR, MS, OK, TX and NM. Most of these states have interstate speed limits of 70 or 75 mph, with no towing restrictions. So if you want to get out in the fast lane and run with the big boys (semi trucks) have at it. Personally I keep to my 62-63 mph while towing just like I do on the open roads of CA, where I spend most of my time. ;)

holstein13 wrote:

CKNSLS wrote:
Spent all my life in California before retiring - speed limit is 55mph for you. You need to stay in the right two lanes unless an interchange is coming up.

Thanks for clearing that up. I'm glad I slowed down to the 55 speed limit. I went through about 5 exits in a row with left exits. How far ahead of time is sufficient to get in the left lane?

When I see the fat stripes on the road I move over. Have never had any problems.

azdryheat wrote:

djgarcia wrote:

supercub wrote:
55 in CA when towing.
I was just in AZ and going across on the 8, only speed limit signs I saw said 75mph........does that apply to everyone? I cruised at 60mph.......that's fine for me, but was curious if you could tow at 75mph in AZ? Thanks
Brian

In Ariz. trucks,cars,rv's can drive 75 mph. I stay out of the left lane/fast lane so I don't get run over by 18 wheelers!
In calif. the speed limit is 65mph for cars/4 wheelers. For 18 wheel trucks and RV's it is 55mph. In my experience, you can drive 62-63 mph with an RV and not have to worry about a ticket. CHP's watch for an RV that is frequently passing up trucks.
caution!!!!!!!! My experience is based on using a Valintine Radar detector at all times. I would not drive an RV or Car without a Radar detector. Some people object to using a radar detector for a variety of reasons of which I don't need/want to hear about in a response to this post . Its America, everyone gets to make their own choices or not, just don't complain to the forum when you get your $300 ticket:):):):)

The regular limit in Cally is 70, not 65.

Your right! I made a mistake in quoting 65MPH. It is 70mph as far as I know or the speed limit is what is posted.