DSDP Don wrote:
First, the towing limit is 55mph, but like any speed limit, it's fudged a little to keep traffic flowing. CHP will not write you a cite as long as you keep it under 62-63 mph, unless you're on an old two lane road or in a construction area that is posted 55mph. They REALLY don't want someone doing 55 on a California freeway/highway and gumming up the traffic.
Typically, if you pick your speed up a little, you don't have to worry about turnouts. The ONLY time I use a turn out is on a grade where the road is two lanes and I'm holding up traffic. Of all the roads we travel in California, the only one that I ever pull over on is Highway 41 into Yosemite, just before Oakhurst. Even then, it's rarely an issue.
The issue is really more about winding roads than straight roads. 55 mph is really too fast for some of the curves and inclines on the 101 north of L.A. Cars pile up pretty quickly. I do my best to keep up but won't sacrifice safety. I will have driven almost the entire length of the 101 from LA to Oregon by next week.
