Trucking Laws · California · November 6, 2026

CHP Needles Cites Two Semi Truckers on I-40 in One Week for Speeds of 93 and 98 mph Where Trucks Are Limited to 55

By Big Rig Daily Staff

California Highway Patrol's Needles office says two semi truckers were cited in separate stops during the first week of November 2026 for traveling far above the state's commercial speed limit on Interstate 40, according to CDLLife and Pain in the Pass. One stop clocked a commercial vehicle at 93 mph. Another, described by CDLLife from a Nov. 4 CHP statement, caught a semi at 98 mph that was passing other vehicles.

The 55 mph rule

California Vehicle Code section 22406 limits many property-hauling trucks and combinations to 55 mph on every California highway, regardless of a higher posted limit for cars. That includes motortrucks or truck tractors with three or more axles and any motortruck or truck tractor drawing another vehicle, CDLLife notes.

What CHP said

Pain in the Pass reports both drivers were cited for speed. CDLLife says CHP did not provide details on citations or charges in its Nov. 4 statement and said the 98 mph incident was under investigation. Names and fine amounts were not published in the available statements.

CHP encouraged motorists to obey posted limits and said reckless driving puts everyone on the road at risk.

Why it matters to truckers

Most professional drivers already run under the 55 mph commercial limit in trucking laws. A loaded combination near 100 mph leaves little room for reaction time or stopping distance. The sources do not say what fines were issued.

Quick facts

• Corridor: Interstate 40 near Needles, California.
• Speeds reported: 93 mph and 98 mph in separate stops.
• Commercial limit cited: 55 mph under Vehicle Code 22406.
• Names and fine amounts: not published in the available statements.

FAQ

What timing is reported for the CHP Needles I-40 speed stops?

Pain in the Pass describes separate stops during the first week of November, including a Tuesday night stop at 98 mph.

Did CHP name the drivers in the Needles I-40 speed stops?

No. The available statements do not publish names.

Does California's 55 mph commercial limit apply when the posted limit is higher?

For the vehicle types listed in Vehicle Code 22406, CDLLife reports the 55 mph cap applies on every California highway.

A question for readers

Truckers, should California keep leaning on citations like these, or do you want a harder hammer when a loaded semi is doing nearly 100 on I-40?

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