At times, it seems I’m the only one going 55 on the Cotati Grade. You too?
With the opening late last year of the third north and southbound lanes on Highway 101 between Petaluma Boulevard North and Rohnert Park Expressway, many drivers have turned the stretch into a speedway, often far exceeding the 55-mph speed limit.
As I cruise in the slow lane doing 55 or so, I’ve been passed by a variety of trucks and cars, from clunkers to expensive, from gas guzzlers to hybrids; a couple of River Rock Casino buses; PG&E pickups; and even a Caltrans pickup! Many are going 70 or faster.
“Left and right, people are just blowing through there,” acknowledged CHP Officer Jon Sloat, the spokesman for the Sonoma County office.
But speeders now do so at their own peril.
The CHP has stepped up patrols and ticketing on the Cotati Grade after a rash of complaints from the public, Sloat said.
Last October, before the extra lanes were opened as part of the highway’s widening project, the CHP issued a total of 391 tickets on 101 between Petaluma Boulevard North and RPX, covering speeding and other violations. In November, that climbed to 486 tickets, then 601 in December and 504 in January, Sloat said.
He said two officers are assigned to patrol that stretch of 101 each shift, although they can get called away to handle calls elsewhere.
Sloat said he expects many drivers to continue to speed over the Cotati Grade “until people get the message. And that message comes from us having to write tickets.”
Because the Cotati Grade is in a construction zone, those tickets aren’t cheap.
According to the Sonoma County court system, if you’re ticketed going 56 to 70 mph on the Cotati Grade, you can expect to pay a total fine of $360. The base fine is $70 — double the usual fine because of the construction zone. But the ultimate fine is much more because of added fees, which increase as the base fine rises. Here are those extra fees for the $360 fine:
–$70 for a state penalty assessment.
–$49 for a county penalty assessment.
–$28 for a DNA penalty assessment.
–$35 for a court facility construction assessment.
–$14 for a state criminal surcharge.
–$14 for an emergency medical services assessment.
–$4 for an emergency medical air transport assessment.
–$40 for court operations.
–$35 for a criminal conviction assessment.
–$1 to help pay for night court.
If you’re going 71 to 80 mph, your ticket will cost a total of $514. The base fine is $105, then there are all of those fees, most of which increase as the base fine does.
If you’re going 81 mph or more, it’s $634. The base fine is $135.
Once you get one of those tickets, 55 mph might not seem so bad.
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J.R.
I’ve been passed many times by people flying along in that 55 mph zone, and have been tailgated and flipped off numerous times. One thing I have noticed is that there are not too many speed limit signs posted along there, not that some people care, but it might help a bit. Glad to see that they’ll be stepping up their efforts.
February 29th, 2012 9:39 pm
Steve
Very silly. While the letter of the law may say it’s a 55mph zone due to “construction” (not that there’s any going on), it’s very hard to believe that 65-70 mph creates dangerous conditions on dry road. Based on the dollar fine amounts mentioned in the article, the CHP has good reason to enfore the underrated speed limit of 55mph – and it’s not for public safety. I notice there’s no mention of accidents being caused on the grade by the “speeding”. And the “rash” of complaints by citizens – if you posted a 65mph sign tomorrow, noone would complain about people doing 65. That is to say, many people will complain about anyone exceeding a speed limit, regardless of whether or not the limit is justified or even sensible. If you passed a law today that said drving a blue car was illegal, tomorrow there would certainly be people complaining about all the evil blue cars on the road – never questioning why a blue car would be illegal in the first place.
Yes, I see those cars who are dilligently doing 55 in the slow lane, I commend such law followers – now if they’ll just get off their cell phones…
55 may be the law – but it is NOT common sense on the Cotati grade. There’s a reason even Cal Trans and PG&E trucks ignore it. Being over-fined for such offenses is nothing new, people are numb to such financial gouging. You can’t legislate common sense away.
February 29th, 2012 9:50 pm
Rick
55 is artificial ridiculously slow speed from Petaluma to the Rohnert park stretch of road. It’s a 3 lane basically straight shot. They might as well make it 35 mph if all they want to do is generate revenue. There not working on it currently so it’s really NOT a construction zone, plus apparently it’s finished enough to have an active diamond lane, for another revenue generating avenue.
February 29th, 2012 9:57 pm
Tim
I travel the Cotati grade every Friday night around midnight, after band rehearsal. It is a raceway for sure. I go 55–an honest 55. I’ve been close to being rear ended by drunks, run off the road and honked at, flipped off and had a lit cigarette tossed at my car. I got pulled over by the CHP for a taillight out, and was given a quick sobriety test. Lucky for me, I don’t drink or use drugs. I have only seen a few cars pulled over by the CHP on the grade during these 2 years of Friday nights. I estimate that 20% of the cars are obviously being piloted by drunk drivers. Please slow down as I’d like to live a while longer.
February 29th, 2012 10:03 pm
Robert McIntosh
Why is the speed limit still 55? It’s just to raise revenue. Also the fine schedule is indicative of what’s wrong with our highway law enforcement–eveyone wants a piece of the action. Figure out what the fine should be, publish it, and cut off all the add-ons. They turn a simple speeding ticket into a life-destroying nightmare.
February 29th, 2012 10:17 pm
C.E.
Recently, 2 CHPs have passed me going about 80. With no lights on. And changing lanes multiple times without using turn signals. So THAT is OK??
February 29th, 2012 10:26 pm
Gabe
“A rash of complaints by the public”
Catering to the lowest common denominator
February 29th, 2012 11:05 pm
anon
why don’t CHP ticket slow drivers? For instance, in a 65 MPH zone when someone is driving 55MPH in the PASSING lane, isn’t that just as a hazard as someone speeding at 72mph, yet no CHP ever does anything about slow drivers in passing lanes, even though it is the law to pass on the left, and travel on the right. I have been stuck behind people going 60mph in the left and traffic steadying at 55mph in the right, basically creating a blockage, and the car in the passing lane has no intention of speeding up and passing, why is that not an offense as well?
To comment on the Cotati Grade, if the speed limit says 55mph, that’s what drivers should drive at +/- 5mph. – Just like 65mph – you go 60-70
February 29th, 2012 11:10 pm
Josh
I drive this stretch to commute to work quite frequently, and I am always tailgated at 55. I get passed by big rigs about 70% of the time (while doing 55 in the far right lane.)
A few weeks ago I was riding shotgun, my friend was doing 70ish, give or take, and HE was being tailgated and passed.
Speeding is a big problem on the grade, although I do agree that it should not be considered an active construction zone. The HOV lane is finished, I never see crews anywhere beyond the Cotati 116 exit.
February 29th, 2012 11:28 pm
Stephen
I drive the grade 5 days a week and there is no reason to have a 55 limit. I am one of those drivers going 70 and I have never even come close to killing anyone. I have gotten a ticket for 72 and the officer was kind enough not to include the construction zone upgrade, thank you very much. That was a bit expensive but I just look at it like I’m helping out the state in these economically challenging times. They should just post a 65 and be done with it then they could go back to the + 10 rule and 70 would be OK. Imagine what it will be like when the put the final paving on it. People are going to fly.
March 1st, 2012 12:44 am
Rich Spediacci
I would like to know what will happen to the two “off duty” San Rafael motorcycle cops that drive to work early in the AM, driving speeds of 70mph commuting to work, NOT on duty??
That is just not right!
March 1st, 2012 3:29 am
bob asbra
If the CHP really wants to generate high revenue they should pay more attention the the car pool lane. I would bet that during the restricted hours of use that better than 25% of those that use that lane are single occupant drivers. With the high fine for this infraction it could easily exceed speeding tickets. Keeping the 55 mph in this area is ridiculous. If you open up 3 lanes for traffic with no construction present what do you expect?
March 1st, 2012 4:51 am
Bob D
Great! Why is “generating revenue” the acceptable complaint when law enforcement does its job? What is wrong with public agencies “generating revenue”? I love seeing law enforcement taking steps to balance their own budgets without seeking more public financing and higher taxes. In fact, I would like to see our cities hire officers specifically tasked with writing tickets and “generating revenue”.
March 1st, 2012 5:41 am
mary
Sonoma County is the outskirts of L.A..
March 1st, 2012 6:26 am
gweedore
Cash Cow! The golden Goose !
But where is all the money going?
accountabilty?
1500 tickets in 3 months averaging $500 = $750,000
This has nothing to do with public safety…..
March 1st, 2012 7:01 am
JEFF FERDINANDSON
Whats the big hurry. Chill out for a bit. It sure can’t hurt that bad to stop racing once in a while!
March 1st, 2012 7:30 am
Miguel
Stop complaining about people going 70 on a 3 lane FREEWAY! It’s not a construction zone; there’s no work being done! All it amounts to is a tax collection device. If you want to go slow get off the freeway and stay on the side roads.
March 1st, 2012 7:34 am
Average Joe
The real problem is that the construction zone is not a active construction zone. When was the last time you saw someone there? I’m not sure if they are done or what.
I can respect those who follow the letter of the law just because its there but come on folks it is about time to return the speed limit or finish whatever is missing.
P.s. hint to all of you 55mph’ers, USE the SLOW lane. You can live in your world of rule following and not cause issues for the interpretive crowd.
March 1st, 2012 8:12 am
Dave
Any of you speed freaks noticed the surface is uneven and not finished.How many will complain when there is a major accident and your delayed getting to your destination?. Take your cars to Infinity Raceway if you want to be “Boy racers”. Better still learn to drive before speeding. I will cheerfully give you a “toot” if I see you pulled over.
March 1st, 2012 8:22 am
julie
I go over the grade a lot — day and night. Although I cruise at 60, I’ve been passed way too much by people who don’t seem to care about any limits; the other day 2-3 cars were racing in and out of heavy traffic for ego purposes. Traffic through this stretch is really unpredictable and can stop without notice so heads up everyone – and yes, ticket the “excessive” speeders AND people who aggressively tailgate please! Tailgaters put everyone in danger.
March 1st, 2012 8:45 am
Ziggy
Well the comments are certainly not reflecting a “rash of complaints from the public” It seems the CHP is using that as justification to bring in a little more revenue. Funny how it’s always said to be a saftey issue yet there was no mention of accidents related to these supposidly unruly speeders.
March 1st, 2012 10:41 am
Sheri
How is this stretch of highway not a speedtrap? I drive it every day. It is three full-size lanes with a generous shoulder and NO construction for MONTHS, all the way to RP Expressway. So the important question here is why is the speed limit still 55mph?
Today, I endeavored to drive 55 and stayed in the slow lane, and even there, I was obstructing traffic rather than going with the flow of it. That is dangerous. This is a set up for failure and needs to be addressed, not with ticketing, but by adjusting the speed limit.
March 1st, 2012 10:43 am
A.V.
Seriously? A speed trap on the only major thoroughfare through the county? This is one way to generate extra funds for a cash-strapped local government with too many paper-pushers getting generous union benefits and obscene pensions. But this will also generate lots of frustration and rage for the taxpaying workers who need to commute just to feed their families. Very poor idea. This is not about safety…. this is about punishing those who are already struggling just to get by.
March 1st, 2012 10:51 am
Danny
Just who is “racing”. I’m disturbed that people continue to characterize it as “racing” when most folks are just going with the flow of traffic. Yes, some drive faster than the flow, some drive slower. Slower traffic please keep right. Why is it that most of the time traffic is stacked in the #1 and #2 lanes while the #3 lane (slow lane) is deserted? Simple courtesy to move to the #2 and #3 lane if you’re moving slower than the flow. Just like holding the door open for elderly, just like saying thank you….courtesy…move over please and continue having a nice day.
March 1st, 2012 11:27 am
Cash cow
WHAT construction other than building sound walls for the rich areas of town, the rest looks open and done!
March 1st, 2012 12:03 pm
Capttan Kona
The speed limit should only be 55 MPH during active construction. When there is not a single construction vehicle or any construction personnel the speed limit should revert to 65 MPH.
March 1st, 2012 12:07 pm
Capttan Kona
As for all the FEES, they violate the Constitution, period. The base fine is $70, which is reasonable, all the other fees make it a $360 fine, which is excessive in violation of the Constitution, the Eighth Amendment states that “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed.” The amount of $360 is excessive.
March 1st, 2012 12:10 pm
wango fango
If the speed limit was 65, then the idiots would drive 80 and say the speed limit should be 75. These are the drivers who had the same arguments when the limit was 65 and the old pavement northbound was covered with skid marks showing where those 65 mph drivers slammed on the brakes when they hit the commute slowdown. Now and then a rollover thrown in for good measure. Keeping up with the flow of traffic is a legitimate concept, but it can also be used to justify plain old speeding; the drivers going 90 on I5 “keeping up with the traffic flow” for example. The drivers going 70 on the grade “keeping up with the traffic flow” for another example. The incorrect driving habit of some–to go 55 in the “fast” lane does NOT justify a 70 mph speed limit, though. Two issues.
March 1st, 2012 1:18 pm
noname
wrong, time after time studies show that raising or lowering the posted speed limit doesn’t affect the speed that the majority of people drive at. surprise! they drive at a speed they feel is safe.
perfect case in point, a stretch of highway is 65 mph (already 10 mph below design limit – look it up) for years and years, the limit is lowered to 55, people continue to drive at the same speed as before.
fact is our highways were designed for 75 mph. in some parts of europe speed limits are 80 mph (no not the autobahn). I’ll let you do the math as to $$why$$ our speed limits $$$ are set $$$artificially low$$$$.
March 1st, 2012 3:55 pm
raintoday
Wow – I drive that stretch 3-4 late nights (NOC shift worker) per week – usually do about 62 (cruise control) mph – but the item that got my attention was the “DNA penalty assessment” – what ?? They’re scraping my cheek if I speed ?? Not likely …
March 1st, 2012 7:31 pm
richard
The CHP does not enforce the traffic laws for revenue. Traffic fines go into each of the Counties general funds. There is no money from traffic fines that makes it into the CHP. The CHP enforces the traffic laws primarily for safety, which includes moving violations; speeding, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, reckless driving, DUI, etc. Mechanical violations are also a safety issue, but not considered a moving violation. Regitration fees are enforced to help fund DMV and other agencies, CAL-TRANS and CHP to help maintain the highways. The general mentality of the CHP is that they issue citations because the violations are there. Its like shooting fish in a barrel. Over 90% of all drivers have done something wrong to warrant a ticket. In general nice and smart people tend to change when they get in a car.
March 2nd, 2012 3:52 am
Carol B.
I don’t understand why it is 55mph through there anyway. I did read noname’s comment and honestly that is the only thing that makes sense, having to drive that way everyday.
Oh a message to the rest of you commuters, if you driving solo, would you please go the speed limit BEFORE you get to this stupid area? Why do you have to drive like a ninnies? Ugh!!!
March 2nd, 2012 9:07 am
Sonoma Sam
It will someday change to a realistic 65, but until then I stay at 64 or below. More than 10 over posted and you will get a ticket. The “car-pool” are a total waste.
Personally, I think the diamond lane should be for cars with Z rated tires or above and no limits. I would feel comfortable driving this at about 115 if everyone would get out of the way and it were legal.
BTW, does the End 45 sign on W116 really mean what I think it does? I recall driving into Germany from Belguim and it was like that.
March 3rd, 2012 9:58 am
kelly smith
It has nothing to do with the speed limit posted. It is the almighty attitude my rules my ways no one else exists but me attitude. I recently drove to Montana and back and if the speed limit was 70 they were doing 85-90mph.If it was 35 on curves they drove 50-60mph. The speed limit means very little to a society of “that does not apply to me” people!
March 3rd, 2012 11:37 am
wango fango
“The general mentality of the CHP is that they issue citations because the violations are there. Its like shooting fish in a barrel. Over 90% of all drivers have done something wrong to warrant a ticket. In general nice and smart people tend to change when they get in a car.”
Yes, but when you get a ticket for a mistake YOU made, then it’s easier for you to COMPLAIN that the CHP is unreasonable, out to get you and just after the $$$, instead of thinking, “well, if I followed the driving limits, I wouldn’t get stopped and the highway would be safer.” duhhhhhh
March 3rd, 2012 2:29 pm
Pepper K
Cal Trans has authority to designate the Cotati Grade as a construction zone. This is done for safety reasons during construction, both for the travelling public and the construction workers. That is the same reason the ticket cost is higher: it is usually double the cost in a construction zone to help make the point to drivers that high speeds are too dangerous during construction.
When a construction project is complete enough to be put into use, it is usually still not done. There are QA and contract review punch list items to be completed, and some construction items require a waiting period to be completed and accepted by the contracting agency. Some items can take a year or more.
So as not to confuse the driving public, the construction zone designation will not be removed until all the final construction items are completed and accepted even though there may a long waiting period of seeming inactivity.
The travelling public can contact their local government officials with their concerns about the Cotati Grade construction zone. The public officials can contact Cal Trans and the Project Engineer to see what, if anything, can be done to speed up the closing of the project and removal of the construction zone designation.
March 3rd, 2012 6:15 pm
Jimbo
I, too, drive the Meachum (Cotati) grade every work day. I am in the far right hand lane doing 60. I figure why not split the difference of 55-65? What I do see every morning is all these other vehicles speeding faster than 65 mph. The time is 5:10 AM when I am on the grade. The only law enforcement person I see is a motor patrolman on his bike hauling a– up the grade in the far left lane heading to work I’m sure. No other law enforcement vehicles anywhere. Same way in Novato. 55 mph in the work zone. Only problem is there is no work going on.
March 10th, 2012 11:34 am
Brian
I have been driving to S.F. everyday for the last twenty years and the posted speed limit of 55 at the cotati is supposed to protect the workers. I have not seen any work done in the last two months or any workers. This work should have been completed a year ago. The new roadway reminds me of driving in Oakland with alot of low and high spots that hold water. Up and down. In this day and age with the use of lazers no roadway should hold any water for any period of time. The merge from 3 lanes to 2 in Petaluma is also hazardous. Can we get our money back?
March 15th, 2012 6:29 am
Speed Limits outdated?
Speed limits haven’t changed a whole lot, but, cars on the other hand, have changed substantially. The majority of modern cars are easily capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph, and, with newer technology, are capable of coming to a complete stop in much shorter distances.
Recent studies have found that more than 2/3 of motorway drivers travel at speeds in excess of the current 65 mph limit. Contrary to the explicit warning found in the highway code, many drivers are finding that traveling at speeds in excess of 65 mph on the motorway rarely leads to a penalty. Are there simply not enough patrols, or are speeds of above 70 mph now the inevitable?
The problem is, many American drivers either don’t know or don’t care about their own traffic laws, and American police are more concerned about passing out petty speeding tickets than chasing down truly reckless drivers (BIG HINT: speed does NOT equal recklessness. Being a stupid driver and not even knowing what the different lanes are for is far more reckless.
March 19th, 2012 10:55 am
stephen
That’s probably because 55mph through there is way too slow.
April 23rd, 2012 5:27 pm