California Vehicle Codes
Instantly search the most common traffic violations, review fines and DMV points, and jump into ClerkHero’s step-by-step guidance for winning a Trial by Written Declaration.
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General Traffic
Broad California traffic-control and roadway-behavior violations that do not fit neatly into one narrow citation cluster.
86 pages
Registration & Tags
Registration, tabs, stickers, and vehicle paperwork violations that are often fixable with DMV proof and fast follow-through.
28 pages
Vehicle Equipment
Vehicle equipment and lighting violations, including fix-it tickets for lamps, plates, and other correctable safety issues.
24 pages
Speeding
California speeding laws, maximum speed limits, and practical defenses for the most common speeding citations.
17 pages
Lane Usage
Lane-position, lane-usage, and merge-related violations where roadway layout, visibility, and officer angle often matter.
14 pages
Phone & Distraction
Cell phone and distracted-driving violations, including handheld-device rules, officer observation issues, and common proof problems.
4 pages
Red Light
Red-light and signal-related violations, including camera tickets, officer-issued citations, and intersection defense strategies.
4 pages
Stop Sign
Stop-sign violations, rolling-stop disputes, and the evidence drivers need when contesting CVC 22450 tickets.
3 pages
General Traffic
CVC 12500 prohibits driving without a valid California driver's license. This is a misdemeanor offense that can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and potential criminal charges.
Registration & Tags
CVC 12500(a) makes it illegal to drive a motor vehicle in California without a valid driver's license. This includes never having a license, driving with an expired license, or driving without the proper class of license for your vehicle.
General Traffic
CVC 12501 requires a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate a commercial vehicle in California. Driving a commercial vehicle without the proper license class is a violation that can result in fines and potential license consequences.
General Traffic
CVC 12502 requires a valid motorcycle license or endorsement to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle on California public roads.
General Traffic
CVC 12814 is cited when a driver under 18 violates the restrictions placed on their California provisional driver's license, such as driving during prohibited hours or carrying unauthorized passengers.
General Traffic
CVC 12814.6 is a violation for breaking the restrictions that apply to drivers under 18 who hold a provisional license in California.
General Traffic
CVC 12951 is a citation for driving without physically carrying your valid California driver's license. It is a correctable violation that typically does not add DMV points.
General Traffic
CVC 12951(a) requires drivers to carry a valid driver's license while operating a vehicle. If you are stopped and cannot produce your license, you may receive this citation even if you hold a valid license.
General Traffic
CVC 12952 requires drivers to present a valid driver's license to a peace officer upon lawful demand. Failure to do so can result in a citation.
General Traffic
California Vehicle Code 13000 makes it unlawful to provide false or fraudulent information when applying for a driver's license, permit, or identification card.
General Traffic
CVC 13004 requires drivers to carry a valid physical driver's license while operating a vehicle in California. Failing to have your license with you during a traffic stop can result in a citation.
General Traffic
CVC 13004(a) makes it unlawful to knowingly make a false statement or conceal a material fact on a driver license application or related DMV document.
General Traffic
CVC 14300 makes it unlawful to drive when your California driver's license has been canceled by the DMV. This is a serious violation that can result in fines, potential criminal charges, and insurance consequences.
General Traffic
CVC 14600 makes it illegal to drive in California when your license is suspended or revoked. This is a misdemeanor offense that can result in fines, additional license suspension, and possible jail time.
General Traffic
CVC 14601 makes it illegal to drive in California when your license is suspended or revoked. This is a serious offense that can result in criminal charges, additional license suspension, fines, and possible jail time.
Registration & Tags
CVC 14601.1(a) makes it illegal to drive a motor vehicle in California when your license is suspended or revoked. This is a misdemeanor offense with serious penalties including fines, jail time, and additional license suspension.
General Traffic
CVC 14601.2(a) makes it illegal to drive in California when your license has been suspended or revoked due to a DUI conviction or administrative action.
General Traffic
CVC 14601.3(a) makes it illegal to drive after being designated a habitual traffic offender by the California DMV, typically due to multiple serious violations within a specific time period.
General Traffic
California Vehicle Code 14602 makes it illegal to drive when your license has been revoked by the DMV, typically due to serious violations, unpaid fines, or insurance lapses.
General Traffic
CVC 16020 is cited when a driver fails to provide proof of insurance or financial responsibility when requested by law enforcement in California.
General Traffic
CVC 16020(a) requires all California drivers to maintain proof of financial responsibility (typically auto insurance) while operating a vehicle on public roads.
General Traffic
CVC 16028 is a citation for failing to provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance) when stopped by law enforcement in California.
Registration & Tags
CVC 16028(a) requires drivers to provide proof of insurance when requested by law enforcement. Failure to show proof results in a citation, even if you have valid insurance.
General Traffic
CVC 16029 requires California drivers to provide proof of valid automobile insurance when requested by law enforcement. Failure to show proof can result in fines and penalties.
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