CVC Category
Browse California general traffic violation guides covering traffic-control devices, right-of-way disputes, points, fines, and practical defenses.
Category overview
Some California traffic tickets do not fit into a simple bucket like speeding or red-light enforcement. They involve broader roadway behavior, traffic-control devices, right-of-way issues, or location-specific rules that depend heavily on the officer’s narrative and the scene itself.
This category collects those general traffic violations so drivers can compare the code section, likely point impact, and the kinds of photos, diagrams, and scene details that make written defenses stronger.
General Traffic
California Vehicle Code 21350 requires drivers to obey all official traffic control devices, including signs, signals, markings, and other devices placed by authorized agencies.
General Traffic
CVC 21400 requires drivers to yield the right of way to authorized emergency vehicles displaying lights or sirens. Failure to pull over and stop can result in fines and DMV points.
General Traffic
CVC 21450 requires drivers to stop at red traffic signals and comply with all signal indications at controlled intersections.
General Traffic
CVC 21454 requires drivers and pedestrians to obey pedestrian control signals at intersections and crosswalks. Violations carry a base fine of $35, but total costs can reach $197 to $229 or more after assessments.
General Traffic
CVC 21454(a) prohibits pedestrians from crossing against a "Don't Walk" or flashing hand signal at a controlled intersection.
General Traffic
California Vehicle Code 21461 makes it unlawful to disobey any official traffic control device, including signs, signals, markings, and barriers placed by authorized agencies to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.
General Traffic
CVC 21461(a) makes it illegal to disobey any official traffic sign, signal, or marking placed by a government agency. This includes stop signs, traffic lights, lane markings, turn restrictions, and other regulatory devices.
General Traffic
CVC 21650(a) requires drivers to stay on the right half of the roadway unless passing, turning left, or when road conditions require otherwise. Violating this law can result in a fine and one DMV point on your driving record.
General Traffic
CVC 21703 prohibits following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, considering speed, traffic, and road conditions. This violation is commonly known as tailgating.
General Traffic
CVC 21712(a) prohibits unlawful riding on vehicles or being towed by vehicles on California highways. This includes riding on portions of a vehicle not designed for passengers or being drawn by a vehicle while on a bicycle, skateboard, sled, or similar device.
General Traffic
CVC 21750 governs when and how drivers may legally pass other vehicles on California roadways, primarily requiring passing on the left except in specific situations.
General Traffic
CVC 21800(a) requires drivers to yield the right-of-way at intersections to vehicles that have already entered or are approaching closely enough to constitute an immediate hazard. Violating this code typically results in a fine, one DMV point, and potential insurance increases.
General Traffic
CVC 21801 requires drivers to yield the right of way to vehicles or pedestrians that have lawful priority at intersections, crosswalks, and when making turns.
General Traffic
CVC 21801(a) prohibits a driver from entering or crossing a highway without yielding to traffic close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. This violation typically results in one DMV point and increased insurance rates.
General Traffic
CVC 21802 requires drivers to yield the right of way to vehicles or pedestrians lawfully in an intersection or approaching closely enough to constitute an immediate hazard.
General Traffic
CVC 21803(a) requires drivers approaching a yield sign to slow down and yield the right-of-way to any vehicles or pedestrians in the intersection or approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard. Failing to yield at a yield sign is a moving violation that carries a fine and DMV points.
General Traffic
CVC 21804(a) requires drivers entering a highway from a private road or driveway to yield the right-of-way to all approaching vehicles. Violating this code means you failed to stop or yield before merging onto the highway.
General Traffic
CVC 21950(a) requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. Violating this code means a driver failed to stop and allow a pedestrian to safely cross.
General Traffic
CVC 22100 requires drivers to make turns from the correct lane and prohibits changing lanes during a turn. Violations carry a base fine of $35, 1 DMV point, and can increase insurance rates.
General Traffic
CVC 22100(a) requires drivers to make right turns from as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. Violating this code means you made a right turn from an improper position or lane.
General Traffic
CVC 22101(d) prohibits drivers from disobeying official traffic control devices that restrict or regulate turning movements or lane directions. This violation occurs when a driver turns or uses a lane contrary to posted signs or pavement markings.
General Traffic
CVC 22102 prohibits making an illegal U-turn in a business or residential district where such turns are not permitted by law or signage.
General Traffic
CVC 22103 prohibits making a U-turn in a residential district when another vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet. This violation carries a fine, one DMV point, and potential insurance increases.
General Traffic
CVC 22106 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to approaching traffic before starting a parked vehicle and entering the roadway. Failing to yield before pulling out from a parked position can result in a ticket with fines and DMV points.
Category FAQ
These are usually tickets involving traffic-control devices, right-of-way disputes, parking or standing restrictions, and other roadway rules that do not belong to one narrow enforcement cluster.
Because many of these cases turn on visibility, signs, lane markings, position, and timing. Photos, diagrams, and a careful written explanation often matter as much as the code section itself.
Often yes. When the case depends on documents, photos, and the physical layout of the scene, a Trial by Written Declaration can be a practical option.
Explain the immediate next step, deadlines, and what evidence to gather.
Summarize the main case-specific factors that affect outcomes.
List the details, documents, and officer or court context that strengthen the defense.
