CVC 16028 California Ticket: Proof of Insurance Explained & How to Fight It
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 16028
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
0 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 16028?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 16028
Common scenarios
- You were pulled over and your insurance card was in your other bag at home. You actually had insurance, but just didn’t have the card with you.
- Your insurance company sent your new proof of insurance by mail, but it hadn’t arrived yet when you got stopped.
- You recently switched insurance providers and had continuous coverage, but the officer didn’t see your new proof yet.
Key facts
- Proof of Insurance is Required by Law: California law says every driver must carry proof of financial responsibility (insurance) while driving.
- You Can Fix This Ticket by Showing Proof: If you had insurance on the day you were stopped, showing your insurance documents can help dismiss the ticket.
- Not Having Proof Doesn’t Always Mean No Insurance: Sometimes people have insurance but just don’t have the card with them. This is a common defense.
Fine breakdown for CVC 16028
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $35 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $133 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $168 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
What is CVC 16028?
If you got a ticket for CVC 16028, it means the officer says you didn’t show proof that your car is insured. California law requires every driver to have insurance or another way to pay for damages if you cause a crash.
Why does this matter?
Showing proof of insurance helps keep everyone safe. It means if something happens, you can cover the costs for damage or injuries.
What counts as proof?
- Your insurance card (paper or electronic)
- A valid insurance policy document
- Other official proof accepted by the DMV
If you didn’t have this proof ready when stopped, you might get this ticket.
But don’t worry! There are ways to handle this, especially if you actually had insurance but just didn’t have the papers with you.
What to do next?
- Check if your insurance was active on the ticket date.
- Find your insurance documents or get a copy from your insurer.
- Respond to the ticket by showing proof or explaining your situation.
Keep reading for common defenses, examples, and answers to your questions.
Defense ideas you can use in your TR-205 packet
Every ticket is different, but these arguments often surface in successful Trial-by-Declaration defenses. ClerkHero tailors the narrative to match your facts and any evidence you upload.
Defense 1
You had valid insurance on the date of the stop but didn’t have proof with you.
Defense 2
Your insurance company can confirm your coverage if the paperwork was lost or delayed.
Defense 3
You were in the process of renewing or switching insurance and had continuous coverage.
Defense 4
The officer made a mistake and you actually showed proof at the time.
Defense 5
You were driving a vehicle that was exempt or not required to be insured (rare cases).
We can help fight your ticket CVC 16028 online
ClerkHero builds your entire TR-205 defense packet automatically. No lawyer. No court visit. No confusing forms. Just upload your ticket and we handle the rest.
Step 1
Upload your ticket
We extract all violation details using hybrid OCR and AI. Works for handwritten, camera, and printed citations.
Step 2
We generate your defense
You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
Sign, mail, and track
You receive a complete filing packet with step-by-step instructions. Never miss a deadline again.
Frequently asked questions about CVC 16028
What happens if I don’t have insurance at all?
If you didn’t have insurance when stopped, the penalties can be more serious, including fines and possible license suspension.
Can I show electronic proof of insurance on my phone?
Yes! California accepts electronic proof as long as it clearly shows your coverage details.
How soon do I need to respond to this ticket?
You usually have 30 days from the ticket date to respond. Check your ticket for the exact deadline.
Will this ticket affect my insurance rates?
It might. Insurance companies can raise rates if you get tickets related to insurance violations.
Can I fight this ticket if I didn’t have proof but had insurance?
Yes. Showing your insurance documents and explaining the situation can help you win your case.