CVC 21650 California Ticket: Driving on the Right Side of the Road Explained
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21650
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
1 point
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 21650?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21650
Common scenarios
- You swerved briefly to the left side to avoid a pothole or debris and returned immediately to the right side.
- You crossed the center line to pass a slow vehicle on a two-lane road where passing is allowed.
- You were preparing to make a left turn at an intersection and briefly drove on the left side before turning.
Key facts
- You must drive on the right side: California law requires drivers to stay on the right half of the roadway, except when passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards.
- Crossing the center line isn’t always illegal: It’s okay to cross the center line if you’re passing another vehicle safely or making a legal turn.
- The officer must prove you were on the wrong side: To uphold the ticket, the officer needs clear evidence that you drove on the left side without a legal reason.
Fine breakdown for CVC 21650
| 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 21650?
CVC 21650 says you must drive on the right side of the road in California. This means when you’re on a two-way street, you should stay on the right side of the yellow line or center divider. It helps keep traffic safe and flowing smoothly.
If you got a ticket for this, it means the officer thinks you were driving on the left side without a good reason.
Why does this matter?
Driving on the wrong side can cause accidents because other drivers don’t expect it. But sometimes, there are good reasons for crossing over, like avoiding a hazard or turning left.
What you need to know
- Always keep right unless you’re passing, turning left, or avoiding danger.
- If you cross the center line, it must be safe and legal.
- The officer must have seen you driving on the left side without a valid reason.
If you feel the ticket isn’t fair, you can fight it. Keep reading to learn how.
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
I was making a legal left turn or U-turn.
Defense 2
I crossed the center line to avoid a hazard or obstruction on the road.
Defense 3
The road was marked for two-way left turns, allowing crossing the center line.
Defense 4
I was passing a slow or stopped vehicle safely and legally.
Defense 5
The officer’s observation was mistaken or unclear about which side I was driving on.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 21650 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 21650
Can I get a ticket if I briefly cross the center line to avoid something?
Usually, no. If you cross the center line safely to avoid a hazard or obstruction, that’s allowed. But the officer must see it was necessary and safe.
What if I was turning left and got this ticket?
Turning left often requires crossing the center line. If your turn was legal and safe, you can explain this as a defense.
Is this ticket considered a moving violation?
Yes, CVC 21650 is a moving violation, which can affect your driving record and insurance.
How can I fight this ticket if I think it’s wrong?
You can write a defense letter explaining your side, gather any evidence like photos or witness statements, and possibly attend court to explain your case.
Will this ticket add points to my license?
Yes, this violation usually adds one point to your driving record.