CVC 21658 Lane Usage Violation - What It Means & How to Fight It in CA
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21658
Written by
Violation category
Lane Usage
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
1 point
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 21658?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21658
Common scenarios
- You were merging onto a freeway and slightly crossed the lane line because of heavy traffic, but you signaled and moved safely.
- You swerved briefly to avoid debris or a pothole on the road, causing your tires to cross the lane line.
- You changed lanes to pass a slow vehicle but forgot to signal because you were distracted for a moment.
Key facts
- Lane Discipline is a Safety Rule: CVC 21658 exists to keep cars in their lanes and prevent accidents caused by sudden or unsafe lane changes.
- You Must Signal Every Lane Change: Signaling lets other drivers know your intentions. Not signaling can lead to a ticket under this code.
- Faded or Missing Lane Lines Can Help Your Case: If the lane markings were not clear, you might have a good defense because the law expects clear lane boundaries.
Fine breakdown for CVC 21658
| 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 21658?
CVC 21658 is a California law about how you should drive in your lane. It says you must stay within one lane and not weave or drift across lanes without a good reason. This helps keep everyone safe on the road.
If you got a ticket for this, it means the officer thinks you didn't stay in your lane properly. Maybe you changed lanes without signaling, or you kept drifting between lanes.
Why does this matter?
- Staying in your lane prevents crashes.
- It helps traffic flow smoothly.
- It keeps you and other drivers safe.
What you need to know
- You should only change lanes when it’s safe and legal.
- Use your turn signals every time you switch lanes.
- Don’t swerve or weave between lanes.
If you feel the ticket was unfair, keep reading to learn how you might defend yourself and what to do next.
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 safely changing lanes with proper signaling and the officer misunderstood.
Defense 2
Road conditions forced me to briefly cross lanes to avoid an obstacle or hazard.
Defense 3
The lane markings were unclear or faded, making it hard to tell where the lane boundaries were.
Defense 4
I was merging correctly from an on-ramp or exit, not weaving between lanes.
Defense 5
The officer’s observation was incorrect or biased, and I actually stayed in my lane.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 21658 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 21658
What exactly does CVC 21658 mean?
It means you must drive within your lane and not weave or cross lanes without signaling and a safe reason.
Can I fight this ticket if I only crossed the line a little?
Yes. If you can show you were safe, signaled, or the lane lines were unclear, you might have a good defense.
Will this ticket add points to my driving record?
Yes, this violation usually adds one point, which can affect your insurance and driving record.
What should I do if I want to fight the ticket?
Gather any evidence like photos of the road, witness statements, or dashcam video. Consider asking for a trial or using a service like ClerkHero to help.
Can I just pay the ticket and avoid court?
Yes, but paying means you admit the violation. That can affect your record and insurance. Fighting might be better if you believe you’re not at fault.