CVC 21802(a) Ticket: Failure to Yield at Uncontrolled Intersection Explained
Failure to yield right-of-way at uncontrolled intersection
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 21802(a)?
Failure to yield right-of-way at uncontrolled intersection
Common scenarios
- You approached a four-way intersection with no stop signs. A car was coming from your right, but you thought they would stop. You entered the intersection first, and the officer said you failed to yield.
- You stopped at an intersection and waited for a car on your left to pass. Suddenly, a car from the right quickly entered the intersection, and the officer said you didn’t yield to them.
- You were driving on a quiet residential street with no signs at the intersection. You slowed down and looked both ways, but the officer said you didn’t yield the right-of-way.
Key facts
- Uncontrolled means no signs or signals: If there are no stop signs, yield signs, or traffic lights, the intersection is uncontrolled. You must be extra careful and yield as needed.
- Yield to the right: At uncontrolled intersections, you generally must yield to vehicles coming from your right side.
- Safety first: Even if you think you have the right-of-way, always slow down and be ready to stop to avoid accidents.
Fine breakdown for CVC 21802(a)
| 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 21802(a)?
This law says you must yield the right-of-way when you come to an intersection that doesn’t have any stop signs or traffic lights. That means you need to slow down or stop if another car is already there or is closer to the intersection.
Why did I get this ticket?
If the officer thinks you didn’t let another driver go first when you should have, they can give you this ticket. It’s about keeping everyone safe and avoiding crashes.
What should you know?
- An uncontrolled intersection is where there are no signs or signals telling anyone to stop or yield.
- You must watch carefully and let cars on your right or cars already in the intersection go first.
- Even if you think you can go, you need to be cautious and polite on the road.
How to handle this ticket?
Don’t panic. This ticket is common, and there are ways to explain your side or even fight it if you have a good reason. Keep reading to learn more about your options and what might work best for you.
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 already in the intersection before the other car arrived.
Defense 2
The other driver failed to yield to me first.
Defense 3
The intersection was not truly uncontrolled because there was a stop sign or signal I followed.
Defense 4
I slowed down and was ready to yield, but the other driver suddenly sped up or made a dangerous move.
Defense 5
The officer’s view was blocked or the situation was confusing due to poor road markings or signs.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 21802(a) online
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Frequently asked questions about CVC 21802(a)
What does 'yield right-of-way' mean?
It means you must let other drivers go first if they have the legal right to do so. At uncontrolled intersections, this usually means letting cars on your right go before you.
Can I fight this ticket if I think I did nothing wrong?
Yes. You can explain your side, show evidence like photos or witness statements, or argue that the other driver didn’t follow the rules.
Will this ticket add points to my driving record?
Yes, failure to yield tickets usually add one point to your record, which can affect your insurance and driving privileges.
How can I avoid getting this ticket in the future?
Always slow down at intersections without signs, look carefully both ways, and yield to cars on your right or those already in the intersection.
What if the intersection was confusing or poorly marked?
That can be a defense. If signs were missing or unclear, you might argue you couldn’t tell who had the right-of-way.