CVC 22108 Turn Signal Ticket in California – What It Means & How to Fight It
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 22108
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 22108?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 22108
Common scenarios
- You changed lanes on a busy street but only signaled a few feet before moving because cars were close behind you.
- You made a right turn but forgot to signal because you were focused on a pedestrian crossing.
- Your turn signal light was out, and you didn’t realize it until after you got the ticket.
Key facts
- Signal at least 100 feet before turning: California law requires you to signal your turn or lane change at least 100 feet before you do it. This gives other drivers enough time to react.
- Turn signals must work properly: Your vehicle’s turn signals must be in good working order. If they’re broken, you should fix them quickly to avoid tickets.
- Failing to signal can cause accidents: Not signaling is dangerous because other drivers don’t know your intentions. This law helps keep roads safer for everyone.
Fine breakdown for CVC 22108
| 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 22108?
CVC 22108 is a California law about using your turn signal. It says you must signal before making a turn or changing lanes. This helps other drivers know what you're about to do and keeps everyone safe.
Why did I get this ticket?
You probably got a ticket because the officer thinks you didn’t signal long enough or at the right time before turning or switching lanes.
What does the law say?
- You must signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes on city streets.
- On highways or freeways, you should signal for 5 seconds before moving.
Why is signaling important?
- It tells other drivers your plans.
- It helps avoid crashes.
- It’s the law, so you can get a ticket if you don’t do it right.
Don’t worry, this is a common ticket and you have options. Keep reading to learn how to handle it and what might help your case.
What you can do next:
- Check if you actually signaled properly.
- See if the officer made a mistake.
- Think about any reasons you couldn’t signal (like a broken signal light).
We’ll walk you through defenses, examples, and answers to your questions below.
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 did signal, but the officer didn’t see it.
Defense 2
My turn signal was broken, and I didn’t know it.
Defense 3
I signaled, but not for the full 100 feet because of traffic or road conditions.
Defense 4
I was making a quick lane change to avoid a hazard and didn’t have time to signal.
Defense 5
The officer’s statement is unclear or inconsistent about when or how I failed to signal.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 22108 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 22108
How long do I have to signal before turning?
You need to signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes on city streets. On highways, signal for about 5 seconds before moving.
What if my turn signal light is broken?
If your signal light is broken, you should fix it right away. You can use your hand signals temporarily, but it’s best to get it repaired to avoid tickets.
Can I fight a ticket if I did signal?
Yes. If you signaled and the officer didn’t see it or made a mistake, you might have a good defense. Evidence like dashcam video can help.
What happens if I don’t pay this ticket?
Ignoring the ticket can lead to extra fines, a hold on your driver’s license, or even a warrant. It’s best to respond on time.
Can I get traffic school for this ticket?
Often, yes. If you’re eligible, traffic school can keep the ticket off your driving record and prevent insurance hikes.