CVC 23109(a) Speed Contest Ticket: What It Means & How to Fight It
Speed contest or exhibition of speed on a highway
Written by
Violation category
Speeding
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
2 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 23109(a)?
Speed contest or exhibition of speed on a highway
Common scenarios
- Driving quickly to catch a green light, but not racing another car; the officer thought it was a contest.
- Passing another vehicle on the highway during normal traffic flow, mistaken for a race.
- Accelerating to avoid a dangerous driver, but the officer claimed it was an exhibition of speed.
Key facts
- It’s a Criminal Offense: Unlike a regular speeding ticket, this charge can lead to fines, points, and even jail time.
- Proof Is Required: The officer must have clear evidence that you were racing or showing off your speed.
- Penalties Can Be Serious: Conviction can affect your driving record, insurance rates, and possibly your freedom.
Fine breakdown for CVC 23109(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 23109(a)?
This law is about "speed contests" or "exhibitions of speed" on public roads. It means you can’t race or show off by driving really fast on a highway or street. The state takes this seriously because it’s very dangerous—not just for you, but for everyone else on the road.
If you got this ticket, it means an officer thinks you were racing another car or driving fast just to show off. Even if you weren’t racing, if it looked like you were trying to impress someone by speeding, this law can apply.
What happens if you get this ticket?
- It’s a criminal offense, not just a regular traffic ticket.
- You could face fines, points on your license, or even jail time.
- Your insurance might go up.
But don’t panic. There are ways to fight this if you believe the ticket isn’t fair.
Common Defenses
- No actual race or contest: You were just driving normally, not competing with another car.
- No exhibition of speed: You weren’t trying to show off or impress anyone, just driving quickly for a reason (like merging or avoiding danger).
- Mistaken identity: The officer confused your car with another vehicle.
- Lack of evidence: The officer didn’t have clear proof you were racing or showing off.
- Emergency situation: You were speeding because of an emergency, like rushing to a hospital.
Example Scenarios
- You were driving fast to catch a green light, but not racing anyone. The officer thought it looked like a contest.
- Two cars passed each other quickly on a highway, but it was just normal traffic flow, not a race.
- You accelerated to get out of the way of a reckless driver, and the cop said you were showing off.
Key Facts
- It’s a criminal offense: This isn’t just a fine; it can affect your record and license.
- Proof matters: The officer must show you were actually racing or showing off speed.
- Penalties can be serious: Fines, points, and even jail time are possible.
FAQ
Q: Can I get points on my license for this?
A: Yes, this violation usually adds points, which can lead to higher insurance rates or license suspension.
Q: What’s the difference between speeding and a speed contest?
A: Speeding is just driving over the limit. A speed contest means you’re racing or showing off speed, which is more serious.
Q: Can I fight this ticket if I wasn’t racing?
A: Yes! If you can prove you weren’t racing or showing off, you have a good chance to win.
Q: Will this show up on my criminal record?
A: Possibly, since it’s a criminal offense. It’s important to handle it carefully.
Q: Should I talk to a lawyer?
A: It’s a good idea, especially because this charge can have serious consequences.
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 were not involved in any race or contest with another vehicle.
Defense 2
You were not exhibiting speed to impress or show off; your speed was for a legitimate reason.
Defense 3
The officer misidentified your vehicle or situation.
Defense 4
There was insufficient evidence to prove a speed contest or exhibition of speed.
Defense 5
You were responding to an emergency, which justifies your speed.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 23109(a) 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
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Step 2
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You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
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Frequently asked questions about CVC 23109(a)
Can I get points on my license for this?
Yes, this violation usually adds points, which can lead to higher insurance rates or license suspension.
What’s the difference between speeding and a speed contest?
Speeding means driving over the limit. A speed contest means you’re racing or showing off speed, which is more serious.
Can I fight this ticket if I wasn’t racing?
Yes! If you can prove you weren’t racing or showing off, you have a good chance to win.
Will this show up on my criminal record?
Possibly, since it’s a criminal offense. It’s important to handle it carefully.
Should I talk to a lawyer?
It’s a good idea, especially because this charge can have serious consequences.