CVC 26700 Ticket: Windshield Wipers Violation Guide

What Is CVC 26700?

California Vehicle Code Section 26700 requires every motor vehicle operated on California highways to be equipped with an adequate windshield wiper or wipers. The wipers must be in good working order and capable of effectively clearing the windshield of rain, snow, moisture, and other obstructions to provide clear vision.

If you received a citation for violating CVC 26700, the officer determined that your windshield wipers were either missing, broken, worn out, or otherwise inadequate to maintain a clear view through the windshield.

Why This Law Exists

Windshield wipers are a critical safety feature. Without functioning wipers, your ability to see the road during rain, fog, or when your windshield gets dirty is severely compromised. Poor visibility increases the risk of accidents that can harm you, your passengers, and other road users.

California law treats windshield wipers as essential equipment, similar to headlights, brakes, and turn signals. The requirement applies at all times, not just during bad weather. Your vehicle must be ready to handle changing conditions safely.

What the Citation Means

When you receive a CVC 26700 citation, the ticket will show the violation code, the date and location of the stop, and the officer's notes about why your wipers were deemed inadequate. Common reasons include:

• Wiper blades are torn, cracked, or missing rubber
• Wipers leave streaks or fail to clear water effectively
• One or both wipers are completely missing
• Wiper arms are bent or broken
• Wiper motor does not function

This is classified as a correctable violation (often called a "fix-it ticket"). That means if you repair or replace the wipers and provide proof to the court, you may avoid the full fine.

Fines and Costs

The base fine for CVC 26700 is typically $25 to $35. However, California adds mandatory court fees, assessments, and county-specific charges. Your total cost usually ranges from $197 to $229 or more, depending on the county where you received the ticket.

Because this is a correctable violation, many courts will reduce or dismiss the fine if you:

• Fix the windshield wipers promptly
• Obtain a signed certificate of correction from a law enforcement officer, authorized inspection station, or licensed mechanic
• Submit the certificate to the court by the deadline on your citation

Some courts charge a small administrative fee (often $25 to $50) even when the underlying fine is dismissed after correction.

DMV Points and Insurance Impact

CVC 26700 violations do not add points to your California driving record. This is an equipment violation, not a moving violation. Because there are no points, your auto insurance rates should not increase directly due to this citation.

However, if you fail to address the ticket and it results in a failure to appear (FTA) or failure to pay, the court may notify the DMV. This can lead to a license suspension and additional complications.

Traffic School

Traffic school is not required or relevant for CVC 26700 violations. Traffic school is typically used to mask a point from your driving record for moving violations. Since this violation carries zero points, traffic school does not apply.

Trial by Written Declaration

You have the right to contest a CVC 26700 citation without appearing in court by using a Trial by Written Declaration under CVC 40902. This process allows you to submit a written statement explaining your defense, along with any supporting evidence such as photos, receipts, or repair records.

The officer will also submit a written response, and a judge will review both submissions and issue a decision. If you lose, you can request a new trial (trial de novo) and appear in court in person.

Trial by Written Declaration is a good option if:

• You believe the officer made a mistake
• You have evidence showing your wipers were functional
• You want to avoid taking time off work for a court appearance

What to Check on Your Citation

Carefully review your citation for the following:

• Violation code: Confirm it says CVC 26700
• Correctable status: Look for a checkbox or note indicating this is a correctable violation
• Deadline: Note the date by which you must respond or submit proof of correction
• Court information: Identify which court handles your case and how to contact them
• Officer's notes: Read any comments about what was wrong with your wipers

Mistakes on the citation (wrong date, wrong vehicle, incorrect code) can sometimes be used in your defense.

Evidence to Gather

If you plan to contest the citation or prove correction, gather the following evidence:

• Photos of your windshield wipers taken on the date of the citation (if they were functional)
• Receipts for new wiper blades or repairs completed before or shortly after the citation
• Certificate of correction signed by a qualified person (officer, mechanic, or inspection station)
• Maintenance records showing regular upkeep of your vehicle
• Witness statements if a passenger can confirm the wipers were working

Organize this evidence clearly. If submitting by mail or online, include cover letters or explanations so the court understands what each document shows.

Your Options Before Paying

Paying the fine is an admission of guilt. Before you pay, consider these options:

1. Fix and Dismiss

If your wipers were truly inadequate, fix them immediately. Purchase new wiper blades (usually $10 to $30) and install them. Then:

• Have the repair verified by a law enforcement officer, mechanic, or authorized station
• Obtain a signed certificate of correction
• Submit the certificate to the court by the deadline
• Pay any administrative fee if required

This often results in dismissal of the underlying fine.

2. Contest the Citation

If you believe the citation was issued in error, you can contest it by:

• Requesting a Trial by Written Declaration
• Appearing in court for an arraignment and trial
• Presenting evidence that your wipers were adequate at the time of the stop

Common reasons to contest include officer error, mistaken identity of the vehicle, or proof that wipers were functional.

3. Request a Reduction

If you cannot afford the full fine, you may request a fine reduction or payment plan. Courts often consider financial hardship. You will need to provide documentation of your income and expenses.

4. Seek Legal Advice

While CVC 26700 is a minor equipment violation, if you have other citations, a suspended license, or prior violations, consider consulting a licensed attorney. Some violations can have cumulative effects, and legal advice may help you avoid additional penalties.

ClerkHero may not handle all case types, especially if your situation involves suspended licenses, criminal charges, or complex legal issues.

How to Prove Your Wipers Were Adequate

If you believe the officer made a mistake, you need to show that your wipers were in good working order at the time of the stop. Useful evidence includes:

• Timestamped photos or videos showing the wipers clearly and their condition
• Recent purchase receipts for new wiper blades installed before the citation date
• Witness testimony from a passenger or mechanic
• Maintenance logs from a repair shop

Be specific. Explain how the wipers functioned, what condition the blades were in, and why the officer's observation may have been incorrect.

What Happens If You Ignore the Ticket

Ignoring a CVC 26700 citation can lead to serious consequences:

• The court may issue a failure to appear (FTA) notice
• Additional fines and fees will be added
• The DMV may suspend your driver's license
• A warrant for your arrest could be issued in some cases
• Your vehicle registration renewal may be blocked

Always respond to the citation by the deadline, even if you plan to contest it or need more time.

Correcting the Violation Step by Step

1. Purchase and install new wiper blades if yours are worn or damaged. Most auto parts stores sell them for $10 to $30 per pair.
2. Test the wipers to ensure they clear the windshield effectively without streaking or skipping.
3. Get a certificate of correction. You can ask a police officer, highway patrol officer, authorized inspection station, or licensed mechanic to inspect the wipers and sign the certificate.
4. Submit the certificate to the court listed on your citation. Check if you can submit online, by mail, or in person.
5. Pay any administrative fee if the court requires one.
6. Keep copies of all documents for your records.

Can You Get This Ticket in Dry Weather?

Yes. The law requires your vehicle to have adequate wipers at all times, regardless of current weather conditions. Officers can cite you even on a sunny day if your wipers are missing, broken, or visibly worn out.

The reasoning is that conditions can change quickly. If it starts raining or your windshield gets dirty, you need functional wipers immediately. Waiting until bad weather to fix them is not acceptable under the law.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to fix the wipers. The sooner you correct the issue, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
• Losing the citation. Keep it in a safe place and note all deadlines.
• Assuming the ticket will go away. It won't. You must take action.
• Submitting incomplete proof. Make sure your certificate of correction is signed and legible.
• Missing the court deadline. Late submissions can result in additional penalties.

When to Consider Legal Help

CVC 26700 is a straightforward equipment violation, and most drivers can handle it without an attorney. However, consider consulting a licensed lawyer if:

• You have multiple citations or a history of violations
• Your driver's license is suspended or at risk of suspension
• You face additional charges related to the same traffic stop
• You do not understand the court process or your options
• You need help negotiating with the court

ClerkHero may not handle all case types, especially those involving suspended licenses, criminal matters, or high-risk situations. Licensed legal advice is important in complex cases.

Final Thoughts

A CVC 26700 citation is a minor equipment violation, but it still requires your attention. Fixing your windshield wipers promptly and submitting proof of correction can often result in dismissal or reduced fines. If you believe the citation was issued in error, gather evidence and consider contesting it through a Trial by Written Declaration or court appearance.

Always respond by the deadline on your citation. Ignoring the ticket can lead to license suspension, additional fines, and other complications. Take action, keep records, and follow through with the court process.