CVC 35100 Vehicle Width Limits Ticket – What It Means & How to Fight
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 35100
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 35100?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 35100
Common scenarios
- A driver with a pickup truck and a wide bed cover got a ticket, but the cover is allowed as it doesn’t add to the vehicle’s official width.
- A delivery van was loaded with equipment extending its width, but the driver had a permit for oversized loads.
- A truck parked legally but near a narrow street was ticketed for width, though the vehicle itself met legal size limits.
Key facts
- Maximum Vehicle Width in California: Most vehicles cannot be wider than 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches) without a special permit.
- Why Width Limits Matter: Width limits help prevent accidents and protect road infrastructure like bridges and tunnels.
- Exceptions and Permits: Certain vehicles, like farm equipment or oversized loads, can get permits to exceed width limits legally.
Fine breakdown for CVC 35100
| 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 35100?
You got a ticket for CVC 35100, which means your vehicle was too wide for the road rules. California sets limits on how wide a vehicle can be to keep roads safe for everyone. If your vehicle is wider than allowed, it can be dangerous for other drivers and pedestrians.
Why does California have width limits?
- To prevent accidents caused by oversized vehicles squeezing into lanes
- To protect bridges, tunnels, and road structures
- To keep traffic flowing smoothly
What does this mean for you?
If your vehicle was too wide, you might get a ticket. But sometimes mistakes happen, or there are good reasons why your vehicle was wider (like special equipment). Understanding your ticket helps you fight it if you think it’s wrong.
What to do next?
- Check your vehicle’s width and compare it to the legal limits
- Review the ticket details carefully
- Consider if any exceptions apply to your situation
- Think about your defense before deciding to pay or fight the ticket
Remember, you’re not alone. Many drivers get confused by these rules, and you can ask for help to understand your options.
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
Your vehicle was within the legal width limits but was measured incorrectly.
Defense 2
You had a special permit or exemption allowing a wider vehicle.
Defense 3
The officer made a mistake identifying your vehicle or the violation.
Defense 4
The width measurement included temporary equipment that is allowed.
Defense 5
The ticket was issued in error because your vehicle was not on a public road.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 35100 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 35100
How do I know if my vehicle is too wide?
You can measure your vehicle’s widest point, including mirrors and attachments. Compare it to the 8 feet 6 inches limit. If you’re unsure, check your vehicle’s registration or ask a professional.
Can I fight a CVC 35100 ticket?
Yes! If you believe your vehicle was within legal limits or you had a permit, you can contest the ticket in court.
What happens if I ignore this ticket?
Ignoring the ticket can lead to fines, a hold on your vehicle registration, or even a warrant. It’s best to address it promptly.
Are there special permits for wider vehicles?
Yes, California issues permits for oversized vehicles. These permits let you legally drive wider vehicles under certain conditions.
Does this apply to trailers and attachments?
Yes, trailers and attachments count toward the total width. Make sure everything on your vehicle meets the limits.