California Vehicle Codes
Instantly search the most common traffic violations, review fines and DMV points, and jump into ClerkHero’s step-by-step guidance for winning a Trial by Written Declaration.
Browse by cluster
General Traffic
Broad California traffic-control and roadway-behavior violations that do not fit neatly into one narrow citation cluster.
86 pages
Registration & Tags
Registration, tabs, stickers, and vehicle paperwork violations that are often fixable with DMV proof and fast follow-through.
28 pages
Vehicle Equipment
Vehicle equipment and lighting violations, including fix-it tickets for lamps, plates, and other correctable safety issues.
24 pages
Speeding
California speeding laws, maximum speed limits, and practical defenses for the most common speeding citations.
17 pages
Lane Usage
Lane-position, lane-usage, and merge-related violations where roadway layout, visibility, and officer angle often matter.
14 pages
Phone & Distraction
Cell phone and distracted-driving violations, including handheld-device rules, officer observation issues, and common proof problems.
4 pages
Red Light
Red-light and signal-related violations, including camera tickets, officer-issued citations, and intersection defense strategies.
4 pages
Stop Sign
Stop-sign violations, rolling-stop disputes, and the evidence drivers need when contesting CVC 22450 tickets.
3 pages
General Traffic
CVC 21000 is a foundational code stating that California traffic laws apply to all drivers on public roads. It is rarely cited alone and usually appears with other specific violations.
General Traffic
CVC 21200 requires bicyclists to follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers, including obeying traffic signals, signs, and rules of the road.
General Traffic
CVC 21200(a) requires bicyclists to obey the same traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, signaling turns, and riding with traffic.
General Traffic
California Vehicle Code 21350 requires drivers to obey all official traffic control devices, including signs, signals, markings, and other devices placed by authorized agencies.
General Traffic
CVC 21400 requires drivers to yield the right of way to authorized emergency vehicles displaying lights or sirens. Failure to pull over and stop can result in fines and DMV points.
General Traffic
CVC 21450 requires drivers to stop at red traffic signals and comply with all signal indications at controlled intersections.
Red Light
CVC 21453 prohibits entering an intersection when the traffic signal is red. This violation is typically issued by a police officer who observes the driver failing to stop.
Red Light
CVC 21453(a) prohibits entering an intersection when the traffic signal is red. This violation typically results from driving straight through a red light without stopping.
Red Light
CVC 21453(b) prohibits making a right turn against a red signal without first coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic. This violation carries a base fine of $100, 1 DMV point, and potential insurance increases.
Red Light
CVC 21453(c) prohibits drivers from entering an intersection or passing the limit line while facing a steady red arrow signal. This violation carries a fine, DMV point, and potential insurance increases.
General Traffic
CVC 21454 requires drivers and pedestrians to obey pedestrian control signals at intersections and crosswalks. Violations carry a base fine of $35, but total costs can reach $197 to $229 or more after assessments.
General Traffic
CVC 21454(a) prohibits pedestrians from crossing against a "Don't Walk" or flashing hand signal at a controlled intersection.
Lane Usage
CVC 21460(a) prohibits crossing double yellow lines to pass or change lanes. This violation carries a base fine of $35, 1 DMV point, and potential insurance increases.
General Traffic
California Vehicle Code 21461 makes it unlawful to disobey any official traffic control device, including signs, signals, markings, and barriers placed by authorized agencies to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.
General Traffic
CVC 21461(a) makes it illegal to disobey any official traffic sign, signal, or marking placed by a government agency. This includes stop signs, traffic lights, lane markings, turn restrictions, and other regulatory devices.
Lane Usage
California Vehicle Code 21650 requires drivers to operate their vehicles on the right half of the roadway. Violating this law means driving on the wrong side of the road without a legal reason.
General Traffic
CVC 21650(a) requires drivers to stay on the right half of the roadway unless passing, turning left, or when road conditions require otherwise. Violating this law can result in a fine and one DMV point on your driving record.
Lane Usage
CVC 21651(a) prohibits driving on the wrong side of a divided highway. This violation occurs when a driver crosses over a divider, barrier, or median into opposing traffic lanes.
Lane Usage
California Vehicle Code 21655.5 prohibits driving in a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or carpool lane without the minimum number of occupants required by posted signs. Violating this code results in a fine and may impact your driving record and insurance rates.
Lane Usage
CVC 21655.5(b) is a violation for driving in a designated High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane without meeting the minimum passenger requirements. This is commonly called a carpool lane violation.
Lane Usage
CVC 21655.8(a) prohibits crossing double parallel lines to enter or exit an HOV (carpool) lane. Drivers must only enter or exit HOV lanes where there are designated openings with broken or dashed lines.
Lane Usage
CVC 21658 requires drivers to stay within a single lane and only change lanes when safe and proper. Violations occur when a driver weaves, drifts, or changes lanes unsafely without signaling.
Lane Usage
CVC 21658(a) requires drivers to drive within a single lane and only move from that lane when safe. A violation occurs when a driver makes an unsafe lane change or fails to complete the movement with reasonable safety.
General Traffic
CVC 21703 prohibits following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, considering speed, traffic, and road conditions. This violation is commonly known as tailgating.
