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
Speeding
CVC 22348(b) makes it illegal to drive over 100 miles per hour on any California highway. This is a serious misdemeanor offense with significant penalties including high fines, 2 DMV points, and possible jail time.
Speeding
CVC 22349 is a California speeding violation for exceeding the maximum speed limit posted on highways, freeways, or other roads where an absolute speed cap applies.
Speeding
CVC 22349(a) prohibits driving over 65 mph on California highways and freeways unless a higher speed is posted. This is one of the most common speeding violations in the state.
Speeding
CVC 22349(b) prohibits driving over 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway in California. This violation carries a fine, one DMV point, and potential insurance increases.
Speeding
CVC 22350, California's Basic Speed Law, prohibits driving at a speed that is unsafe for current conditions, even if you are traveling below the posted speed limit.
Speeding
CVC 22351 prohibits driving at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent, having due regard for weather, visibility, traffic, and roadway conditions. This is California's basic speed law that applies even when you are under the posted limit.
Speeding
CVC 22352(a) prohibits driving faster than the prima facie speed limits established by law in specific areas. This violation carries a fine, one DMV point, and potential insurance increases.
Speeding
CVC 22352(b) prohibits driving faster than 25 mph in school zones when children are present or when posted signs indicate school hours. This violation carries a fine, 1 DMV point, and potential insurance increases.
Speeding
CVC 22356 is a speeding violation for exceeding a posted prima facie speed limit in California. The law presumes you were driving unsafely if you exceeded the posted limit, but you may present evidence to challenge that presumption.
Speeding
CVC 22356(b) prohibits driving faster than the prima facie speed limit on two-lane, undivided highways. This violation typically results in a fine, one DMV point, and potential insurance increases.
Speeding
CVC 22400 prohibits driving so slowly on California highways that you impede the normal flow of traffic or block other vehicles.
Speeding
CVC 22400(a) prohibits driving so slowly that you impede or block the normal flow of traffic, unless a reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or to comply with law.
Speeding
CVC 22406 prohibits commercial vehicles from exceeding 55 mph on California highways. This violation carries fines, DMV points, and potential insurance increases.
Stop Sign
California Vehicle Code 22450 requires drivers to come to a complete stop at stop signs before the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection. Failing to stop completely can result in a ticket with fines and DMV points.
Stop Sign
CVC 22450(a) requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a stop sign before entering an intersection, at the limit line, crosswalk, or entrance to the intersection. Rolling through or slowing down without fully stopping violates this law.
General Traffic
CVC 22500 prohibits stopping, standing, or parking in specific locations that could block traffic, obstruct access, or create safety hazards. This includes areas near fire hydrants, driveways, crosswalks, and other restricted zones.
General Traffic
CVC 22500(a) prohibits stopping, standing, or parking in locations where signs, curb markings, or posted regulations make it unlawful.
General Traffic
CVC 22507 prohibits parking in spaces designated for disabled persons without displaying a valid disabled person placard or license plate.
General Traffic
CVC 22507.8 prohibits parking in a disabled parking space without displaying a valid disabled person placard or license plate issued by the California DMV.
General Traffic
CVC 22507.8(a) prohibits parking in a disabled parking space without proper authorization. This violation carries a high fine and no DMV points.
General Traffic
CVC 23103 charges you with reckless driving, meaning you drove with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
General Traffic
CVC 23103(a) charges you with reckless driving, meaning you drove with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. This is a misdemeanor offense that carries serious penalties including fines, DMV points, possible jail time, and insurance increases.
Speeding
CVC 23109 prohibits engaging in a motor vehicle speed contest (street racing) or exhibition of speed on a California highway.
Speeding
CVC 23109(a) prohibits engaging in a speed contest or exhibition of speed on a public highway. This is a criminal misdemeanor offense, not just a traffic infraction.
