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.
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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
Registration & Tags
CVC 4000 requires all vehicles driven on California highways to have current, valid registration. Driving with expired or missing registration can result in a citation with fines and potential vehicle impoundment.
Registration & Tags
CVC 4000(a)(1) makes it illegal to drive, move, or leave a vehicle on a highway or in an off-street public parking facility without current, valid registration.
Registration & Tags
California Vehicle Code 40001 establishes owner responsibility for traffic violations committed by a vehicle, meaning the registered owner can be held liable even if they were not driving at the time of the infraction.
Registration & Tags
CVC 40001(a) allows law enforcement to cite the registered owner of a vehicle when a traffic violation occurs but the actual driver cannot be identified or located at the time.
General Traffic
California Vehicle Code 4001 requires all trailers operated on public roads to be properly registered with the California DMV and display current registration.
General Traffic
California Vehicle Code 4002 requires off-highway vehicles (OHVs) like dirt bikes, ATVs, and dune buggies to be registered with the DMV when operated on public lands.
General Traffic
California Vehicle Code 4003 requires commercial vehicles to be properly registered with the DMV before operating on public roads. Failure to maintain valid commercial vehicle registration can result in fines and potential vehicle impoundment.
General Traffic
CVC 40152 requires drivers to provide proof of vehicle registration when cited by law enforcement. Failure to show this proof at the time of the stop can result in a citation, even if your registration is valid.
General Traffic
CVC 40508 charges you with failing to appear in court or pay a traffic citation as promised. This violation carries serious consequences including additional fines, license suspension, and possible arrest warrants.
General Traffic
CVC 40508(a) is charged when you willfully fail to appear in court or pay a fine as promised when you signed your traffic citation. This violation can result in additional fines, a suspended license, and even a bench warrant for your arrest.
General Traffic
CVC 40509 is charged when a driver fails to pay or appear for a traffic fine by the court deadline, triggering additional penalties and potential license suspension.
Registration & Tags
CVC 4100 requires vehicle owners to apply for California registration within 10 days of purchase or bringing a vehicle into the state. Failure to submit a timely application can result in a citation.
Registration & Tags
CVC 4101 is cited when a vehicle's registration has not been properly transferred to a new owner after a sale, gift, or inheritance. This violation occurs when DMV records do not reflect the current operator of the vehicle.
Registration & Tags
California Vehicle Code 4102 requires timely registration renewal. A citation under this code means your vehicle registration was expired or not properly renewed at the time of the stop.
Registration & Tags
CVC 4150 requires vehicle owners to pay registration fees to the DMV on time. Driving with expired registration can result in a citation.
Registration & Tags
CVC 4151 is cited when a driver operates a vehicle without paying the required annual registration fees to the California DMV.
Registration & Tags
CVC 4152 addresses late registration fees imposed by the California DMV when a vehicle owner fails to renew registration by the expiration date.
Registration & Tags
California Vehicle Code 4152.5 addresses the failure to pay all required vehicle registration fees to the DMV.
Registration & Tags
CVC 4159 requires drivers to carry their vehicle registration certificate while driving. You can be cited even if your registration is valid but you don't have the certificate with you.
Registration & Tags
CVC 4160 requires drivers to carry and display their vehicle registration card upon request by law enforcement. Failure to do so can result in a citation.
Registration & Tags
CVC 4200 requires vehicles registered under California's fleet registration program to display proper identification and comply with specific registration requirements.
Registration & Tags
CVC 42000 establishes the general penalty framework for felony-level violations of the California Vehicle Code. This is not a standalone traffic ticket but a sentencing provision that applies when another Vehicle Code section is violated and charged as a felony.
Registration & Tags
CVC 42001 establishes the base fine structure for California Vehicle Code infractions and misdemeanors, not a specific driving violation itself.
General Traffic
CVC 42030 establishes penalties for violating California's vehicle weight laws. Drivers cited under this code exceeded legal weight limits for their vehicle type or axle configuration.
