General Information
Common Issues When Contesting
a California Ticket
This library explains, in plain English, what California's speeding, red light camera, and cell phone laws cover and the grounds drivers commonly raise when they contest. It is general information, not legal advice — whether any of it applies depends on your own facts.
CVC 22350
Speeding (Basic Speed Law)
California's basic speed law prohibits driving faster than is reasonable or prudent for the weather, visibility, traffic, and the surface and width of the road, or at a speed that endangers people or property. Drivers often raise the conditions at the time, how the speed was measured, and whether radar or laser enforcement on that road needed a current engineering and traffic survey (CVC 40802).
CVC 21453
Red Light Camera
A traditional red light camera citation (CVC 21455.5) is a court infraction, and a conviction adds 1 DMV point. An SB 720 civil notice (CVC 21455.9) is contested with the city or county and adds no point. Both are mailed to the registered owner. For a court citation, the notice explains how an owner who was not driving can raise it; an SB 720 notice’s affidavit covers only a rental-company or car-share rental and a stolen vehicle. Drivers also often raise the warning signs, equipment inspection and calibration, and when the notice was mailed.
CVC 23123 / 23123.5
Handheld Cell Phone
CVC 23123 bars using a phone while driving unless it is designed for hands-free listening and talking and used that way. CVC 23123.5 bars holding and operating a phone or wireless device unless it is used in voice-operated, hands-free mode. A phone mounted on the windshield, dashboard, or center console may be operated with a single swipe or tap of a finger to turn a feature on or off. CVC 23123 also excepts emergency calls.
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