Inoperable or Insufficient Parking Brake
A CVC 26451 citation means your parking brake was not functioning adequately during the stop. California law requires a parking brake that can hold the vehicle on any grade it is driven on. Having the parking brake repaired and certified resolves this violation.
Correction Window
The deadline is printed on your citation.
Fine After Correction
The base fine is $25 after correction is certified. Without correction, surcharges significantly increase the total.
Who Can Certify
Any law enforcement officer or licensed inspection station can certify this correction after the parking brake is repaired.
Missing the deadline converts this to a standard infraction. Act before the date on your ticket.
Step by Step
How to Correct This Violation
- 1
Take your vehicle to a licensed mechanic or brake shop for a parking brake inspection and repair.
- 2
Have the mechanic repair or adjust the parking brake to function properly.
- 3
Obtain a repair receipt documenting the work performed.
- 4
Have a law enforcement officer or licensed inspection station sign the certificate of correction on your citation.
- 5
Submit the signed citation and $25 fee to the court before your deadline.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- My parking brake just feels loose. Is that enough to get a citation?
- Yes. A parking brake that does not hold the vehicle securely can result in a CVC 26451 citation. The standard is whether the brake can hold the vehicle stationary on the grades the vehicle is operated on. A licensed mechanic can adjust the cable tension or replace worn components.
- Can any mechanic do this repair, or does it need to be a specific type of shop?
- Any licensed auto repair shop can perform parking brake repairs. The certification after repair can be done by any law enforcement officer or licensed inspection station.
This guide covers passenger vehicle violations. Drivers operating under a commercial license should consult their employer or a licensed attorney.
This guide provides general procedural information only. It is not legal advice. For questions specific to your citation, contact the court listed on your ticket.
Also have a moving violation on your ticket?
Speeding and moving violations follow a different process. TicketClear prepares your written declaration.
See how TicketClear works