No Proof of Insurance in Vehicle
A CVC 16028(a) citation means you were unable to provide proof of financial responsibility, typically an insurance card, during the stop. If you had valid insurance at the time of the stop, you can show that proof to the court clerk, in person or by mail (CVC 16028(e)).
Correction Window
The deadline is printed on your citation. Present proof before that date.
Fee After Correction
When the court clerk receives written proof that you were insured when you were cited, the charge is dismissed (Vehicle Code 16028(e)) and the clerk collects a $25 fee for each corrected violation (Vehicle Code 40611). This applies only if you were insured when you were stopped. If you were not, contact the court on your ticket.
Who Can Certify
Under Vehicle Code 16028(e), proof goes to the court clerk: show written proof that you were insured on the date of the ticket, in person or by mail.
If you did not have active insurance at the time of the stop, the process and fines are different. Contact the court listed on your ticket for guidance. Act before the deadline on your citation.
Step by Step
How to Correct This Violation
- 1
Locate your insurance card or electronic proof of insurance from your insurer.
- 2
Confirm the insurance was valid on the date of the stop.
- 3
Bring your citation and proof of insurance to the court clerk, or mail them to the court listed on your citation.
- 4
Pay the $25 fee and get everything to the court before your deadline.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I show proof of insurance on my phone?
- When an officer asks for proof, you may show it on a mobile device (Vehicle Code 16028(a)). For the court, Vehicle Code 16028(e) calls for written evidence of insurance, in person or by mail, so ask the court whether it accepts an electronic copy or wants a printed one. Most insurers provide a digital insurance card through their app or by email.
- I was driving my employer's vehicle. Is the ticket mine?
- If the vehicle is owned or leased by your employer and you were driving it with permission, Vehicle Code 16028(d) applies the section to the employer, not you: the notice is issued to the employer, you may sign it for them, and you must tell the employer within five days.
- What if my insurance lapsed and I did not have coverage at the time of the stop?
- If you did not have active insurance at the time of the stop, the violation cannot be resolved through the standard fix-it correction process. The fines are significantly higher and the court may require additional steps. Contact the court listed on your citation directly.
This guide covers passenger vehicles. Some rules differ for commercial vehicles and truck tractors (for example, where registration tabs go under Vehicle Code 5204(a)). If you were driving one, check with your 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.
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