Which California Traffic Tickets Are Correctable?

Understanding Correctable Violations in California

California law distinguishes between correctable and non-correctable traffic violations. A correctable violation is one where the underlying issue can be fixed, such as a broken tail light or expired registration. When an officer cites one of the registration, license, or equipment violations listed in CVC 40303.5, the officer must let you sign a promise to correct it unless a disqualifying condition applies (CVC 40610(b)). You then fix the problem, and if you deliver proof of correction by the date on your ticket, the court dismisses the charge (CVC 40522). The court clerk collects a $25 transaction fee per violation (CVC 40611) instead of the fine.

The rules for correctable violations are in California Vehicle Code Section 40610, which provides for a written notice to correct a registration, license, or mechanical (equipment) violation. Vehicle Code Section 40303.5 lists the offenses that qualify, including registration infractions, driver license infractions, and equipment infractions in Division 12 of the Vehicle Code. Knowing whether your violation is on that list helps you understand whether it can be dismissed on proof of correction.

Equipment Violations That Are Correctable

Equipment infractions in Division 12 of the Vehicle Code are on the correctable list (CVC 40303.5(e)). They cover vehicle equipment that is missing, broken, or does not meet California requirements. Examples include:

• Headlights, tail lights, and brake lights — CVC 24250, 24600, 24603: Lights that are burned out, broken, or not functioning properly.
• Turn signals — CVC 24950, 24951: Turn signal lights that are inoperative or missing.
• License plate lights — CVC 24601: Rear license plate must be illuminated by a white light visible from 50 feet.
• Mirrors — CVC 26709: Vehicles must have at least two mirrors, including the driver's side exterior mirror, providing a view of the road behind.
• Windshield and windows — CVC 26708, 26710: Window tint that exceeds legal limits or a cracked windshield that obstructs the driver's view.
• Horn — CVC 27000: The horn must be in good working order and audible from a distance of at least 200 feet.
• Muffler and exhaust — CVC 27150, 27151: Exhaust system must be in proper working condition and meet noise standards. Exception: until January 1, 2027, a CVC 27151(a) citation for a motorcycle is not correctable (CVC 40610(b)(4)).
• Tires — CVC 27465: Tires must have a tread depth of at least 1/32 of an inch on any two adjacent grooves.
• Bumpers — CVC 28071: Passenger vehicles must have front and rear bumpers, unless the vehicle was not equipped with them when first sold and registered or is required by state or federal law to have an energy absorption system.
• Mudguards and fenders — CVC 27600: Required to prevent spray from being thrown to the rear.

Registration and Documentation Violations That Are Correctable

Beyond equipment issues, several registration and documentation violations are also eligible for correction under California law.

• Expired registration — CVC 4000(a): Driving a vehicle whose registration has expired. Correction requires renewing registration with the DMV.
• Missing or expired registration tabs — CVC 5204(a): Current month and year tabs must be attached to the rear license plate. The officer must first check DMV records, and this citation may not be issued if current registration is on file (CVC 5204(e)).
• No proof of insurance — CVC 16028(a): Failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility (insurance). Note: you generally must prove you had coverage on the date of the citation.
• License plates not properly displayed — CVC 5200, 5201, 5202: Plates that are missing, illegible, or improperly mounted.
• Failure to notify DMV of address change — CVC 4159, 14600: Not updating the address on your vehicle registration (4159) or driver license (14600) with the DMV within 10 days of moving.

Which Violations Are NOT Correctable?

Moving violations and certain other infractions cannot be dismissed through the correction process. These violations require you to either pay the fine, attend traffic school (if eligible), or contest the ticket in court.

• Speeding (CVC 22349, 22350, 22356) — All speeding violations are non-correctable.
• Running a red light or stop sign (CVC 21453, 22450) — Signal and sign violations are considered moving violations.
• Illegal turns (CVC 22100, 22101, 21461) — Improper turning movements are not correctable.
• Reckless driving (CVC 23103) — Serious moving violations are never correctable.
• Cell phone use while driving (CVC 23123, 23123.5) — Distracted driving violations are non-correctable.
• Seatbelt violations (CVC 27315) — Not wearing a seatbelt is a non-correctable infraction.

What If the Officer Did Not Mark My Ticket as Correctable?

For the offenses listed in CVC 40303.5, the officer must allow a notice to correct unless the officer finds a disqualifying condition under CVC 40610(b), such as evidence of fraud or persistent neglect, an immediate safety hazard, or that you do not agree to, or cannot, promptly correct the violation. If you believe your violation is on that list but it was not marked correctable, you can contact the court and ask to have the charge dismissed on proof of correction. Whether to allow that is up to the court.

To make this request, you can write a letter to the court explaining the situation, or appear at your scheduled hearing date and ask the judge directly. Bring proof that you have already corrected the problem, such as a sign-off from a police department, the CHP, or a sheriff (CVC 40616).

Correctable Violations and Commercial Vehicles

Equipment violations on commercial vehicles are also on the correctable list, including equipment infractions under the commercial vehicle safety rules in Division 14.8 of the Vehicle Code (CVC 40303.5(e)), and the same disqualifying conditions in CVC 40610(b) apply. Commercial vehicles must also meet federal safety regulations. If you hold a commercial driver license or were driving a commercial vehicle, keep in mind that traffic school cannot make a conviction confidential for you (CVC 1808.7), which matters if your ticket is not correctable.

How to Handle a Non-Correctable Ticket

If your ticket is not correctable, you still have options. You can pay the fine, request traffic school to keep the point off your record (if eligible), or contest the ticket through Trial by Written Declaration or a court hearing. For many non-correctable infractions, Trial by Written Declaration offers a convenient way to present your case in writing without taking time off work to appear in court.

Learn how Trial by Written Declaration works and whether it is right for your ticket. What Is Trial by Written Declaration? →

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