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California Vehicle Code Violation Library
Search by violation code or keyword. Every guide includes fines, DMV points, what must be proven, and document preparation strategies. Educational use only.
Bicycle Equipment Requirements
Operating a bicycle on a roadway without a brake that can make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
Bicycle Traffic Law Violation
A person riding a bicycle on a highway has the rights of, and is subject to the provisions that apply to, the driver of a vehicle.
Riding on Bicycle Handlebars
Operating a bicycle on a highway without riding upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to it, unless the bicycle was designed to be ridden without a seat.
Bicycle Too Far From Right Curb
Riding a bicycle on a roadway slower than the normal speed of traffic without riding as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge, outside the situations the section lists.
Bicycle Riding Against Traffic
Operating a bicycle on a roadway, or on the shoulder of a highway, in a direction other than the one vehicles are required to drive there.
Bicycle Helmet Violation — Minor
A person under 18 riding a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter or skateboard, wearing in-line or roller skates, or riding as a passenger, on a street, bikeway or public bicycle path or trail without a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets ASTM or CPSC standards.
Towing More Than One Vehicle
A passenger vehicle, or another motor vehicle under 4,000 pounds unladen, towing more than one vehicle in combination (an auxiliary dolly or tow dolly may be used with the towed vehicle).
Open Alcohol Container in Vehicle
Having on your person, while driving on a highway, a bottle, can or other container of an alcoholic beverage that has been opened, has a broken seal, or has had some of its contents removed.
Open Cannabis Container While Driving
Having on your person, while driving on a highway, an opened or unsealed container of cannabis or cannabis products, or loose cannabis flower not in a container, unless it is in the trunk.
Failure to Yield to Pedestrian on Sidewalk
Failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian approaching on a sidewalk before driving over or upon that sidewalk.
Failure to Yield to Pedestrian
Not yielding to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
Double Yellow Line Violation
Driving to the left of double parallel solid yellow lines, or crossing double parallel solid white lines, except as the section permits.
Driving on Sidewalk
Driving or moving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk, except as necessary to enter or leave adjacent property or where the Vehicle Code expressly permits it.
Failure to Move Over or Slow Down for a Stopped Emergency, Tow, Maintenance or Warning-Light Vehicle
Approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck or highway maintenance vehicle with its warning lights on, or another stationary vehicle with hazard lights or warning devices, without due caution, and without moving to a lane not next to it or, if that is unsafe or impracticable, slowing to a reasonable and prudent speed.
Failure to Yield Entering Highway
Entering or crossing a highway from public or private property or an alley without yielding to traffic approaching close enough to be an immediate hazard.
Failure to Yield at Yield Sign
At a yield sign, not yielding to vehicles that have entered the intersection or are approaching on the intersecting highway close enough to be an immediate hazard.
Failure to Yield When Turning Left
Failing to yield to oncoming vehicles close enough to be a hazard when turning left or making a U-turn, including left turns into property or an alley.
Coasting in Neutral on Downgrade
Coasting with the vehicle's gears in neutral while traveling on a downgrade on a highway.
Blocking Railroad Grade Crossing
Entering a railroad or rail transit crossing, even on a signal to proceed, without enough space on the other side for your vehicle and any railway vehicle.
Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
Following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, given the speed of that vehicle and the traffic on, and condition of, the roadway.
Blocking an Intersection
Entering an intersection or marked crosswalk, even on a signal to proceed, without enough space on the other side for your vehicle without blocking the through passage of vehicles from either side.
Disobeying a Traffic Signal Away From an Intersection
Not obeying an official traffic control signal placed somewhere other than an intersection, including a freeway or highway on ramp, or not stopping at the sign, crosswalk or limit line that marks the stop (or at the signal if there is none).
Improper Method of Signaling
Not giving required signals by signal lamp or, when the vehicle has no turn signals and is not required to, or the lamps stop working while driving, by hand and arm.
Unsafe Starting of Parked Vehicle
Starting a vehicle that is stopped, standing or parked on a highway, or backing a vehicle on a highway, before the movement can be made with reasonable safety.
Illegal U-Turn in Residential District
Making a U-turn in a residence district when another vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection where the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device.
Following Emergency Vehicle Too Closely
Following within 300 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle being operated under Vehicle Code 21055, unless your vehicle is also an authorized emergency vehicle.
Illegal U-Turn in Business District
Making a U-turn in a business district anywhere other than at an intersection or at an opening provided on a divided highway.
Blocking Pedestrian Crosswalk
Stopping a vehicle unnecessarily in a way that causes it to block a marked or unmarked crosswalk or a sidewalk.
Disobeying a Traffic Sign or Signal
Not obeying a sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or a device erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official.
Minimum Speed Law
Driving so slowly, or stopping, that it impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, unless needed for safe operation or to comply with the law (or, for a slow speed, because of a grade).
Failure to Yield at Stop Sign Intersection
After stopping at a stop sign at an intersection, not yielding to vehicles that have approached from another highway or are close enough to be an immediate hazard.
Unsafe Stop or Deceleration Signal
Stopping or suddenly slowing on a highway without first giving an appropriate signal to the driver immediately behind, when there is an opportunity to give it.
Failure to Yield at Uncontrolled Intersection
Failing to yield, when approaching an intersection, to a vehicle that has already entered it from a different highway.
Disobeying a Local Traffic Director
Disobeying the traffic directions of a person a local authority appointed or authorized to regulate traffic under Vehicle Code 21100(e), while that person wears the official insignia and is acting in the course of the appointed duties.
Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing
Failing to stop at a railroad grade crossing with a stop sign, at the limit line if marked or otherwise before the first track.
Opening Vehicle Door Unsafely
Opening a vehicle door on the side next to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe and does not interfere with that traffic, or leaving it open longer than needed to load or unload passengers.
Disobeying Turn Restriction
Disobeying an official traffic control device placed at an intersection to give notice that a turning movement is required or that right or left turns are prohibited.
Turning Without Signaling
Turning from a direct course or moving right or left on a roadway before it can be done with reasonable safety, or without an appropriate signal when another vehicle may be affected.
Unlawful Riding on Outside of Vehicle
Knowingly letting a person ride on a vehicle you are driving, or on a part of it, that is not designed or intended for passengers.
Truck, Bus or Towing Vehicle Following Too Closely
A vehicle subject to the 55 mph limit of CVC 22406 following another such vehicle closer than 300 feet outside a business or residence district, on a highway with one lane in its direction.
Prima Facie Speed Limit
Exceeding a prima facie speed limit the section sets, such as 15 mph in an alley or 25 mph in a business or residence district, unless the limit has been changed and posted.
Interfering with Driver or Mechanism
Willfully interfering with the driver of a vehicle, or with the vehicle's mechanism, in a way that affects the driver's control of the vehicle.
Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle
Not yielding to an approaching authorized emergency vehicle that is sounding a siren and showing a red light by driving to the right-hand edge or curb, clear of any intersection, and stopping until it has passed.
Crossing the Dividing Section of a Divided Highway
Driving over, upon, or across the dividing section of a divided highway, or making a left, semicircular or U-turn across it other than through an opening in the barrier designated for vehicles or a plainly marked opening in the dividing section. Driving on the wrong side of the divider is a different offense, a misdemeanor under 21651(b).
Driving Through Safety Zone
Driving a vehicle through or within a safety zone.
Failure to Drive on Right Side of Roadway
Not driving on the right half of the roadway on a highway, outside the exceptions the section lists, such as passing, a lawful left turn, or the right half being closed for construction or repair.
Entering or Exiting a Freeway Away From a Ramp
Entering or exiting a freeway that has full control of access and no crossings at grade anywhere other than a designated on ramp or off ramp.
Truck, Bus or Towing Vehicle Not in the Required Lane
A trailer bus or other vehicle subject to Vehicle Code 22406 not driving in the lane designated by signs or, where no lane is designated, in the right-hand lane or another lane the section allows.
Passing Without a Clear View of Oncoming Traffic
Driving left of the center of a two-lane highway to pass when the left side is not clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic far enough ahead to complete the pass without interfering with vehicles coming the other way.
Slower Vehicle Not Keeping Right
Driving slower than the normal speed of traffic without using the right-hand lane or staying as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except when passing or preparing for a left turn.
Unsafe Lane Change
Not driving as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane, or moving from the lane before the move can be made with reasonable safety.
Mountain Road Driving Violation
Failing, as the driver descending a grade, to yield to an ascending vehicle or back up when needed where the road is too narrow for both to pass.
Unsafe Passing on Left
Overtaking a vehicle going the same direction without passing to its left at a safe distance, or in a way that interferes with its safe operation.
Driving on the Left Near a Crest, Curve, Bridge, Crossing or Intersection
Driving on the left side of the roadway near a hill crest or curve where the view is obstructed within a distance that creates a hazard if another vehicle approaches from the opposite direction, within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel when the view is obstructed, or within 100 feet of or while crossing a railroad grade crossing or intersection (not on a one-way roadway).
Passing on the Right Outside the Allowed Conditions
Overtaking and passing a vehicle on the right outside the conditions the section lists: a vehicle making a left turn, enough unobstructed pavement for two or more lines of traffic in your direction, a one-way street, or a divided highway.
Passing on Right Using Shoulder or Edge
Passing a vehicle on the right when conditions do not permit the move in safety, or by driving off the paved or main-traveled portion of the roadway.
Failure to Allow Safe Passing
Not safely moving to the right for an overtaking vehicle after its audible signal or momentary flash of headlights, or speeding up before it has completely passed.
Failure to Turn Out for Overtaking Vehicle
Failing to turn off the roadway at a turnout or safe area when driving slower than normal traffic on a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe and five or more vehicles are lined up behind you.
Locking Person in Vehicle
Leaving a locked vehicle standing with a person inside who cannot readily escape from it.
Parking on Public Grounds Without Authorization
Driving, stopping, parking or leaving a vehicle standing on the driveways, paths, parking facilities or grounds of public property the section lists, such as a public school, a state or county park, a municipal airport or a transit district.
Minor Using Wireless Device While Driving
A driver under 18 using a wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device while driving, even with a hands-free device.
Handheld Cell Phone While Driving
Driving while using a wireless telephone that is not designed and configured for hands-free listening and talking, or not used that way.
Using Handheld Electronic Device While Driving
Driving while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device, unless it is designed and configured for voice-operated, hands-free operation and used that way.
Red Light Camera Citation
A citation based on an automated traffic enforcement system (red light camera) at a limit line, intersection or other place where a driver must stop, which Vehicle Code 21455.5 allows when the agency meets its requirements.
Red Light Violation
Not stopping at the limit line (or, if none, before the crosswalk or the intersection) when facing a steady circular red signal, or not remaining stopped until a signal to proceed is shown.
Right Turn on Red: Not Stopping First or Not Yielding
Turning right, or left from one one-way street onto another, on a steady circular red signal without first stopping, where a sign prohibits the turn, or without yielding to pedestrians in the adjacent crosswalk and to vehicles close enough to be an immediate hazard.
Failure to Use Caution at Flashing Yellow Signal
Proceeding through an intersection or past a flashing yellow signal without caution.
Disobeying Flashing Red Signal
Not stopping at a flashing red signal at the limit line, before the crosswalk, or at the point nearest the intersecting roadway with a view of approaching traffic, or proceeding other than under the rules that apply after a stop at a stop sign.
Entering Intersection on Steady Red Arrow
Entering an intersection to make the movement shown by a steady red arrow, or not stopping and remaining stopped as the section requires until a signal permits the movement.
No Proof of Financial Responsibility (Insurance)
A driver or owner of a motor vehicle not being able to establish financial responsibility under Vehicle Code 16021, or not carrying evidence of it in the vehicle.
Wrong Registration Displayed
Displaying on a vehicle, or presenting to a peace officer, a registration card, license plate, temporary plate or receipt, or permit not issued for that vehicle, or not presenting the vehicle's registration when a peace officer demands it.
Registration Card Not Kept in Vehicle
An owner not keeping the vehicle's registration card, or a facsimile copy of it, with the vehicle.
Expired Vehicle Registration
Driving, moving or leaving standing on a highway, or in an offstreet public parking facility, a motor vehicle or trailer that is not registered or whose registration fees have not been paid.
Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance
A driver not providing evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle, in effect at the time, when a peace officer demands it (a mobile electronic device may be used).
Driver's License Not in Possession
Driving a motor vehicle on a highway without your valid driver's license in your immediate possession.
License Plate Not Displayed Front and Rear
Not attaching both license plates to the vehicle they were issued for, one in the front and the other in the rear, when the DMV issued two.
Exceeding Speed Limit in School Zone
Exceeding 25 mph when approaching or passing a school building or grounds posted with a standard SCHOOL warning sign while children are going to or leaving the school during school hours or the noon recess, or while unfenced school grounds are in use by children.
Basic Speed Law
Driving on a highway faster than is reasonable or prudent given the weather, visibility, traffic, and the surface and width of the highway, or at a speed that endangers the safety of persons or property.
Driving Below a Posted Minimum Speed
Driving slower than a minimum speed that Caltrans declared and posted on part of a state highway, unless slower is needed for safe operation or to comply with the law.
Unsafe Speed on Bridge or Tunnel
Driving on a bridge, elevated structure, tube or tunnel that is part of a highway faster than the maximum speed that can be maintained with safety to the structure.
Exceeding 70 mph Posted Speed Limit
Exceeding a posted speed limit of 70 mph on a California highway where such a limit has been established by the Department of Transportation.
Exceeding a Reduced State Highway Speed Limit
Exceeding a prima facie speed limit of 15 to 60 mph that Caltrans declared, after an engineering and traffic survey, on part of a state highway where the 65 mph limit would otherwise apply, once signs giving notice are posted.
Truck, Bus or Towing Vehicle Exceeding 55 mph
Driving faster than 55 mph a vehicle the section lists: a truck or truck tractor with three or more axles or towing another vehicle, a passenger vehicle or bus towing another vehicle, a school bus carrying pupils, a farm labor vehicle carrying passengers, a vehicle carrying explosives, or a trailer bus.
Maximum Speed Law — 65 mph
Driving a vehicle on a highway faster than 65 miles per hour, except as Vehicle Code 22356 provides.
Exceeding the Speed Limit on a Steep Street
Driving faster than a 20 or 15 mph maximum limit that a local authority declared by ordinance, after an engineering and traffic survey, for a street with a grade over 10 percent, once signs are posted.
Stop Sign Violation
Not stopping at a stop sign at the limit line or, if there is none, before the crosswalk or, if there is neither, at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.
Failure to Stop When Train Approaching
Not stopping at least 15 feet from the nearest rail at a railroad or rail transit crossing, and waiting until it is safe, when a signal device or flagman warns of a train or an approaching train is plainly visible or sounding and is an immediate hazard.
Required Vehicle Not Stopping at a Railroad Crossing
The driver of a vehicle listed in Vehicle Code 22452(a), such as a bus carrying passengers or a school bus carrying pupils, not stopping 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail to look and listen before crossing, or proceeding before it is safe.
Mirror Requirements
A motor vehicle subject to registration in California, other than a motorcycle, without at least two mirrors including one on the left side, or a vehicle without the mirrors the section requires for its type.
Windshield or Window View Obstruction
Driving with an object or material on the windshield or side or rear windows, or anywhere in or on the vehicle where it blocks or reduces the driver's clear view through the windshield or side windows.
Motorcycle Equipment Violation
Driving a two-wheel motorcycle with a seat too high to reach the ground or handlebars placing the hands more than six inches above shoulder height.
Motorcycle Helmet Violation
A driver or passenger on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized bicycle not wearing a safety helmet that meets the requirements set under Vehicle Code 27802.
Defective Horn
Driving on a highway without a horn in good working order that can be heard from at least 200 feet.
Defective Stop Lamps
A vehicle without the rear stoplamps the section requires, or with stoplamps that are not activated when the service brake is applied.
Required Lighting Equipment Not Working
Not maintaining a vehicle's required lighting equipment in good working order.
Windshield Requirements
A passenger vehicle (other than a motorcycle), bus, motortruck, truck tractor or fire apparatus without an adequate windshield.
Seat Belt Violation
Driving a motor vehicle on a highway unless you and every passenger 16 or older are properly restrained by a safety belt, or riding as a passenger 16 or older without one.
Registration Sticker Not Displayed
Not displaying current month and year registration tabs on the rear license plate (the front plate for truck tractors and commercial motor vehicles of 10,001 pounds or more), or displaying expired tabs.
Required Turn Signal System
Driving a vehicle the section lists, such as a passenger vehicle, truck or bus first registered on or after January 1, 1958, without a lamp-type turn signal system.
Non-Compliant Lighting or Glazing
Driving with lighting equipment, safety glazing or another device that does not meet the approval rules of Vehicle Code 26104.
Parking Brake Requirements
Operating a vehicle without a parking brake capable of holding the vehicle stationary on any grade on which it is operated.
Fender and Mudflap Requirements
Driving a vehicle with three or more wheels, a trailer or a semitrailer without fenders, flaps or splash aprons that minimize spray and mud to the rear.
Brake Systems Required
A motor vehicle without a service brake system or, other than a motorcycle, without a parking brake system, each applied separately as the section requires.
Brake System Performance Requirements
Operating a vehicle or combination of vehicles whose air brakes are not adjusted and maintained to provide a full service brake application at all times.
Child Safety Seat Violation
A parent, legal guardian or driver transporting a child under 8 without properly securing the child in a rear seat in an appropriate child passenger restraint system (rear-facing for a child under 2, with the section's height and weight exceptions).
Television Screen Visible to Driver
Driving while a television or video screen showing entertainment or business applications is operating forward of the back of the driver's seat or visible to the driver, outside the section's exceptions such as navigation and vehicle information displays.
Improper High Beam Use in Traffic
Driving in darkness without using a beam aimed to keep glaring rays out of an oncoming driver's eyes within 500 feet, or without using the lowermost beam when following a vehicle within 300 feet.
License Plate Light Required
Not having a taillamp or separate lamp that lights the rear license plate with white light during darkness so it is clearly legible from 50 feet to the rear.
Driving With Only Parking Lamps On
Driving with the parking lamps lighted unless the headlamps are also lighted or the lamps are being used as turn signal lamps.
Modified Exhaust That Increases Noise
Modifying a vehicle's exhaust system so it amplifies or increases engine noise beyond what Vehicle Code 27150 or the noise limits for that type of vehicle allow, or driving a vehicle with an exhaust modified that way.
Defective Windshield Wipers
Not keeping required windshield wipers in good operating condition so they give the driver clear vision, or not operating them in fog, snow or rain.
Unsafe Vehicle Condition
Operating a vehicle or combination of vehicles that is in an unsafe condition, or not safely loaded, and that presents an immediate safety hazard.
Defective or Missing Rear Lamps
Driving in darkness without the lighted red taillamps the section requires, mounted and visible as it specifies.
Headlamp Requirements
A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, without at least two headlamps placed as the section requires, or driven in darkness or inclement weather without at least two lighted headlamps.
Unlawful Light Color on Vehicle
Having lamps or reflectors on a vehicle in colors the section does not allow, such as light visible from the front that is not white or yellow, or light visible from the rear that is not red, outside its exceptions.
Tire Tread Depth Violation
Using a pneumatic tire on a vehicle axle on a highway with less than 1/32 of an inch tread depth in any two adjacent grooves at any location of the tire, or less than the deeper minimums the section sets for certain vehicles and snow tires.
License Plate Display Position
License plates that are not securely fastened, clearly visible, upright and clearly legible, or that are mounted outside the heights the section sets (rear 12 to 60 inches from the ground, front no more than 60 inches).
Safety Glazing Requirements
Operating a motor vehicle (other than a motorcycle) made after January 1, 1936 without safety glazing material wherever glazing is used in its windows, windshield, doors, interior partitions, wind deflectors or roof openings.
Exhaust System Violation
A motor vehicle subject to registration with an internal combustion engine without an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise, or with a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device.
Illegal Window Tint
Driving with material placed or applied on the windshield or side or rear windows outside the section's exceptions, such as clear, colorless, transparent film on the front side windows that meets every condition of 26708(d): at least 88 percent visible light transmittance, the federal glazing standard, ultraviolet A blocking, and the installer's or manufacturer's certificate.
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